Changes to your studies may present implications for your visa. You may be in a position to change your current student visa to a different visa class. This is a really important part of your life and future in Australia, and impartial expert advice is required. Please note that ISA may provide you with visa assistance from publicly available information. Such assistance should not be taken as legal advice or migration advice.
You may find yourself in a number of situations relating to changes to your current course. You may change courses, or the institution you are studying with, or you may have completed some studies under an existing student visa and now wish to undertake new or extended studies. All of these may have visa implications.
A change of course or taking on a new course will require a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) by the education institution your new course is provided by. The education provider will notify the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) of changes to your enrolment.
You do not need to apply for a new visa if your student visa is valid for the duration of your new course and your transfer is:
- To another course at the same level (for example from one Bachelor degree to another)
- To a course at a higher level (for example from Bachelor to Master's level)
- From a Masters to a PhD
However, please note that:
- If your student visa is only valid for part of the duration of your new course, you should renew your student visa within a few weeks before it expires.
- If you have transferred to a course at a lower level (for example Master's to Bachelor level) you must apply for a new Student visa as soon as you receive your new CoE. The only exception to this is if you are transferring from a PhD to a Masters course as noted above.
If you are transferring to a new education provider (having satisfied the entrance and attendance requirements, and academic outcomes to be provided in a Letter of Release) and have received a CoE from the new provider, there will be implications on your visa.
Your current provider must inform the Australian Government Department of Education and Training and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) that you have transferred to another provider and that they will be cancelling your CoE. If you are transferring to another education provider, there may be visa implications. You may need to apply for a new student visa if your new course is at a lower level. For further information please contact us or refer to DIBP’s website, or contact them on 131 881 to discuss your circumstances.