Australia Extends International Student Transfer Restriction from 6 to 12 Months
Australia has introduced a significant change to the rules governing international student transfers between education providers.
From 2 October 2026, most international students outside the school sector are temporarily required to complete at least 12 months of their principal course before another registered provider can enrol them, unless an exception applies.
Previously, the general transfer restriction period was six months.
The change forms part of amendments to the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code) and will operate as a temporary measure until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027, the restriction period is scheduled to return to six months.
What Has Changed?
The Australian Government amended Standard 7 of the National Code, which regulates transfers between registered education providers.
Under the amended Standard 7.1, a receiving provider generally must not knowingly enrol an overseas student transferring from another registered provider unless the required transfer restriction period has passed.
The rules are now:
| Student category | Transfer restriction |
| Non-school students until 30 June 2027 | 12 months of the principal course |
| Non-school students from 1 July 2027 | 6 months of the principal course |
| School students | First 6 months of the first registered school sector course |
The 12-month restriction therefore applies temporarily to most non-school international students, including students in higher education and VET.
When Did the New 12-Month Rule Start?
The legislative instrument was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 1 October 2026 and commenced the following day, 2 October 2026. It is currently listed as in force.
The Department of Education has also published separate guidance for international students explaining the temporary extension from six to 12 months.
Does This Mean Students Cannot Transfer for 12 Months?
Not necessarily.
The change does not create an absolute ban on transfers during the first 12 months.
Under the amended Standard 7.1A, a receiving provider may enrol a student during the restricted period in specified circumstances, including where:
- the releasing provider or the student’s course has ceased to be registered;
- the releasing provider has received a regulatory sanction preventing the student from continuing their course;
- the releasing provider agrees to the transfer, records the release and reason in PRISMS, and follows its transfer policy and process; or
- a government sponsor considers the transfer to be in the student’s best interests and provides written support.
Therefore, the correct interpretation is not that international students are completely prohibited from changing providers during their first 12 months.
Rather, students who have not completed the required period generally need to satisfy one of the exceptions, such as obtaining an approved release from their existing provider.
What About Students Who Have Already Completed More Than Six Months?
This is particularly important for students already studying in Australia.
The amendment changes the restriction period to 12 months for non-school students on or before 30 June 2027. It is not limited only to students who commence their course after 2 October 2026.
As a result, a student who had completed more than six months but less than 12 months of their principal course when the new rule commenced may again fall within the transfer restriction period.
For example, completing seven or eight months of a principal course does not automatically mean a student can now transfer freely simply because they had already passed the previous six-month threshold.
Their circumstances should be checked against the amended Standard 7 before proceeding with a transfer.
Does the 12-Month Rule Apply to School Students?
No.
The Government has specifically retained the existing rule for school students.
Where the releasing provider is an approved school provider, the restriction continues to apply during the first six months of the student’s first registered school sector course.
The temporary increase to 12 months therefore applies to non-school students.
What Is a “Principal Course”?
The 12-month period relates to the student’s principal course, rather than simply 12 months from the date the student first arrived in Australia.
This distinction can be particularly important for students with packaged courses.
Students should therefore confirm which course is recorded as their principal course and when that course commenced before determining whether they have satisfied the transfer restriction period.
Why Has Australia Introduced the 12-Month Restriction?
The Australian Government describes the measure as part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the integrity of the international education and Student visa system.
In its official announcement on 2 October, the Government described the 12-month rule as a transition measure operating until the introduction of further transfer reforms from 1 July 2027.
The Government has stated that the reforms are intended to address inappropriate visa hopping and problematic transfer practices while maintaining pathways for genuine transfers.
What Will Happen from 1 July 2027?
The current 12-month rule is temporary.
Under the amended National Code, the general transfer restriction period for non-school students will return to six months from 1 July 2027.
However, another major reform is also planned from that date.
The Government has announced that students seeking to transfer to another provider will need to obtain a new Student visa through a transfer stream before commencing study with the new provider.
The Government has also stated that the new visa will retain the end date of the original visa.
In addition, the announced transfer framework is intended to allow students to move across the same AQF level or to a higher level, rather than transferring down the AQF. The Government has specifically stated that students will no longer be able to transfer onshore from Higher Education to VET under this framework.
These 1 July 2027 arrangements should be distinguished from the 12-month rule already operating now.
What Should International Students Do Before Changing Providers?
Students considering a provider transfer should not cancel their current enrolment or commence with another provider solely on the assumption that the old six-month rule still applies.
They should first establish:
- how long they have completed in their principal course;
- whether the 12-month restriction applies to them;
- whether they require a release from their existing provider;
- whether an exception under Standard 7 applies;
- whether the transfer could affect their CoE and Student visa arrangements; and
- whether their proposed new study pathway is consistent with the current Student visa rules.
The Department of Education has published specific guidance for students following the commencement of the new rules.
Key Takeaway
From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, most non-school international students are subject to a 12-month transfer restriction period for their principal course, replacing the previous six-month period.
However, this does not mean all transfers during the first 12 months are prohibited. Transfers can still occur in specified circumstances, including where the existing provider approves a release in accordance with Standard 7.
From 1 July 2027, the National Code restriction is scheduled to return to six months, alongside broader Student visa transfer reforms announced by the Australian Government.
EMK Global Education & Migration can assist international students in reviewing their current enrolment, transfer eligibility and study options before changing education providers.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Please seek advice from a registered migration agent or qualified professional before making any visa or immigration decisions.
Source: Department of Education