Changing Your Course or Provider

Understand the procedures and visa implications for modifying your study plan in Australia.

Student Visa Conditions & Compliance

A key condition of your Australian student visa is that you must remain enrolled in a course at the same or a higher qualification level than the one for which your visa was granted. It's crucial to always check your specific visa conditions, as some may require explicit permission before altering your study plan.

Failure to comply with your visa conditions can have serious implications, including visa cancellation.

Changing Course While Staying with the Same Provider

If you decide to change your course but continue studying with your current education provider, the process generally depends on the level of your new course:

  • Same or Higher Qualification Level: If your new course is at the same or a higher qualification level (e.g., Bachelor to Master's, or Master's to a Doctoral degree), you typically do not need a new student visa. However, you might need a new visa if your current one is expiring and you require more time to complete the new course.
  • Lower Qualification Level or ELICOS: If the new course is a lower-level qualification (e.g., Bachelor to Diploma) or an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) course, you will need to apply for a new student visa.

Always consult your education provider for specific guidance and to ensure all internal procedures are followed.

Changing Education Providers (Less Than 6 Months of Main Course Completed)

If you wish to change education providers and you have completed less than six months of your main course of study, strict rules apply:

  • You are only permitted to change providers under specific compelling or compassionate circumstances . Examples include:
    • Serious illness or injury.
    • Death or a serious illness of a close family member.
    • A major political or natural disaster in your home country.
    • A traumatic experience.
  • You must obtain permission from your current education provider to transfer. They will assess your request and, if approved, will inform the Department of Home Affairs.
Changing Education Providers (6 Months or More of Main Course Completed)

If you have completed six months or more of your main course of study, the process for changing education providers is more straightforward:

  • You can change your course or provider by simply informing your current provider . They will then notify the Department of Home Affairs about your transfer.
  • Similar to changing courses with the same provider, a new student visa is generally not required if the new course is at the same or a higher qualification level.
  • However, if you are transferring to a lower-level course or an ELICOS course, you will still need to apply for a new student visa.
Key Advice & Support

Navigating course and provider changes can be complex. Always remember to:

  • Consult the Department of Home Affairs website for specific visa subclass conditions, as these can vary.
  • Seek support from your on-campus student services or other education advisors. They are there to guide you through the process and help you understand your options.

Being proactive and informed is key to a smooth transition.