Changing your course of study as an international student in Australia is a big decision. Whether you’re switching degrees, transferring to another provider, or adjusting your education pathway, the process involves more than filling in forms. It affects your student visa, your academic future, and potentially your eligibility for permanent residency down the track.
As an international student, you might think of changing courses for many reasons.
Take Arjun’s case, for example.
He came to Australia to study IT but realised after his first semester that his real interest was in cyber security.
By switching courses early, he was able to stay engaged, keep his student visa valid, and graduate in a field with strong employment demand.
Key takeaway: Your reasons for changing courses should be genuine and well-documented. Authorities often look at your intent to ensure you’re in Australia primarily to study.
When you accept an offer and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you’re bound by the rules of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. If you want to change your principal course, especially within the first six months, you need permission from your current provider before transferring elsewhere.
Changing courses without following the right process may breach your visa conditions. This could lead to cancellation, which has serious consequences.
Consider Lina’s situation. She enrolled in a nursing course, but after two months, she wanted to transfer to another university with a stronger clinical placement program. Because she was within her first six months, she needed a release from her current provider. When her provider refused, she applied to the Overseas Students Ombudsman. The Ombudsman supported her case after evidence showed the provider did not offer adequate support promised in the enrolment agreement.
Key takeaway: The six-month rule is strict, but you may challenge a refusal if your provider hasn’t delivered as promised.
Start by checking your visa grant letter. Most student visas (subclass 500) carry condition 8202, which requires you to remain enrolled in a registered course and make satisfactory progress.
If you switch to a lower AQF level course (e.g., from a Bachelor’s to a Diploma), your visa could be at risk. However, moving to the same level or higher is usually allowed, provided you follow the right process.
If you’ve been in your principal course for fewer than six months, request a release from your provider. Make your request in writing and provide reasons backed by evidence.
Example: Diego wanted to change from engineering to architecture after realising his skills aligned more with design. He presented academic counselling records and emails showing his struggles in engineering. His provider granted a release, recognising his genuine intent.
Once approved, you’ll need a new CoE from your new provider. Without it, your visa may become invalid. Upload the new CoE via your ImmiAccount to update your record.
Changing courses may affect credit transfers, tuition fees, and time to completion. Always confirm these details before committing.
Maintain copies of your application, correspondence, and reasons. If your visa status is questioned later, you’ll need to demonstrate your genuine intent.
Key takeaway: Following the right sequence—permission, release, new CoE—keeps your visa safe.
Changing courses can open opportunities, but it also carries risks:
Key takeaway: Always ensure your course change keeps you in compliance with your student visa conditions.
If you’re considering permanent residency after graduation, course changes matter. Some courses are tied to occupations on the skilled migration list. Switching away from these may close pathways to visas like the 485 Temporary Graduate visa or the 189 Skilled Independent visa.
Example: Maria originally studied accounting, which is on the skilled list. She switched to hospitality management without realising it was not on the list. Although she enjoyed the course, her chances of skilled migration narrowed considerably.
Key takeaway: Before changing, consider how it impacts your long-term migration and career goals.
Your university or college likely has support services. Use them to explore your strengths, skills, and career goals.
If your provider refuses a release or you feel treated unfairly, you can approach the Ombudsman for help.
A registered migration agent can guide you on visa implications. For complex matters—such as if you’re already facing cancellation—seeking legal advice is highly recommended.
Chen enrolled in a Bachelor of Business but discovered a passion for data analytics after an elective subject. Within three months, he applied to switch to a Bachelor of Information Technology. His provider granted the release, and he successfully transitioned. Later, he used his IT degree to apply for a skilled migration visa.
Priya’s provider refused her request to transfer to another university. She documented her complaints about poor facilities and the lack of promised internships. The Ombudsman supported her, and she successfully moved. Her evidence was key to the outcome.
Key takeaway: The outcomes differ dramatically depending on whether students follow correct procedures.
Yes, but you need permission from your current provider. Without a release, you cannot transfer.
Generally, no, unless you apply for a new visa. Doing so without permission may breach your conditions.
You must apply for a release (if within six months), get a new CoE, and inform the Department.
It can. Always consider whether your new course leads to an occupation on the skilled list.
As an international student, changing courses in Australia is not as simple as shifting subjects. It has legal, financial, and migration consequences. By understanding the six-month restriction, your visa conditions, and the proper steps, you can make a successful transition.
Changing courses may feel daunting, but many students do it each year. With planning, advice, and compliance, you can redirect your studies towards a future that better reflects your interests and career goals.
