There are a number of things to organise and check before you make the decision to change either your course of study or your institution.
Contact student support services on campus or other advisors for help and advice.
You must check your student visa requirements and ensure you follow the correct procedures to maintain your visa. It's important that you do not assume that the advice you get from friends, fellow students or education agents is correct. Make sure to keep a copy of any course cancellation and enrolment paperwork.
Remember, if you change your institution or course at any time you must contact the Department of Home Affairs and provide an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate from your new institution.
Changing your course
If you want to change to a new course at the same institution you are currently studying and at the same level of qualification, you do not need to apply for a new student visa unless your current visa is about to expire.
Changing your level of qualification
If you want to change your level of qualification, for example from a Diploma to a Bachelor Degree, you may need to apply for a new student visa because your visa subclass may change. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
Changing your institution
If you are thinking of moving to a different institution, speak with your current institution for information on doing this. In most circumstances the new institution will be restricted from enrolling you if you have not completed a minimum six months of the main course of study (at your current institution) for which your visa was granted.
If you want to change institutions before completing the first six months of your main course of study you must contact your current institution for permission. You will require a letter of offer from the new institution in order to apply for a letter of release from your current institution.