Changing Course in Australia: Updated Guide

Sometimes you arrive and then realise your chosen course isn’t the best option for you. If you are thinking about changing your course of study, you need to remember that changing your field and institution in Australia is not a simple process, and without proper guidance, you may end up with missed opportunities, financial distress, or student visa issues.

But I’m really not enjoying my current program, what should I do?

You can speak to one of our student advisors and we can provide support and help you determine the best course of action. This may range from additional academic support to help you adjust to Australian standards, to helping you with considering your career goals.

Do I have to study at the same level?

It is our policy that students who transfer to a course not eligible for streamlined visa processing at the same level as their current course would not be considered for cancellation if either:

  • If you are studying a Bachelor of Business at a university and wish to transfer to a Diploma of Accounting at the same institution, you would need to apply for and be granted a new student visa.
  • If you are studying a Certificate IV and want to transfer to an ELICOS course, you will need to apply for and be granted a new student visa.

Can I transfer to another institution?

If you have been studying in your primary program for less than six months then you will need permission from your institution to transfer elsewhere. Unless special circumstances apply, you usually need to have permission from your existing education provider to transfer to another education provider.

If you have been studying in your primary program for longer than six months then you are entitled to transfer to another institution without a release letter from your current institution. You will still need to be accepted into your new program and withdraw from your current program. Then you will receive a new Confirmation of Enrolment from your new institution that will be electronically supplied to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.


Sydney Office

Level 3/ 1 Chalmers Crescent
Mascot
Sydney NSW 2020
Phone: +61 2 8064 4011
Mobile: +61 414 163 062
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Melbourne Office

Manchester Unity Building
Level 7, Unit 705
220 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone : +61 3 9973 2741
Mobile : + 61 452 661 687
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Perth Office

39/ 13-15 Cantonment St
Freemantle
WA 6160
Phone: +61 2 8064 4011
Mobile: +61 406 029 642
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Will changing courses affect my student visa?

If there are any changes affecting your course or duration, then the DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) needs to know about it. If you transfer to a course of study that is not eligible for streamlined visa processing and you have not been granted a new visa appropriate to your new course then your visa might be considered for cancellation. To get more information, visit the DIBP website and contact us.

Can I take a break from studying in Australia?

Studying in Australia is one of the conditions of a student visa. So, if you decide to take a break from your studies, you most certainly have to leave Australia. If there’s a genuine reason, then inform your institution so that they can seek advice from DIBP.

You may face various challenges while pursuing your education in Australia. But you should know that you can get help from us as an education counsellor. All you need to do is seek guidance.