Changing Courses or Education Providers
I need a new college or course
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Is you college or university closing down?
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Is your education provider cancelling your course(s)?
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Due to drastic cuts in student visa numbers and the upcoming Limits (caps) on enrolments, many vocational colleges (and possibly universities) will shut down/close in 2025. Sadly some already have.
Many others will be cancelling courses as they will no longer have enough students to run them.
When a college does either - closes and/or cancels courses - this is known as a 'provider default' and students are protected under the Tuition Protect Service (TPS).
However, this is a very worrying time for international students, so we will help you understand your rights, and what you can and cannot do. It might be the perfect opportunity to review your plans and move to a course that will have better outcomes for your goals.
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​In this section, we are sharing information for international students who need to find a new college or university, or want to upgrade to a higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of education (ie. from a Diploma to Bachelor).​​
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See Questions & Answers on this situation
Questions & Answers:
My college is closing / My course is being cancelled
What happens to my enrolment? Your education provider (college / university) must either: 1. refund your tuition & allow you to find another place to study 2. assist you to find another education provider
What happens to my visa? Do not worry. Your visa will not be affected as long as you find a new course and restart studying within an acceptable timeframe.
Will I have to pay for another visa to finish the course? Depending on what you decide to study, you may or may not not have enough time on your current visa to finish the course(s). In this case, you will not have to pay the application fee for a visa extension.
Can I change to a different course if my college closes or they cancel my course? Yes you can. However, you must continue studying at the same level of education or higher. If you drop to a lower level of education (i.e. from a bachelor to a Certificate III) you must apply for a visa as per the normal visa rules. We do not recommend you do this.
Can I change to a higher level of education on the same visa? This could be the perfect time to upgrade to a higher level of education without affecting your student visa. This could make you eligible for the 485 Graduate Visa if you are not now eligible.
If my college finds me an alternate course, do I have to take it? No, you do not. You can instead request a refund for unused tuition, and find your own course and college. Be careful that you do not find yourself in the same situation 6 months later if your new college closes down. Be careful of colleges that are owned by the same company. We suggest you speak to an education agent as they have a good grasp of which colleges may be at risk.
Need some free advice?
Send an inquiry form or call us on 0410 878 810 to connect to someone who can help you
What are the Rules for Transferring?
You are allowed to change courses on the same visa when you:
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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.
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If your education provide shuts down or cancels your course, this rule does not apply.
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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.