CHANGE COURSE
HOW TO MAKE A GREAT APPLICATION
If you’re disappointed with the course that you are enrolled in or it turned out to be a little too difficult for you, then you may be able to change it.
HOW TO CHANGE COURSE?
I’M NOT ENJOYING MY CURRENT PROGRAM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Speak to an international student advisor or a counsellor at your institution. They 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. If you are having difficulty with stress or mental health issues then they may also refer you to a qualified professional.
Choosing a study program or course as an international student in Australia can be a huge decision. Sometimes you arrive and then realize your chosen course isn’t the best option for you. Here is our guide to what to do if you are not sure about your current study situation.
CAN I CHANGE TO ANOTHER COURSE AT MY INSTITUTION?
If you want to study at the same institution, and at the same level (for example changing from a Bachelor of Business to Bachelor of Arts), then this should be done directly through your institution. You do not have to apply for another visa unless your current one is about to expire.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY AT THE SAME LEVEL?
Students studying under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) must study at the same level or higher. If you want to study at a lower level, for example dropping from a Bachelor program to a diploma program, then you will need to apply for another student visa.
WILL CHANGING COURSES AFFECT MY STUDENT VISA?
Any changes impacting your course load and/or duration need to be discussed with the Department of Immigration. If you are no longer studying at the level you have been approved for then your visa may be cancelled.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY COURSE?
Your primary course is the main course you are enrolled to study. In other words, Your Primary course is the highest AQF level course your student visa was granted.
If you are enrolled to study a package of courses, it is the highest level program you’re enrolled with that your student visa was granted for.
For example if you are studying
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Cert III and IV in Commercial Cookery and Diploma of Hospitality
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Your primary course is the Diploma of Hospitality
Another example would be
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Diploma of Business followed by Bachelor of Business
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Your primary course is the Bachelor of Business
I HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST 6 MONTHS
If you have completed six months of the primary course , you should be able to be released from the education provider you are currently studying and re-enroll in a new course. This is quite a simple process.
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. This means you have to be accepted into the new course then request a ‘letter of release’ from your current institution. This request must state the reasons why you are seeking the release. If this is accepted 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.
Please note that your current institution has the right to refuse your request. You will need to prove why continuing at your current institution is not in your best academic interests or that you have special circumstances surrounding the move.
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.
CAN I TAKE A BREAK FROM MY STUDIES?
Studying in Australia is a condition of a student visa so if you are not studying then you will, in most circumstances, have to leave Australia. If there are genuine reasons for deferring your studies then inform your institution so they can advise the Department of Immigration. While you will still have to leave then a case can be made for an extension of your visa to complete your studies. Please note that this decision is the responsibility of the Immigration department and extensions can not be guaranteed by your institution.
HOW TO LEAVE YOUR PRIMARY COURSE?
In order to enroll in a new course, you must first be released from your current education provider. If your education provider does not give you permission to leave, you can not be issued with a new confirmation of enrollment.
If you are not satisfied with your education provider’s decision then you can appeal at an external complaint handling body, such as the State or Territory Ombudsman or the Overseas Student Ombudsman.
I HAVE NOT COMPLETED 6 MONTHS
However, if you want to change provider before completing the first six months of your main course of study it is a little more difficult. You must contact your current education provider for permission and receive a release letter. You will require a letter of offer from the new provider in order to apply for a letter of release from your original education provider.
If you want to change the course before six months
Under certain circumstances, students will be able to change the course or can transfer to another education provider before six months of completing the primary course, please fill up the following form if you need further assistance.
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