Changing courses or education providers during your studies in Australia involves specific considerations and procedures. Here’s an overview:
Changing Your Course at the Same Education Provider:
- Same or Higher Level: If your new course is at the same or a higher level of qualification, or you are changing from a doctoral to a master’s degree, you may make arrangements with your current provider without applying for a new student visa.
- Lower-Level Qualification or ELICOS Course: If your new course is a lower-level qualification (e.g., from a bachelor’s degree to a diploma) or you are transferring to an ELICOS (English language) course, you need to apply for a new student visa.
- Expiration of Current Visa: If your current visa is expiring and you need more time to complete your new course, you will need to apply for a new student visa.
Changing Your Education Provider:
- Less Than Six Months of Study: Changing your education provider within the first six months of your main course is generally limited. It may be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness, loss of a family member, major disaster, or traumatic experience. Contact your current provider for consideration.
- If your provider allows the transfer before completing six months, they will inform the Department of Home Affairs. You don’t need to send a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or update your ImmiAccount.
- Six Months or More of Study:
- Same or Higher Level: You do not need a new student visa if your new course is the same or a higher level (e.g., from a diploma to a diploma or a diploma to a bachelor’s degree), or if you are changing from a doctoral to a master’s degree.
- Lower-Level Qualification or ELICOS Course: If you want to 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.
- Informing the Department of Home Affairs: If you change your course or provider after six months of study, inform your current provider, and they will notify the Department of Home Affairs. You don’t need to send a new CoE or update your ImmiAccount.
Important Information:
- Conditions may vary based on your visa subclass and circumstances.
- Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest and specific requirements.
- For more information and support, visit the Change in Your Situation page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Contact on-campus student support services or advisors for personalized assistance and advice.
