Changes to ESOS Framework from July 2007
On 1 July 2007, new legislation regulating the provision of education to international students on student visascame into effect. This legislation is contained in a document commonly referred to as the National Code 2007.
These changes apply to you if you are studying on a student visa, unless you are a student sponsored by AusAID or the Department of Defence (student visa subclass 576).
If you are an international fee-paying student but donot hold a student visa then the following information does not apply to you.
If you are on a student visa (except subclass 576) then the most significant changes for you as an international student are as follows:
Enrolment and Academic Progress
You must be enrolled in a full-time course for the full duration of your student visa.
You are now also expected to complete your course by the end date specified on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For example, a Bachelor of Business degree should be completed in 3 years.
At UTS, this means:
- that you must normally enrol in 24 credit points per semester or equivalent;
- that you can reduce your study load only in special circumstances and only in consultation with your Faculty.
Frequently asked questions about changes to enrolment and academic progress requirements are available.
Leave of Absence
The conditions attached to your student visa require you to maintain your enrolment at the University for the full duration of your visa.
If you need to take a break from your studies it is possible to apply to UTS for Leave of Absence; however, you are only able to take Leave of Absence and maintain the validity of your student visa under very limited circumstances, for example for medical or compassionate reasons.
The new legislation, which came into effect on 1 July, has increased the range of circumstances in which you can apply for Leave of Absence and maintain the validity of your student visa.
If you wish to apply for Leave of Absence you must first contact UTS International on StudentVisa@uts.edu.au or by phone +61 2 9514 1531.
Frequently asked questions about changes to leave of absence requirements are available.
Transferring to another Institution
Under the new legislation, you must obtain permission from UTS if you wish to transfer to another institution within the first 6 months of your course. This permission comes in the form of a Letter of Release.
If you wish to apply for a Letter of Release in order to transfer to another institution within 6 months of commencing your course, you will need to follow this procedure:
- Obtain an offer from the new institution. Do not pay any tuition fees or deposit to the new institution at this stage.
- Apply to StudentVisa@uts.edu.au for a letter of release. You application must state your reasons for seeking release from UTS. Include a copy of the offer letter from the new institution.
- If your reasons are acceptable then UTS will give you a letter of release to take to your new institution.
- Once you have the letter of release you can pay tuition fees or a deposit to your new institution.
Further Information
For further information on your student visa conditions and your rights and responsibilities as an international student go to our ESOS website.
If you are considering altering your enrolment in any way contact UTS International
Frequently asked questions about changes to requirements for transferring to another institution are available.
