Can I Change My Course in Australia on Subclass 500?

Are you an international student in Australia and want to change your course or study area but don’t know where to get started? If so, you are at the right place.

 

Many students often ask this question: Can I change my course in Australia on subclass 500? The answer is yes, you can.

 

The next question often arises: how to change a course on subclass 500 without breaching my visa conditions? Understanding the rules and regulations of the course-changing process is important to avoid any complications with the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Continue reading to learn all about changing courses in Australia for international students. 

 

Can I Change My Course in Australia on Subclass 500?

Yes, you can change your course in Australia on a subclass 500 student visa. However, you must verify your student visa requirements and adhere to the proper protocols to switch your course or educational provider. Moreover, your visa may have restrictions that require you to obtain approval before changing your study area. 

 

You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to verify the conditions and validity of your visa.

 

Conditions for Changing Courses

Here, I’ve discussed some of the most important visa conditions that you must follow while changing your course in Australia. 

 

• A student visa holder who wants to change courses must make sure that they continue to meet all the visa conditions.
• Before starting their studies, they should read the terms of the contract they signed with the education provider.
• They must understand the policies and guidelines of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) National Code.
• The updated 8202 condition of the student visa (subclass 500) states that the student must be enrolled in a course that is at the same or higher AQF level of the course for which the visa was granted.  
• Condition 8516 states that the student must continue to meet the requirements for the grant of the visa. 

 

For further information about AQF levels, visit the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) website.

 

Changing to a Different Course Within the Same Institution

If you want to change your course but wish to remain within the same institution, there can be two scenarios:

 

• Whether you want to change to a course of the same or higher AQF level 

Or

• You want to change to a course of the lower AQF level or non-AQF course.

 

Below is the detailed overview of both scenarios. 

 

Changing to a Course at the Same or Higher AQF Level

There is no need to apply for a new student visa if you want to change to a course at the same or a higher AQF level within the same institution. For instance, if you are moving from a diploma (AQF level 5) to a bachelor degree (AQF level 7) within the same university, you just have to make arrangements with your education provider. 

 

Your educational institution will inform the Department of Home Affairs about your current study plans. 

 

However, you will need to apply for a new student visa if your current visa is about to expire and you require additional time to finish your new course.

 

Changing to a Lower AQF Level or Non-AQF Course

Apply for a new student visa if you want to change to a course at a lower AQF level or a non-AQF course. For example:

 

• You need to apply for a new student visa if you want to move from a Certificate IV (AQF level 4) and to an ELICOS course (non-AQF).
• You need to apply for a new student visa if you want to transfer from a bachelor degree (AQF level 7) to a diploma (AQF level 5).
• You need to apply for a new student visa if you are currently studying year 11 (AQF: Senior Secondary Certificate of Education qualification type) and want to shift to an independent ELICOS (non-AQF) course. 

 

Important note: If a student wants to include a lesser or non-AQF course in their package, see the course packaging.

 

Course packaging

Students who want to change their enrolment to a package of courses or who are already enrolled in a package and want to amend the courses don’t need to apply for a new visa if they meet the following conditions. 

 

• They have commenced the course.
• They continue to be enrolled in the major course with the highest AQF level.
• They maintain a good level of attendance and course progress.
• They will start the highest AQF-level course before visa expiry. 
• The course package remains connected and shows a resonable progression of courses.

 

Are you still confused? Schedule an online appointment now to get customized solution to your problems. 

 

Changing both the Course and the Education Provider

If you want to change your course and the education provider, there can be two scenarios:

 

• Whether you have completed six months of your main course

Or

• You want to change to a course within the first six months.

 

Below is the detailed overview of both scenarios. 

 

Changing Education Providers Within the First Six Months

Changing your education provider within the first six months of your main course is possible only under certain circumstances, such as:

 

• Serious illness.

• Loss of a family member.

• Major disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel.

• Taumatic experience.

 

However, you are required to get a release letter from your current provider before enrolling in a new institution. For this purpose, contact your current educational provider and submit a transfer request. 

 

If your request is approved, your  provider will notify the Department of Home Affairs. You don’t have to update your ImmiAccount or send a fresh Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to the Department. 

 

If your transfer request is not approved, you can appeal the decision through your education provider’s appeal process. But if you are not happy with the results, you can appeal through these options: 

 

• Through your state or territory, Ombudsman.
• Through Overseas Student Ombudsman.​

 

Changing Education Providers After Six Months

If you want to switch courses or providers after six months of study, you don’t need a release letter to do so. Just inform your provider and they will notify the Department of Home Affairs. You don’t have to update your ImmiAccount or send a fresh Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to the Department. 

 

You don’t have to apply for a new student visa if: 

• You are switching from a doctorate to a master’s degree. 
• Your new course is at the same or higher level (for instance, from a diploma to a diploma or a diploma to a bachelor’s degree).

 

You will have to apply for a new student visa if: 

• You are switching from a higher-level to a lower-level course.
• You are switching from  a bachelor’s degree to a diploma or transferring to an ELICOS course.

 

It is important to visit the Department of Home Affairs website because requirements can change based on your circumstances and visa subclass.

 

Final Thoughts

Changing courses on a Subclass 500 Student Visa is possible, but it requires careful planning and adherence to visa conditions. By understanding the rules and following the proper procedures, you can change your course or institution in Australia. However, if you are confused, contact us at The Migration and get help from the expert education counsellors at affordable rates.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is course change allowed in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia can change their courses. However, you must follow specific conditions and procedures. If you wish to change to a course at the same or higher level, you don’t need to apply for a new visa. However, if you want to switch to a lower-level course, you may need to apply for a new student visa.

 

Will changing my course affect my eligibility for post-study work visas?

If changing your course affects the length or quality of your studies, it may also affect your eligibility for post-study work visas. Be sure your new course meets the post-study work visa requirements.

 

What are the financial implications of changing my course?

Changing your course might result in additional costs like application fees, tuition adjustments, and sometimes even visa application fees. It’s crucial to enquire about any potential financial effects from both your current and future institutions.

 

How long does the course change process take?

The duration of the course change process can vary. It can take several weeks to a few months. The course change process includes the following steps:

• Application processing times 
• Obtaining necessary approval 
• Applying for a new visa. 

 

How do I shift a course in Australia?

Follow these steps to change your course in Australia: 

• Check your visa conditions and make sure your visa allows for the change.
• Discuss your intention to change courses with your current institution.
• Submit an application to the new course or institution.
• If you have studied less than six months of your current course, you will need a release letter from your current institution.
• If required, apply for a new student visa.
• Notify your current institution and the Department of Home Affairs about the change.

 

What documents do I need to provide for a course change?

You must submit the following documents for a course change in Australia:

• Current academic transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• A release letter (if applicable).
• A new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the new institution.

 

What is the success rate of the Australian visa subclass 500?

The success rate for the Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) is generally high. As of recent data, the approval rate for higher education visas is around 90.6%.

 

Can I defer my course as an international student in Australia?

Yes, international students can defer their courses under certain conditions. These circumstances include the following:

• Serious illness
• Death of a family member.
• Family emergency.

However, you must get approval from your institution and report to the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Can I change my course if I am on a scholarship?

Yes, you can change your course if you are on a scholarship. However, you must check the terms and conditions of your scholarship. Some scholarships may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding course changes.