COVID Visa 408: The Benefits for International Students

Update, October 2026: this visa has closed

The COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa (subclass 408) has closed to new applications, so the information below is no longer current. If you hold or have held a 408 and now want to study in Australia, note that since 2 October 2026, 408 holders must apply for a student visa from outside Australia. Read what changed for student visas from 2 October 2026.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the world, and international students have not been an exception.
However, the Australian government has implemented the COVID Visa 408, a temporary visa designed to support international students who have been affected by the pandemic and also to support the economic recovery of Australia.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of the COVID Visa 408 for international students.

1. Flexibility:

The COVID Visa 408 provides international students with greater flexibility to continue their studies in Australia. The visa allows students to change their course or institution without having to apply for a new visa, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.

2. Study and work opportunities:

International students who hold the COVID Visa 408 are allowed to work and study in Australia, which provides them with valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and earn money.

3. Cost savings:

The COVID Visa 408 provides international students with the opportunity to save money by avoiding the cost of re-applying for a new student visa. The visa also eliminates the need for students to pay for additional travel costs.

4. Career opportunities:

The COVID Visa 408 allows international students to take advantage of the opportunities available in Australia, such as internships and work experience. These opportunities can provide students with valuable skills and knowledge that will be useful for their future careers.

In conclusion, the COVID Visa 408 is a valuable option for international students who have been affected by the pandemic. It provides students with the flexibility, study and work opportunities, safety, cost savings, and career opportunities they need to succeed.

READ THE 2026 STUDENT VISA CHANGES

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.

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