Changing course or provider: rules and risks for international students

Changing your course or education provider in Australia as an international student involves specific rules and potential risks. This guide outlines the key points you need to know to make informed decisions.

Understanding your visa conditions

A condition of your student visa is that you must stay enrolled in a course at the same or higher level as the course your visa was granted [S1]. This means if you wish to change your course or provider, you must check your visa requirements and follow the correct procedures [S1].

Changing courses within the same provider

If you are changing your course but staying with the same education or training provider, you can make arrangements with your provider and do not need to apply for a new student visa [S1]. However, if your new course is a lower-level qualification or you are transferring to an ELICOS course, you must apply for another student visa [S1].

Changing education providers

You can only change education providers in some circumstances, such as serious illness or a major disaster in your home country requiring emergency travel [S1]. If your provider allows you to transfer before you have completed six months of study, they will inform the Department of Home Affairs [S1]. After six months of study, you must tell your provider about the change, and they will notify the Department of Home Affairs [S1].

Visa level and course changes

You do not need to apply for a new student visa if your new course is the same or higher level, or if you are changing from a doctoral to a master's degree [S1]. However, if you change your primary course of study to a lower-level course or transfer to an ELICOS course, you must apply for a new student visa [S1].

National Code compliance

The National Code is a legislative instrument that sets nationally consistent standards to support providers in delivering quality education and training to overseas students [S2]. Education providers must comply with the National Code to maintain their registration to provide education services to overseas students [S2]. This ensures that providers meet certain standards, offering you some protection as a student.

Kuwait MoHE-approved institutions

Kuwait MoHE Decision 44/2018 lists 37 named Australian universities where Kuwaiti students may enrol for bachelor's and postgraduate study [S3] [S4]. Being CRICOS-registered does not make an institution MoHE-approved; Kuwaiti recognition depends on the Kuwaiti lists [S3].

Checklist before making a change

• Check your visa conditions [S1]
• Confirm if you need a new student visa [S1]
• Inform your current provider about the change [S1]
• Ensure the new course or provider complies with the National Code [S2]
• Visit the Change in Your Situation page on the Department of Home Affairs website for more information [S1]
• Contact on-campus student support services or other advisors for help and advice [S1]

Changing your course or provider can be a complex process, but by following these guidelines and checking the relevant resources, you can make informed decisions that align with your visa conditions and educational goals.