Changing Provider in Australia? The Temporary 12-Month Transfer Rule Explained

If you are an international student in Australia and thinking about moving to a different college or university, there is a rule change you need to know about. From 2 October 2026, most international students cannot be enrolled by a new provider until they have completed 12 months of their main course. Before that date, the wait was 6 months.

This guide explains what changed in plain English, who it affects, how you can still move earlier if you have a good reason, and what it looks like for a real student.

What changed

Australia's rules for providers of education to international students (the National Code) include Standard 7, which controls student transfers. From 2 October 2026:

• •A provider must not knowingly enrol a student who is moving from another registered provider until that student has completed 12 months of their principal course. The principal course is your main course of study. If your visa covers a package of courses, it is usually the final and highest one.
• •Before this change, the waiting period was 6 months.
• •The rule covers students in higher education and vocational education. School students are not affected and stay on the 6-month rule.

The Department of Education's computer system for international students (PRISMS) has been updated too. If a provider tries to create a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a student who is still restricted, the system stops it. So a provider cannot simply "make an exception" without a valid reason.

This is temporary

The 12-month period applies from 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027 the waiting period goes back to 6 months.

The government says the extension supports wider changes to the student visa system. On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Immigration announced reforms that include new transfer requirements. The detail of those new requirements is still to be confirmed, so if you plan to move around mid-2027, check the current position first.

Who is affected, including students who started earlier

The rule applies to every non-school international student who had not yet completed 12 months of their principal course when it took effect.

It does not mean a fresh 12 months from 2 October. It means you must have completed 12 months in total. But note the catch: if you had already passed 6 months and thought you were free to move, you may be restricted again until you reach 12 months.

Can you still move before 12 months?

Yes, in some cases.

1. Ask your current provider for a release. You can request an early release. Your provider must assess it under its own written policy, cannot charge you for approving it, and has to keep a record of the decision. Providers should look at compassionate or compelling circumstances. These are generally things outside your control that affect your studies or wellbeing, for example:

• •serious illness or injury, supported by a medical certificate
• •the death of a close family member
• •major political upheaval or a natural disaster in your home country
• •a traumatic experience
• •your provider being unable to offer a prerequisite unit you need

2. One of three exceptions. You can also move without a release if:

• •your provider, or your course, has stopped being registered
• •your provider has been sanctioned in a way that stops you continuing there
• •a government sponsor of your studies supports the change in writing

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must support the transfer in writing.

What about studying two courses at once?

You may have heard of concurrent enrolment, where a second provider enrols you in a course while you are still studying with the first one. The Department of Education has removed the concurrent study function from PRISMS. A provider cannot concurrently enrol a student who has not completed 12 months of their principal course. Students who already hold a concurrent enrolment are not affected, but providers must keep checking that they can attend and complete both courses.

A worked example

Say a student started their principal course on 14 September 2026 and wants to move to a different provider next year.

So if the rule returns to 6 months as scheduled, this student waits until July 2027 instead of March, around three and a half months longer than before, rather than a full extra year. If they need to move sooner, a release request is the route. Remember to check for any new transfer requirements that apply by then.

Other things to keep in mind

• •Your visa conditions still apply. After any transfer you must stay enrolled in a course at the same level or higher than the one your student visa was granted for, with limited exceptions. Check your visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before you change.
• •Be careful who you listen to. If someone offers to get you into another provider quickly during the restricted period, ask how. The system blocks a CoE for a restricted student, and a provider that knowingly enrols you in breach of the rule can face regulatory action. You do not want your enrolment or visa put at risk.
• •Get everything in writing. Keep your release request, the provider's reply and the reasons given.

Sources

• •ASQA: Extension of the overseas student transfer restriction period to 12 months
• •ASQA: Student transfers
• •Department of Education fact sheet: Extension of the overseas student transfer restriction period to 12 months (written for providers)

Thinking about changing course or provider?

If you are an international student weighing a move, get in touch with the Afrovo team and tell us your situation. We can help you work out your options before you ask for a release or apply anywhere new.

_General information only. This article is not legal or migration advice and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Rules for providers and students are set by the Australian Government and its regulators and can change at any time, so always confirm the current position with your provider, the Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs. Last checked 27 October 2026. For guidance on your own situation, speak to the Afrovo team and our MARA-partnered registered migration agents._