Change course or provider on a Student visa
On this page
Changing course at the same provider
- Same or higher level, or doctoral to master's: arrange it with your provider; no new Student visa. If your visa is expiring and you need more time, you need a new one.
- Lower level or ELICOS: you need a new Student visa.
Changing provider
Less than six months into your main course: allowed only in some circumstances, such as serious illness, death of a family member, a major home-country disaster needing emergency travel, or a traumatic experience. Contact your current provider first. If it approves, it notifies Home Affairs and no new CoE or ImmiAccount update is needed.
Six months or more: tell your provider, which informs Home Affairs. No new CoE or ImmiAccount update, and no new visa for a same- or higher-level course.
What stays true
Your visa requires you to stay enrolled at the same or a higher level. See condition 8202. Some visas require permission before you change your study plan, so check VEVO.
What about the new Transfer stream?
A Transfer stream is planned for students changing providers, with details still being developed. The page on changing courses does not mention it. See Student visa changes.
FAQ
Do I need a new CoE?
Not in the situations above.
Can my provider refuse to release me?
Yes, in the first six months it decides.
What if I move to a lower level?
A new Student visa is needed, and since 2 October 2026 you may not be able to apply from inside Australia unless an exemption applies.
Where do I check my conditions?
VEVO.