Transferring to another institution
If you wish to transfer to a different institution in Australia you may be required to have a release letter from UTS before you can enrol at your new institution.
This requirement applies when you are studying on a student visa and have not yet completed 6 months of your principal course at UTS. This is an Australian Government requirement.
If you have completed more than 6 months of your principal course then you may transfer without a release letter.
If you are still enrolled in a preliminary course, you need a release letter to transfer.
- Principal Course
- Six-Month Requirement
- Conditions for Obtaining a Release Letter
- Applying for a Release Letter
- Requirements for Under-18 Students
Principal Course
If you were offered a package of courses at UTS, and applied for a student visa to cover all your courses using more than one Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), then the principal course is the final course in the package.
Examples
- You have 2 CoEs, one for an English or Diploma course at Insearch and one for a Bachelor's course at UTS.
The Bachelor's course is your principal course. - You have 2 CoEs, one for a Graduate Diploma and one for a Master's.
The Master's course is your principal course.
Six-Month Requirement
It is important to note that the Australian Government requirement refers to 6 months exactly from the start date of your CoE, not one semester. Thus, even if you have completed one semester of your course, you may not yet have satisfied the 6-month requirement and will therefore require a release letter to transfer to another institution.
Conditions for Obtaining a Release Letter
Obtaining a release letter from UTS is not automatic. Rather, you must demonstrate to UTS that you satisfy one of the following conditions:
- You had a conditional offer from UTS and did not meet the conditions of your offer. You will have a received an unsuccessful letter from UTS International; or
- Continuing your course at UTS is not in your best academic interest; or
- You have strong personal grounds for moving to another institution.
UTS has the right to refuse your request for a release letter if it considers that there are reasonable grounds to do so.
If UTS refuses your request for a release letter then you have the right to appeal against the University's decision.
Applying for a Release Letter
To apply for a release letter you must do the following:
- Obtain an offer from a new education institution.
Do not pay any tuition fees or deposit to the new education institution at this stage. - Apply to UTS International for a letter of release.
Your application must state your reasons for seeking release from UTS. Include a copy of the offer letter from the new education institution and any other supporting documentation. - If your application is approved then UTS will give you a letter of release to take to your new education institution. You will be informed by email when your letter is available for collection.
- Withdraw formally from your UTS course.
- Accept your offer at your new education institution. Your new institution will give you a new Confirmation of Enrolment certificate (CoE).
- Take your new CoE to your nearest Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) office to inform them of your transfer.
Requirements for Under-18 Students
If you are under the age of 18 the following conditions also apply:
- Your application for release must include a letter from your parent or legal guardian (not your UTS-approved homestay provider) approving your transfer to the new institution.
- If you are not currently living with a parent or suitable relative then your offer letter must confirm that your new institution will accept responsibility for your welfare and accommodation arrangements.
Enquiries
If you have any enquiries about applying for a release letter contact UTS International or by phone +61 2 9514 1531.
