Switching Courses: Options For International Students In Australia

International students in Australia can change their course of study, but they must follow specific guidelines and procedures to ensure compliance with their student visa conditions. The process may vary depending on factors such as the duration of study, the type of visa held, and the desired new course. In most cases, international students are expected to continue progressing to higher-level courses and will need to apply for a new visa if switching to a lower-level qualification or transferring to a non-AQF course. Students must also consider the impact of changing courses on their post-study work rights and loan status.

Visa requirements for changing courses

As an international student in Australia, you can change your course of study if you feel your current course is no longer suitable for you. However, there are visa requirements and procedures that you must follow to ensure a smooth transition.

Firstly, it is important to note that you must stay enrolled in a course at the same or higher level as the course for which your visa was granted. This means that if you wish to change to a lower-level qualification, such as from a bachelor's degree to a diploma, you will generally need to apply for a new student visa. There are exceptions to this rule, such as changing from a doctoral to a master's degree, which does not require a new visa application.

Secondly, you must complete at least six months of study in your current course before changing. If you have less than six months of study, you will typically need to apply for a new student visa for the new course. This requirement also applies if you wish to study at another institution concurrently or transfer to a new institution.

Thirdly, you need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your new course before making the change. This confirms that you have been accepted into the new course by your education provider. Additionally, check your student visa requirements and conditions using VEVO, as your visa may have specific conditions that require you to obtain permission before changing your study plan.

If you are changing your course but staying with the same education or training provider, you can make arrangements with your provider, and you do not need to apply for a new student visa as long as your new course is at the same or higher level of qualification. However, if your current visa is due to expire, you will need to apply for a new one.

Finally, if you have taken out an international student loan, contact your loan provider to understand if changing courses will impact your loan. Changing institutions generally does not affect your post-study work rights, but it is important to meet certain education and visa requirements when applying for visas like the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Changing courses within the same institution

To initiate the course change process within the same institution, you must first complete at least six months of your primary course. After this, you can generally withdraw from your current course and enrol in a new one within the same institution. However, there may still be certain requirements to fulfil, such as meeting academic standards or providing specific documentation to support your request. It is recommended to consult with an international student advisor or your institution's student support services to ensure you are complying with all necessary visa conditions and following the correct procedures.

It is important to note that changing courses can impact your eligibility for post-study work rights, especially if the new course has a shorter duration or is at a lower Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully research and consider your long-term career, education, and personal goals before making any decisions. Additionally, if you have taken out an international student loan, it is essential to contact your loan provider to understand how changing courses may affect your loan.

In some cases, you may need to seek approval from the Minister for certain course changes, particularly for postgraduate qualifications linked to research-based degrees or courses that may pose a potential risk to national security. This approval process ensures that there is no unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology. As such, it is vital to be aware of the updated regulations and seek guidance from your institution or an immigration expert to navigate any necessary approvals or exemptions.

Switching to a lower-level course

As an international student in Australia, you can change your course of study if you feel your current course is no longer suitable for you. However, there are specific requirements and procedures to follow, especially if you plan to switch to a lower-level course.

Firstly, it's important to understand the "six-month rule." According to this rule, you must complete at least six months of study in your primary course before changing to a new course or institution. This rule is designed to protect the integrity of Australia's student visa program. If you wish to transfer before completing six months, you will need to obtain a release from your current institution.

Now, regarding switching to a lower-level course, it is generally not permitted for international students in Australia. For example, switching from a Bachelor's degree to a Diploma is typically not allowed. This is because, as per the conditions of your student visa, you must stay enrolled in a course at the same or a higher level as the course for which your visa was granted.

However, there is an exception to this rule. If you can demonstrate compelling or compassionate circumstances, you may be allowed to switch to a lower-level course. For instance, if you develop a medical condition that prevents you from continuing with a high-level course, you can provide relevant proof, and your request may be considered.

If you plan to switch to a lower-level course, you will likely need to apply for a new student visa. This is because changing to a lower-level qualification, such as moving from a Bachelor's degree to a Diploma, is considered a significant change. It is recommended that you speak to an international student advisor to ensure you meet the requirements for a new Subclass 500 visa and remain compliant with your visa conditions.

Changing courses after six months

International students in Australia can change their course after six months of study. This is known as the 'six-month rule' and is designed to protect the integrity of Australia's student visa program.

If you have completed six months of study in your current course, you can switch courses as long as they are at the same or higher level, and you get a new CoE for continuous enrolment. You will need to apply for a new student visa if your current one is due to expire.

If you wish to change your course within the same educational institution, you will typically need to complete at least six months of your primary course before switching. Once you have completed this minimum period, you can generally withdraw from your current course and enrol in a new one. It is important to note that while the process may be simpler within the same institution, there may still be some requirements to fulfil, such as meeting certain academic standards or providing documentation to support your request.

If you are considering transferring to a new institution, you will need to obtain a release from your current education provider before enrolling in a new program. This is known as a 'Letter of Offer' and will allow you to obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). It is important to note that your current education provider must grant permission for you to withdraw, and you will need to cancel your current CoE with them once the new CoE is issued by your new provider.

If you have studied for less than six months, you will usually need to apply for a new student visa for the new course.

Impact on post-study work rights

International students in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can change their course of study if they feel their current course is no longer suitable for them. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure a smooth transition and maintain compliance with visa conditions.

Changing courses while on a student visa in Australia generally does not affect post-study work rights. As long as students meet the requirements for changing courses and maintain valid visa status, they are still eligible for post-study work visas or permits. This means that international students can pursue work opportunities in Australia after completing their studies, regardless of whether they changed their course during their student visa period.

It is important to note that the type of post-study work visa or permit an international student applies for may depend on their field of study and the region in which they studied. For example, from 2021, studying and graduating in a regional area, such as Adelaide, allows students to apply for a Second Post-Study Work Stream Visa after their initial two-year Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This Second Post-Study Work Stream Visa allows international students to live and work in Australia for a longer period.

Additionally, in 2022, the Australian Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced an extension of post-study work rights, specifically targeting skilled international graduates. This extension provides an additional two years for skilled graduates to work and stay in Australia, addressing skill shortages in the country.

To summarise, while changing courses on a student visa in Australia does not directly impact post-study work rights, maintaining valid visa status and complying with course change requirements are crucial to remain eligible for post-study work opportunities in the country.

Frequently asked questions