Changing Courses — National Code Standard 7
The published rules on when an international student can transfer to a new registered provider, including the six-month rule and the four exception conditions.
General information only — not migration advice.
The content below describes published regulatory rules as they appear in the National Code 2018. It is general information only. The published rules state that individual circumstances vary — students in this situation generally consider seeking advice from a MARA-registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer before acting on these rules.
The six-month rule
as at · Department of Education (National Code 2018)Under Standard 7 of the National Code 2018, registered providers must not enrol a transferring student before the student has completed six months of the student’s principal course of study, except under specific circumstances listed below.
When does the six-month period start?
The published rules state that the six-month period begins when the student starts the course — not when the visa was issued and not on the arrival date. Breaks due to deferment or suspension are excluded from this calculation.
After the six-month period
After the six-month period, providers are not restricted by Standard 7 from enrolling a transferring student.
Exceptions allowing earlier transfer (Standard 7.1)
The published rules state that a new provider may enrol a transferring student before six months are completed only if one of these four conditions is met.
- 1
The original provider or the original course has ceased to be registered.
- 2
The original provider has provided a written letter of release to the student.
- 3
The original provider has had a sanction imposed by the Australian Government or a state or territory government that prevents the student from continuing their course.
- 4
A government sponsor of the student considers the change to be in the best interest of the student and has provided written support for the transfer.
Visa implications
The published rules note that a new visa may be required if the new course is in a different sector to the original course, or if an extension is needed to the student’s visa. Students are directed to contact the Department of Home Affairs for visa-specific advice.
Check your visa conditions directly with the Department of Home Affairs, or seek advice from a MARA-registered agent.
Source: Explanatory Guide to National Code 2018 — Standard 7 (Overseas student transfers), Australian Government, Department of Education — International Education. Retrieved .
Not migration advice. Check your specific case with a MARA-registered agent or an immigration lawyer. Rules and administrative practice may change — always verify with the source.
Related: Onshore Students Hub · Provider Closure Rights