International students find Australia a very attractive study destination because the country has world-class universities offering different programs of study and promising students great job opportunities after their studies.
However, there is a large number of students who, when they finally arrive in Australia, discover that the course they previously selected is not the one they should pursue. Students who find their courses too difficult will undergo a course dropout, while those who identify suitable career paths for their skills will embark on other vocational paths.
Students are free to change their academic program based on their dissatisfaction with their current course. The process needs to be conducted through legal channels, which will cause minimal operational disturbances.
This blog lays out the details of changing courses in Australia for international students.
When Can You Change Your Course in Australia?
Students at most educational institutions can change their courses after they have completed six months of their primary study program. You need to obtain a release letter from your current institution if you want to change your course or educational provider before completing six months. The regulation stops students from using admission offers to enter Australia and then immediately transferring to different programs.
Changing Course Within the Same University
Changing your course within the same university is simpler to execute than students believe. Most universities allow internal course transfers, especially when students meet the required academic standards.
You may need: Academic transcripts
- Approval from the department
- Updated Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Proof that the new course aligns with your goals
The process of changing academic programs through this method remains simpler than changing between universities.
Changing University or Education Provider
The process to transfer universities in Australia requires you to complete multiple steps. You need to verify your completion of six months in your primary study program. Students who fail to meet these requirements need to obtain a release letter. Your new institution will issue a new CoE to you after your release. The new CoE requires you to update your information through your ImmiAccount while maintaining your visa status.
Will changing the course have an impact on your visa?
Definitely, changing the course can affect your visa. The visa you get is basically connected to the course and level of study printed in your CoE. So if changing your course, you have to make sure that:
- Your new course is also listed on CRICOS
- Your studies continue to be full-time
- You are attending regularly and performing well academically
- Your new course corresponds to your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) objective
If the new course is at a different education level, migration authorities will most probably be sceptical.
Important factors to be taken into account
Caution is the watchword for students in Australia when it comes to changes of course, because it can affect both one’s future career and the possibilities of getting a visa.
Considerations:
- Tuition fee differences and refund policies
- Changes in course duration
- Eligible for post-study work (PSW visa impact)
- Whether the course is considered a skilled occupation in Australia
- Scholarship or financial implications
A change of course without a proper plan may cause you to lose your money and spend more time studying.
How to Change Your Course Properly
To make a course change legally and safely, you should:
Contact your university’s international student support team.
The colleges will consider career outcomes and decide on courses that suit their needs.
Students are to file an application for the new program and are to wait for their admission letter.
The student must get the updated Confirmation of Enrollment. When the student changes their visa details, it is when the student has to do it. Students have to ensure that they are full-time while at the same time fulfilling all the requirements for their visa. It is very easy when a student is getting help from an educational consultant.
FAQs
Overseas students are permitted to change their study course after coming to Australia; however, they must comply with both immigration and the institution’s policies.
If you switch to a different university within the first six months of your present course, then you will need to obtain a release letter.
Your visa will still be valid after changing your course, but you have to notify the authorities of your new course, which has to be visa-compliant.
Students who want to withdraw from their master’s course have two options, which include fighting for a diploma program student visa and post-degree employment rights after getting a work visa.
Your eligibility for the program remains intact because your qualification depends on your course duration and your educational level, and your CRICOS registration, which you already meet.
