01/10/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRANSFER RESTRICTION EXTENDED TO 12 MONTHS
Australia is tightening the rules around international students changing education providers.
📅 From 2 October 2026 until 30 June 2027, international students will generally need to complete at least 12 months of their principal course before transferring to another education provider.
Previously, the restricted transfer period was 6 months.
What does this mean for students?
✅ Students who have completed 12 months or more of their principal course can generally transfer without requiring a release under the transfer restriction.
⚠️ Students who have completed between 6 and 12 months may now need to remain with their existing provider until they reach the 12-month requirement.
✅ An earlier transfer may still be possible in certain circumstances, including where:
• the current provider approves the student's release
• the provider or course is no longer registered
• regulatory action prevents the student from continuing with the provider
• a government sponsor supports the transfer in writing
📌 From 1 July 2027, the provider transfer restriction is expected to return to 6 months.
This temporary measure comes ahead of broader Student Visa reforms planned for 2027. The Australian Government has also announced changes under which students transferring courses/providers will need to make a new Student Visa application, allowing Home Affairs to reassess whether the proposed change is genuine.
Students, education agents and providers should carefully review transfer plans before cancelling an existing enrolment or issuing a new CoE.
👉 Please check the official information and individual circumstances before making any enrolment or visa decision.
