What Has Changed Under the National Code

From 2 October 2026, Australia temporarily extended the student transfer restriction under Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.

For most international students, the restricted transfer period has increased from six months to 12 months of the principal course.

This temporary measure applies until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027, the restriction is scheduled to return to six months.

The existing six-month restriction for students transferring from an approved school provider remains unchanged.

The Critical Detail: Students Who Had Already Passed Six Months May Be Affected

One of the most important transitional effects is that some students who had already completed more than six months, but less than 12 months, of their principal course may now be restricted again.

Under the previous rule, these students may already have been outside the six-month transfer restriction.

From 2 October 2026, however, the new 12-month threshold applies. This means a student who has completed less than 12 months of their principal course may require a release from their current provider, unless another exception under the National Code applies.

The Explanatory Statement specifically identifies this scenario, so students should not assume that passing the old six-month mark automatically allows them to transfer.

Why Has the Government Made This Change?

The Government says the temporary extension is intended to address integrity and student welfare risks associated with rushed or non-genuine provider transfers ahead of further student visa reforms expected in 2027.

The measure forms part of a broader tightening of Australia’s international education and student visa integrity settings.

What Standard 7 Now Requires

Until 30 June 2027, a receiving provider generally cannot knowingly enrol an international student transferring from another registered provider before the student has completed 12 months of their principal course, unless an applicable exception applies.

A transfer may still be possible where:

• the releasing provider, or the student’s course, has ceased to be registered;
• the releasing provider has been sanctioned in a way that prevents the student from continuing the course;
• the releasing provider agrees to the student’s release and records the relevant details in PRISMS in accordance with its transfer policy and Standard 7 requirements; or
• a government sponsor considers the transfer to be in the student’s best interests and provides written support.

Practical Steps for Affected Students

1. Check how long you had completed your principal course as at 2 October 2026. Students who had completed at least six months but less than 12 months may be particularly affected.
2. Confirm whether you need a release. If you are planning to change providers before completing 12 months, check your current provider’s transfer policy and whether a release may be approved.
3. Do not assume a new offer or CoE means you can transfer immediately. The provider transfer rules and your Student visa position should both be checked before you make changes.
4. Get advice before changing course or provider. The interaction between provider transfer rules, course changes and Student visa requirements can be complex.

Key Takeaways

• From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, most international students are subject to a 12-month principal-course transfer restriction.
• Students who had already passed the previous six-month threshold are not automatically grandfathered.
• The school-sector transfer restriction remains at six months.
• A transfer may still be possible during the restricted period if the current provider approves the release or another National Code exception applies.
• From 1 July 2027, the general restriction is scheduled to return to six months.

If you are considering changing your course or education provider, do not rely only on your enrolment history or a new offer letter. Your current course, time already completed, provider release position and Student visa status should be reviewed together before you make the move.

At Riverwood Migration, we can assess how the new transfer rules apply to your circumstances and identify any visa risks before you change provider or course.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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