Dependent Visa Australia for Spouses of Students 2026
Published in 2026 • By Inphase Editorial Team
Dependent Visa Australia for Spouses of Students: 2026 Rules
Leaving your spouse or family behind while you pursue higher education in Australia is incredibly difficult. Fortunately, the Australian government recognizes the importance of family unity and allows international students to bring their spouses and dependent children with them. However, securing a Dependent Student Visa requires proving genuine relationship status and demonstrating substantial financial capacity. Guided by Inphase Global, the best education consultant in Chandigarh, here is everything you need to know about bringing your spouse to Australia in 2026.
Who is Eligible as a Dependent?
Under the Subclass 500 visa framework, you can include the following family members as dependents on your application:
- Your spouse (legally married husband or wife).
- Your de facto partner (you must prove you have lived together in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months).
- Your dependent children (unmarried and strictly under the age of 18).
You cannot bring your parents, siblings, or extended family members on a student dependent visa.
When Should You Apply?
You have two options for applying:
1. Concurrent Application: You can apply for your spouse's visa at the exact same time you lodge your own student visa application. This is highly recommended as it ensures you travel together.
2. Subsequent Entrant: If your spouse decides to join you later, or if you get married after your student visa is granted, they can apply as a "subsequent entrant." However, you MUST have declared your marital status or relationship on your original visa application.
Pro Tip from Inphase Global
Failure to declare your relationship status correctly on your initial visa application is disastrous. If you were married but selected "Single" to simplify your application, you will find it nearly impossible to bring your spouse later, as the DHA will flag you for providing fraudulent information.
Work Rights for Spouses
A major benefit of the dependent visa is the work rights it grants your partner.
- If you (the primary applicant) are studying a Bachelor's degree, your spouse is restricted to working 48 hours per fortnight.
- If you are studying a Master's degree or PhD, your spouse receives unlimited, full-time work rights. This is a massive financial advantage, allowing your spouse to earn a full-time Australian income to support the family.
Financial Requirements
To bring dependents, you must prove to the Department of Home Affairs that you have enough funds to support them. In 2026, the baseline requirement is that you must show an additional AUD 8,629 per year for a spouse, plus AUD 3,670 for a dependent child, on top of your own living expenses (AUD 29,710) and course fees. You must also upgrade your health insurance to "Couple" or "Family" OSHC, which is significantly more expensive.
Process Your Dependent Visa with the Best Education Consultant in Chandigarh
Dependent visas face intense scrutiny from case officers regarding the "genuineness" of the relationship, especially in cases of recent marriages. As the best education consultant in Chandigarh, Inphase Global expertly compiles irrefutable relationship evidence (financial ties, communication logs, joint assets) to ensure your spouse's visa is granted without delay.
Want to Bring Your Family to Australia?
Consult with our visa specialists to calculate exact financial requirements and build a foolproof dependent visa application.