Changing Courses or Education Providers - "Transferring"
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what changes can I make?
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who can help me?
Can I transfer to another education provider?
There are strict rules around changing your course or education provider while on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in Australia—but in some cases, the answer is yes, you can transfer.
In this section, we provide a clear overview of:
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What you can and cannot do when changing courses in Australia
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The rules around onshore course transfers
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How to safely transfer providers without risking your visa
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what to do if your college is closing or they have cancelled your course
Rules on Transferring Courses & Education Providers
You can transfers to another provider when:
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You Meet the 6-Months of Study Rule
Once you have completed 6 months of your principle course (the main course for which your visa was granted), you should be eligible for a release from your education provider. Unless you get a release, not other institution can issue a new CoE.If your education provide shuts down or cancels your course, this rule does not apply.
02
You Maintain study at the same Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level or higher
If you change courses, you can remain on the same visa as long as you are studying at the same level of education or higher. If you drop to a lower level (ie. from a Bachelor to a Diploma), you must apply for a new visa, unless you still hold a CoE for the higher level course. This is generally not recommended.
Onshore Transfer Commissions Are Now Banned
As of March 31, 2026, education agents in Australia can no longer receive commissions, or any form of payment, for assisting transfer students who change education providers. This is known as the onshore transfer commission ban. This includes:
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Bonuses
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Gifts
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Incentives or benefits of any kind
These changes are designed to improve transparency and protect international students from conflicts of interest.
Can I transfer to another education provider?
Please send an inquiry to OR call or text:
or call or text
What Is the Onshore Transfer Problem?
Some international students try to take advantage of the system by enrolling in a low-risk (Assessment Level 1) university—typically higher-cost institutions—to improve their chances of getting a Student Visa (Subclass 500) approved quickly.
However, after completing the required 6 months of study, they may:
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Transfer to another education provider offering the same or higher-level course, mainly to benefit from lower tuition fees, or
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Switch to a lower-level course (often at a different college) without applying for a new student visa. Changing to a lower-level course without updating your visa is a serious breach of Australian student visa conditions. This could lead to a visa cancellation. Example: If your visa was granted for a Bachelor’s degree, but you switch to a Certificate III course without notifying immigration, you are in violation of your visa conditions.
Who Is Affected by Student Poaching?
This issue impacts:
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High-quality education providers
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Reputable education agents
These organisations invest significant time and resources to recruit genuine students. When unethical agents, students and colleges engage in student poaching, it undermines trust, and damages the Australian international education industry.
How the International Student Recruitment System Works for You
Let's start with how this industry operates...
Australia is a top destination for international students. There are over 1,000 registered education providers (schools) offering hundreds of courses across universities, vocational colleges, and English (ELICOS) colleges.
With so many options available, choosing the right course in Australia can be confusing. Every student has different needs, including budget, preferred location, education background, and career goals.
Because a student visa is directly linked to your course outcome, a thorough assessment of your background is essential. Simply wanting to enrol in a course does not mean it is the right or suitable choice for your situation.
Education providers & the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) often have very different criteria when assessing whether a student is a genuine and suitable candidate for a course.
To improve your chances of visa approval, it’s important to choose a course that aligns with your previous studies, work experience, and future career goals. A well-matched course not only strengthens your application but also demonstrates that you meet the Genuine Student Test (GS Test) - meeting Genuine Student visa requirements.
This is where international education agents help - making the process clear and more reliable.
What Do Education Agents Do?
Education agents support international students at every step of the study abroad journey. They provide expert advice and personalised guidance to make the process easier.
Education agents can help you:
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Choose what to study in Australia
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Select the right city, college, or university
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Manage your course application and enrolment
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Prepare and submit your student visa application
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Provide support during your studies
Many education agents continue to help students for months or even years. They can assist with course changes, visa updates, and any problems during your time in Australia.
Do Education Agents Charge Fees to International Students?
In most cases, education agent services are free for international students.
If an agent asks you to pay a fee, it is a good idea to speak with another agent before making a decision.
How Do Education Agents Get Paid for their Work?
Education agents are paid by the education provider for the work that has been done to organise everything for their new student.
Once the international student begins the course, the school, college, or university pays the agent a commission. This payment covers the agent’s services, support, and expertise throughout your application and enrolment process.
What This Means for Transferring Students
If you are planning to transfer to a new education provider in Australia, these new rules will directly affect how you receive support.
1. Free Agent Services Will Be Limited
It will become more difficult to find free assistance from education agents when organising your transfer—especially if your move requires a new student visa later in your course.
If you are applying for a new course enrolment in Australia, these changes do not apply.
This is considered a new enrolment, not a transfer, if:
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You do not currently hold a student visa
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Your current student visa is about to expire
In these cases, it is business as usual. Education agents can still:
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Receive commissions from education providers
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Offer free support to students
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Assist with applications and student visa processes
2. Expect to Pay for Support
Most education agents will now charge a service fee to help with onshre course transfers. Expect that to be between $500-$1,500.
Enrolments for a new course + new visa should still be offered free of charge.
3. Be Aware of Hidden or Illegal Payments
If an agent is offering “free” help when you are changing courses or education providers, be careful.
The agent may be receiving payment through unofficial or non-compliant arrangements, which could:
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Put your enrolment at risk
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Cause issues with your visa or course delivery. For example, the college may be shut down for violating rules.
Can students manage transfers themselves?
Of course. Most colleges are now preparing to offer more support for students who are changing courses.
Need Guidance With Your Course Transfer?
If you’re unsure how to proceed, getting the right advice early can make a big difference.
Contact us today for a quick chat to see how we can guide you in the right direction and connect you with the support you need for a safe and compliant transfer. We will not manage a transfer, but we will try to suggest who can.