Switching courses on a student visa? What the 2 October rules mean for your next move
News · 2026-10-06 · 4 min read
If you hold a student visa and are thinking of changing courses, the rules are tightening. On 2 October 2026 the Australian Government announced that international students will need to apply for a separate visa to transfer to a different course, and it also set out plans to hold migration advisers to account for applications with no real basis. Here is what that means for your next move.
The transfer rules in order
| When | What applies |
|---|---|
| Until the new arrangement starts | A student cannot transfer within 12 months of beginning a course |
| Under the new arrangement | A separate visa application is needed to move to a different course |
| From 1 July 2027 | A student's visa is not extended because the student is transferring into a different course |
These steps add to earlier rules that stop students moving to a lower-level course, such as from a bachelor's or master's degree to a vocational program. The changes are being made through rules rather than new legislation.
The stated aim behind the rules
The stated aim is to stop temporary stays from turning into years of moving between visas. The changes are part of a wider package to lower net overseas migration from almost 300,000 a year to 225,000 by 2028. The Government also wants fewer people on bridging visas, which are temporary visas granted while someone waits for a decision on their next application. More than 400,000 people hold one now, and many are international students applying for a different visa.
A tougher line on dishonest advice
The Government proposes to stop migration agents from assisting with an application they know, or reasonably ought to know, has no reasonable factual or legal basis. The Department of Home Affairs will consult on how migration lawyers can be held to account for similar poor practice.
The Government says the harm comes from a small number of bad actors who target people at vulnerable moments with misleading claims, false promises and unrealistic assurances. Its examples include applications lodged only so they would be refused and appealed, and online advertising that coached people to make false protection claims.
How to choose and use an adviser
- Check the adviser is registered. In Australia, the official Register of Migration Agents lets you search by name.
- Be wary of anyone who promises an outcome. Nobody can assure a visa decision.
- Ask for the advice and the costs in writing before work starts.
- Expect honesty. A good adviser will tell you if an application has weak prospects.
- Keep your own records of every document you sign or lodge.
Planning your study path
Treat your first course choice as a long-term decision, because moving later will be harder and will not buy extra time. If you need to check how your existing qualification fits a new course, RPLDirect explains qualifications and skills assessment for Australia. The official Student visa page lists the current conditions. For wider context, see our posts on why student visa refusals are surging and bringing family members under the new overhaul, and browse our visa guides.
Common mistakes
- Starting a course you are unsure about and planning to switch later.
- Assuming a switch will extend your stay after 1 July 2027.
- Moving to a lower-level course, which earlier rules already block.
- Paying an adviser who promises a result or will not put advice in writing.
Questions visa holders ask about changing course
Can I transfer courses right now?
Not within 12 months of beginning a course, until the new arrangement starts.
Will I need a new visa to change course?
Under the announced approach, yes. A separate visa application will be required.
What changes on 1 July 2027?
A student's visa will not be extended because the student is transferring into a different course.
Are migration agents being targeted as a group?
No. The Government says the harm comes from a small number of bad actors.
What are bridging visas?
They are temporary visas granted while someone waits for a decision on their next application.
What to remember before you switch
- Changing course will need a separate visa under the announced approach.
- Until then, a student cannot transfer within 12 months of beginning a course.
- From 1 July 2027, a transfer will not extend a student's visa.
- The aim is to lower net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028.
- Choose registered advisers and get advice and costs in writing.
#student visa #course transfer #migration agents #bridging visa #international students
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