Australia’s New 12-Month Student Transfer Rule: What international students must know
International Students need to complete 12 months of their principal course before switching education providers. It has come into effect from 2nd October 2026. It is a temporary change and will be in effect until 30th June 2027. From 1st July 2027, the transfer will again return to 6 months.
If you are still Studying in Australia and have completed more than 6months of your principal course but less than 12 months, then completing 12 months before transferring is required.
In some situations transfers are still possible if the current provider approves the transfer.
Australia has introduced a temporary change to the National Code that applies to international student transfers.
From 2nd October 2026, most International Students other than school students need to complete12th months of their principal course with their current provider before transferring to another registered provider.
The change will remain in place until 30th June 2027. From 1st July 2027, the transfer restriction is scheduled to return to six months.
The new timeline
2nd October 2026 – 30th June 2027
12 month transfer restriction
From 1 July 2027
6 month transfer restriction
What does this mean for international students already studying in Australia?
This is particularly important if you are already Studying in Australia.
If you had completed more than 6 months but less than 12 months of your principal course when the new rule started, you may now need to complete 12 months before transferring without a release.
For example, a student who had already completed the previous six-month requirement but had not yet reached 12 months may now be covered by the temporary 12-month restriction.
If you had already completed 12 months or more of your principal course before 2nd October 2026 then this particular change does not affect you.
Can international students still change their education provider in Australia?
Yes.
The new rule does not mean that students are completely unable to change providers during the 12-month period.
There are situations where a transfer can still take place. These include:
- The current provider or the student's course has stopped being registered.
- The current provider has received a sanction that means the student cannot continue their course.
- The current provider agrees to the transfer and records the release through the required system.
- A government sponsor considers the transfer to be in the student's best interests and provides written support.
So, while the transfer process has become more restricted for the time being, students still have options in certain circumstances.
Why has Australia introduced this change for foreign students who want to study in Australia?
The Australian Government has described the 12-month extension as a temporary step to support the integrity of the International Student system.
The Government has raised concerns about students being encouraged to make unnecessary or non-genuine transfers soon after arriving in Australia.
The change is also being introduced alongside wider changes to Australia's Student Visa system.
If you are planning to Study in Australia, there is no need to worry about the new rule. It simply means that there are some additional requirements to keep in mind if you later decide to change providers.
If you are already Studying in Australia and considering a change of provider
- Check how long you have completed your principal course.
- Speak with your current provider about its transfer process.
- Find out whether you need a release.
- Check whether any of the permitted exceptions apply to your situation.
- Seek for right guidance before making any enrolment changes.
Choosing the right course and provider from the beginning helps in making the overall study journey smoother and is applicable to those students who are planning for Australia.
FAQs
1. Can international students change their education provider in Australia under the new rules?
Yes in some circumstances students can still transfer. Generally, international students need to complete 12 months of their principal course before transferring without a release until 30 June 2027.
2. When did the new 12-month transfer rule start?
The temporary 12-month transfer restriction has come into effect from 2nd October 2026.
3. Will the 12-month transfer rule be permanent?
No. The current change will be in place till 30thJune 2027. From 1stJuly 2027, the general transfer restriction will return to six months.
4. I have already completed six months but not 12 months. Can I transfer?
You may now be subject to the temporary 12-month restriction. Students who had completed more than six months but less than 12 months when the new rule began can become subject to the restriction again. However, certain exceptions and release pathways may still apply.
5. What if I have already completed 12 months of my principal course?
If you had completed 12 months of your principal course before 2nd October 2026 then this particular 12-month restriction will not affect you.
6. What should I do if I want to change my education provider?
You need to speak with your current provider first and check its transfer process. Individual circumstances, how much the course has been completed and whether an exception applies can affect the options.
