An amendment to the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 has been registered, doubling the period most international students must study with their provider before they can transfer. The change commences on 2 October 2026 and applies until 30 June 2027.
What has changed
Under Standard 7 of the National Code, a provider must not knowingly enrol an international student who is transferring from another registered provider before a set period has passed. That period was six months of the student's principal course.
The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students Amendment (Overseas Student Transfers) Instrument 2026 changes this to:
- Students outside the school sector: at least 12 months of the principal course must be completed before transferring, until 30 June 2027.
- From 1 July 2027: the restriction returns to six months.
- School sector students: no change - the restriction still ends after the first six months of the student's first registered school sector course.
A receiving provider can still enrol a student within the restricted period if:
- the releasing provider, or the course, is no longer registered;
- the releasing provider has had a sanction imposed that prevents the student continuing the course;
- the releasing provider agrees to release the student and records the release in PRISMS; or
- a government sponsor of the student considers the change to be in the student's best interests and gives written support.
Providers must have a documented policy and process for assessing transfer requests.
Who it affects
- International students outside the school sector who have completed less than 12 months of their principal course.
- The instrument has no transitional provision. The explanatory statement confirms that students who had completed more than six but less than 12 months before 2 October 2026 are again subject to the restriction until they reach 12 months. Students who started their principal course 12 months or more before that date are not affected.
- Education providers and agents assessing transfer requests.
When it starts
The amendment commences on 2 October 2026 and the 12-month period applies until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027 the six-month period applies again.
What you should do now
- Work out how many months of your principal course you have completed before taking any step to change provider.
- If you need to transfer within the first 12 months, speak to your current provider about a release and get the outcome in writing.
- Remember that your visa conditions still apply. Changing course or provider can affect your Student visa, and from 2 October 2026 most students who need a new Student visa must also apply from outside Australia. See our article on the 2 October student visa changes.
- Do not stop attending or withdraw from your course until your options are confirmed.
Our Subclass 500 Student visa guide and Genuine Student requirement guide explain the wider visa rules.
Source
- National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students Amendment (Overseas Student Transfers) Instrument 2026 (F2026L01351) and explanatory statement - Federal Register of Legislation
This article is general information only and is not migration advice. How these rules apply depends on your course, provider and visa.
If you are thinking about changing course or provider, book your consultation with Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) before you act.