International students in Australia should be aware of an important change to education provider transfers from 2 October 2026. The Australian Government has temporarily extended the transfer restriction period for non-school international students from 6 months to 12 months.
What changed on 2 October 2026?
The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 was amended on 2 October 2026. For non-school students, the period during which a student is restricted from transferring to another registered provider has been extended from 6 months to 12 months.
The extension is temporary and is scheduled to remain in place until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027, the transfer restriction period is scheduled to return to 6 months.
Who does the 12-month restriction apply to?
The temporary extension applies to non-school students. School students continue to be subject to the existing 6-month restriction, meaning they generally remain transfer restricted until they have completed the first 6 months of their first registered school course.
What does this mean for international students?
Students considering changing their education provider should understand that the change can affect when they are able to transfer between registered providers. A student should not assume that a change of provider can be made simply because another course or provider appears more suitable.
Before making a transfer decision, students should check their enrolment circumstances, course progression, provider requirements and the current National Code requirements. Where a transfer is proposed because of serious issues with the current provider or other exceptional circumstances, students should obtain appropriate advice about their particular circumstances.
Can students still change courses?
The transfer restriction is about transferring between registered providers. It does not mean that every change of study is prohibited. The rules can depend on whether a student is changing courses with the same provider or seeking to move to a different provider.
Students should also consider how any proposed course or provider change may affect their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), Student visa conditions and overall study progression.
Key dates
- 2 October 2026: temporary 12-month transfer restriction begins for non-school students.
- 30 June 2027: temporary extension is scheduled to end.
- 1 July 2027: the transfer restriction period is scheduled to return to 6 months.
What should students do before requesting a transfer?
- Check how long you have been enrolled with your current provider.
- Confirm whether you are a school or non-school student for the purpose of the transfer rules.
- Check your current CoE and course progression.
- Understand the reason for the proposed transfer and whether any exception or special circumstance may apply.
- Check the current National Code requirements before making a transfer request.
- Consider whether the proposed change could affect your Student visa circumstances.
Important
Education provider transfer rules can be detailed and depend on the student’s individual circumstances. Do not rely on general information alone when a transfer could affect your enrolment or visa status.
Official source
This article is based on information published by the Australian Government Department of Education regarding changes to the legislative framework for overseas students and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
This article provides general information only and is not migration or legal advice. Students should check the current Department of Education and Department of Home Affairs requirements before taking action.