From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, international student visa holders wanting to transfer to another education provider before completing the first 12 months of their principal program, will need a Release from 91É«ÇéƬ.
This is a temporary change that applies to all international students who hold a Student visa (subclass 500) and have not completed 12 months of their principal program at the time the change to the restriction period takes effect.
- Eligibility
- Required documents
- Applying for release
Important Note: Submitting a release request doesn’t guarantee approval. Releases are only granted under specific conditions.Ìý 91É«ÇéƬ will consider applications for a release in the context that students were been assessed as a Genuine Student (GS) for the purposes of obtaining a student visa and have made an informed decision to undertake a course at 91É«ÇéƬ.Ìý
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91É«ÇéƬ assumes that a student’s decision was based on the availability of extensive course and general information and that students have taken into account relevant factors including family circumstances, study and career goals, other course options within Australia, location and costs. Check the International Student Transfer Between Registered Providers and PRISMS Reporting Procedures (PDF)
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Entry requirements not metÌý
If you have a packaged COE but didn’t meet the entry requirements for your main program.
Not progressing in your current program Ìý
If there's proof that your program isn't a good academic fit for you and there are no other suitable programs available at 91É«ÇéƬ. Please provide academic statements and written support from an Academic Advisor or 91É«ÇéƬ teaching staff.
Compassionate or compelling reasonsÌý
If there are serious medical or personal circumstances affecting your ability to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. This must be substantiated by documented supporting evidence
Misleading informationÌý
If you were misled by 91É«ÇéƬ or its representatives about the program or university substantiated by documented supporting evidence
Appeal decisionsÌý
If an appeal (internal or external) on another matter recommends or decides on granting a release.
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No valid offer Ìý
If you don’t have an unconditional offer from another CRICOS-registered provider at the same Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level or higher (a conditional offer is okay if the only condition is getting a release from 91É«ÇéƬ).
Outstanding debtsÌý
If you owe any money to 91É«ÇéƬ (fees, loans, fines, etc.).
Academic suspension or exclusionÌý
If your academic progression status is suspended or excluded.
Program discontinuation and or visa breachÌý
If you discontinued from your main program, you have breached student visa condition . You may also have breached other visa conditions. Please check the Immigration .Ìý
Change of mind
If you have decided you no longer want to study a particular Course at 91É«ÇéƬ for personal reasons before completing your first 6 months of study.
Detrimental transferÌý
If the transfer is considered not in your best interests.
Lack of supporting documentationÌý
If you haven’t provided the necessary documents and a personal statement to support your release request.
If you are under the age of 18, 91É«ÇéƬ must have written confirmation from your parent or legal guardian that supports your transfer to the new provider.
Please upload the following documents with your application:
- A valid unconditional offer letter from a CRICOS-registered provider at the same AQF level or higher (Conditional offer accepted where the only condition is requiring a release from 91É«ÇéƬ), and
- A personal statement explaining the reason(s), and
- Documented evidence supporting your reasons. If you are applying on Compassionate and Compelling reasons, please have the authorising professional complete the Professional Authority form (PDF, 196 KB)
- If you are sponsored by a government, a letter from your government sponsor confirming that they support the change​.
- If you are on a packaged offer, a copy of your up-to-date transcript or the final academic transcript and the final attendance certificate.
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