When Life Changes: Your Study Options
Sometimes life doesn’t go to plan, and you may need to pause or change your studies. We’ll help you understand your options for deferring or suspending your course, taking a short break or transferring to another provider, including any implications for your fees, enrolment and student visa. If you’re an international student, specific requirements apply under Australian law, so talk to our team before making changes to your study plans.
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When You Need a Break from Study
Deferral or Suspension of Studies - International Students
Sometimes circumstances change, and you may need to pause your studies. If you’re an international student, there are specific requirements that apply to deferring or suspending your enrolment, so it’s important to speak with us before making any decisions.
Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, we may approve a deferral or suspension where compassionate or compelling circumstances apply. These may include a serious illness supported by medical evidence or the death of a close family member.
We’ll assess your request individually and let you know what evidence you need to provide. Please submit your request in writing before your proposed absence wherever possible and include supporting documentation from an appropriate independent source.
Short Leave of Up to Two Weeks - All Students
If you need a short break of up to two weeks, please contact your Student Support Officer to arrange an appointment and discuss your circumstances.
For international students, short leave must be considered in accordance with applicable student visa requirements and our enrolment procedures. Approval is not automatic, so please speak with us before making arrangements.
If you need to be away for longer than two weeks, we’ll discuss the options available to you, which may include deferring your enrolment to a later study period.
Visa and Fee Implications
Deferring or suspending your studies may affect your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), student visa and course completion timeframe. We’ll explain the implications relevant to your circumstances before you make a decision.
Where required, we must report changes to your enrolment through the Australian Government’s Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS). A change to your enrolment does not automatically mean your visa will be cancelled; however, your circumstances may affect your visa status. You should seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent if you’re unsure about your visa.
Any refund or adjustment of fees will be assessed under our Student Fees, Charges and Refunds Policy and Procedure. Please contact us before making changes to your study plans so we can help you understand your options.
Transfer Between Registered Providers
Thinking about moving to another education provider? If you’re an international student, restrictions may apply depending on how long you’ve studied in your principal course and the circumstances of your request.
From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, the transfer restriction period for non-school sector students is generally 12 calendar months of their principal course. From 1 July 2027, the restriction period is scheduled to return to six months. Exceptions may apply under the National Code.
If you’re within the restricted period, we’ll assess your request in accordance with Standard 7 of the National Code and our Student Transfer Policy and Procedure. Where a release is approved, it will be provided at no cost to you.
Please contact your Student Support Officer before arranging a transfer. We’ll explain the process, any supporting information required and the next steps.
Need Help Deciding?
You don’t have to work through this alone. Contact your Student Support Officer to discuss your circumstances and understand your options before changing your enrolment.
For further information, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Education - Support for Students.