How to change course/institute in Australia: A complete guide

Sometimes wrong decisions land you in trouble if you are an international student. You should make no mistake of changing the Australian course or institution after enrolling in it.

At the same time, you cannot ignore the details mentioned by you in your student visa 500 application. It can create a dent at a later date in case you want to extend the visa. Even though there is no compulsion in changing the course or institution, you have to keep in mind several issues.

Before making any decision, you should address a number of issues i.e. career opportunities, finances, and student visa clauses. When it comes to a change of course/institute in Australia, you have to make certain decisions as an overseas student.

If you pay heed to the procedures part of study visa requirements, things can be a lot easier for you.

Points to consider while changing Australian course/institute

1. Changing a particular course

If you made plans while changing a course in Australia, there are no compulsions. All these include from the same institution or at the same qualification level. Some of the popular courses in Australia are Accounting and Finance, Cookery, Engineering, Hospitality Management, Information Technology and Nursing.

2. Changing a qualification level

On numerous occasions, you decide to change qualification level, be it a diploma, Bachelor Degree, etc. There is no need to apply for an Australian student visa as there might be changes in the visa subclass. In such a scenario, visit the DHA (Department of Home Affairs) website for further details.

3 Changing a particular institution

You have to bring it to the notice of the current institution where you enrolled. Inform that you decided to change a particular institution. In most cases, you will not be allowed to study in the new institution if you did not complete six months of the main course mentioned in the visa formalities.

4. Undertake research

Before following any plans, do a bit of research by checking online about the institute you want to apply to. These include student facilities, campus, student visa support services, admission procedures, and other factors.

They play a vital role as far as study visa requirements are concerned. Ensure you comply with the Australian student visa checklist to avert any visa refusal if you want to extend it at a later date. The more you research, the better it helps you to understand courses and institutions in general. Check for different details by visiting the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) website.

5. Keep a tab on the institution’s transfer policy

It serves your purpose if you keep a check on the institution’s agreement policy and are aware of its transfer policy. In case you signed the agreement policy and accepted the transfer policy, it can benefit you. In reality, you have to confirm as per the requirements of the institution. As per the policy, there could be a possibility of receiving a partial or full refund.

6. Consult university student’s counselor on time

The essential roles of the university’s student advisor are not just tackling students’ issues alone but also ensuring their wellbeing. Be in touch with them if you need help regarding a particular department. The counselor offers immediate solutions and can assist you--from the time you are admitted to a university to transfer processing. Besides, he can be of help in guiding policies based on requests.

7. Pay heed to student visa 500 rules and regulations

If you want to live, work, and study as an international student, you need to comply with Australian student visa rules and regulations. It will not be feasible for you to study in Australia if you do not have a valid visa in the form of subclass 500. It will be challenging if you fail to ignore details such as seeking admission to a university and joining a course of your liking. Keep in mind the contours of student visas and their requirements.

Before checking Australian student visa requirements, international students must follow each of these procedures.

Refrain from taking advice from fellow students, friends, etc. The right advice from an education agent can be of help. It is necessary to keep a course cancellation copy and paperwork of enrolment.

8. Inform DHA at the earliest

If you decide to change course or institution at any given time, make it a point to inform DHA (Department of Home Affairs) and provide an eCoE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment) certificate from the institution.

If you want to change an institution before completing the first six months of the main course of study, you must contact your current institution for permission. You will require a letter of offer from the new institution to apply for a release letter from your current institution.

Conclusion

In hindsight, international students have to comply with all Australian procedures before making any decision to change course/institute. Leave it to the judgment of Australian education visa consultants who will solve education queries. Contact Aussizz Group now.