On 2 October 2026, the Australian Government extended the restriction on international students transferring between education providers from six months to 12 months. It is a temporary measure ahead of a new student visa transfer stream planned for 1 July 2027.
Note: These rules can change. Always check the official government announcement and talk to your provider's international student office before you make any decision about transferring.
What Changed on 2 October 2026
- 12 months, not six: International students outside the school sector must complete 12 months of their principal course before another provider can enrol them.
- Temporary: The 12-month rule applies until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027, it returns to six months.
- School students are not affected: School students keep the existing six-month restriction for their first registered school course.
Your principal course is the main course on your student visa, usually your diploma or degree rather than an English or foundation course packaged before it.
Who Is Affected
When You Can Still Transfer
The new rule does not ban transfers. You can still transfer during the restriction period if:
- Your current provider, or your course, stops being registered
- Your current provider receives a sanction that stops you continuing your course
- Your current provider agrees to release you and records the release in the government's student system (PRISMS)
- A government sponsor decides the transfer is in your best interests and gives written support
The government has also noted that students who want to transfer during the restriction period can leave Australia and apply for a new student visa from offshore.
Warning! Do not stop attending classes or withdraw from your course while you are waiting to transfer. Your student visa requires you to stay enrolled and make progress. Be cautious of anyone who offers to "guarantee" a quick transfer for a fee.
Check your student visa conditions
Review the requirements for the Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) and what you need to stay compliant.
What Happens From 1 July 2027
From 1 July 2027, international students who want to change providers after arriving in Australia will need to apply for a new student visa through a new transfer stream.
- You will need to receive your new visa before you start studying at the new provider.
- The end date of your new visa will stay the same as your current one.
- Transfers will only be allowed to a course at the same level or higher on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Students who come to Australia for higher education will no longer be able to transfer onshore to vocational education and training (VET).
Why the Rules Changed
The government says the change targets "visa hopping" and protects students from rushed or non-genuine transfers, including recruitment by low-quality providers after students arrive in Australia. It is part of a wider package of student visa reforms that also took effect on 2 October 2026, including tighter rules on bringing family members and on applying for a student visa from inside Australia. Read about the wider reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not without a release or another exception, unless you have completed 12 months. Students who were between six and 12 months into their principal course on 2 October 2026 are restricted again until they reach 12 months, or until the rule returns to six months on 1 July 2027.
Contact your provider's international student office and ask about its transfer policy. Explain your reasons clearly and provide any supporting documents. Your provider must consider your request under its own transfer policy, and it will record any release it grants in PRISMS.
Yes. If you start your principal course while the rule is in place, you will need to complete 12 months, or reach 1 July 2027, before another provider can enrol you without a release. Choose your provider and course carefully before you apply.
The 12-month transfer restriction means less flexibility in your first year of study in Australia, so choosing the right course and provider from the start matters more than ever. If you are planning to study in Australia, ApplyBoard can help you compare programs and choose a provider that fits your goals.
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