Can I change my course or college?
Australian student transfer rules: National Code Standard 7
General information only — not migration advice.
Have you completed six months of your main course?
When does the six-month period start?
The published rules state that the six-month period begins when the student starts the course, not when the visa was issued and not on the arrival date. Breaks due to deferment or suspension are excluded from this calculation.
After the six-month period, providers are not restricted by Standard 7 from enrolling a transferring student.
Visa implications
The published rules note that a new visa may be required if the new course is in a different sector to the original course, or if an extension is needed to the student’s visa. Students are directed to contact the Department of Home Affairs for visa-specific advice.
Check your visa conditions directly with the Department of Home Affairs, or seek advice from a MARA-registered agent.
What to do next
Source: Explanatory Guide to National Code 2018 — Standard 7 (Overseas student transfers), Australian Government, Department of Education — International Education. Retrieved .
Not migration advice. Check your specific case with a MARA-registered agent or an immigration lawyer. Rules and administrative practice may change — always verify with the source.
Related: Onshore Students Hub · Provider Closure Rights