Support for Onshore Students
It is completely normal to arrive in Australia and realize that your chosen course or university isn't the right fit. However, international students are heavily regulated by the National Code and their visa conditions. Making a mistake when changing courses can lead to immediate visa cancellation.
Changing Courses or Universities
If you want to change to a different institution, the rules depend entirely on how long you have been studying your principal course.
The 6-Month Rule
If you have NOT yet completed 6 months of your principal course (the highest qualification in your package), you are restricted from transferring to a new provider. To do so, you must obtain a Release Letter from your current university.
Universities rarely grant Release Letters willingly, as they lose tuition revenue. We specialize in drafting compelling, evidence-backed Release Letter applications arguing compassionate or compelling circumstances on your behalf.
After 6 Months
If you have completed 6 months of your principal course, you are generally free to transfer to a new provider without a Release Letter. However, you must still ensure that your new course does not breach your visa conditions (such as downgrading your AQF level).
Visa Compliance (Condition 8202)
Under Condition 8202 of the Subclass 500 visa, you MUST maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance. If you fail multiple subjects, your university is legally required to report you to the Department of Home Affairs, which can trigger an automatic visa cancellation process.
Show Cause Notices
If you receive a "Notice of Intention to Report" (NOIR) or a "Show Cause" letter from your university due to poor academic progress, do not ignore it.
You typically have 20 working days to appeal the decision internally. Our agents assist you in drafting strong appeal letters, gathering medical or compassionate evidence, and representing you at university hearings to prevent your CoE from being cancelled.
