Changing your education provider while on an Australian student visa is possible — but the process has strict rules that many students are not aware of until they are already in a difficult situation.
The Foundational Rule: CRICOS Registration
Your new education provider must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Verify this at cricos.education.gov.au. Studying at an unregistered provider on a student visa is a visa condition breach.
The 6-Month Rule Explained
Under the National Code of Practice (Standard 7), your current education provider generally cannot allow you to transfer to a new provider if you have not completed 6 months of your principal course. Exceptions include: your current provider has agreed to the release in writing; your current provider is no longer able to deliver your course (e.g., closed down); or the National Code allows the transfer due to exceptional circumstances (genuine hardship or danger).
### How to Request a Release
Most providers have a formal Release Request process. You submit a written request explaining your reasons, and the provider assesses it. Providers must respond within 10 working days.
If your release is approved, proceed to enrol with your new provider and obtain a new CoE. If denied, you have the right to access the provider's formal complaints and appeals process.
After 6 Months: Free to Transfer
Once you have completed 6 months of your principal course, you are free to enrol at any CRICOS-registered provider without needing your original provider's consent.
Protecting Your Visa During the Transfer
The safe sequence is: (1) Apply and be accepted at your new provider. (2) Obtain your new CoE. (3) Request formal release from your original provider. (4) Withdraw from your original provider only after release is confirmed. (5) Check if you need a new student visa.
The most dangerous period is the gap between leaving one provider and enrolling with another. If you stop attending your original provider before your new enrolment is formally confirmed, you risk the original provider reporting a visa condition breach.
Explore more
Find your perfect consultancy.
Matched to your country & study goals — free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Australian education provider refuse to release me to another provider?
Yes — if you have not yet completed 6 months of your principal course and your circumstances do not meet the exceptions under Standard 7 of the National Code. However, providers must have a documented release and transfer policy, and they must give you access to their complaints and appeals process if they deny your request.
Do I need a new student visa if I change education providers?
Not necessarily. If your current student visa covers the full duration of your new course at the new provider, you do not need a new visa. If your new course end date extends beyond your current visa, you must apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires.
What is CRICOS and why does it matter?
CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian government register of providers authorised to enrol international students. Studying at a non-CRICOS-registered provider on a student visa is a visa condition breach. Always verify at cricos.education.gov.au before enrolling.
Find a Verified Consultancy
Browse 800+ consultancies with real student reviews — sorted by rating and verification status.