Important update: temporary change to student transfer restrictions

From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, if you want to transfer from UTS to another education provider before completing 12 months of your principal course, you will need to get a release from UTS first.

 

This is a temporary Australian Government change, extending the existing transfer restriction period from 6 months to 12 months. From 1 July 2027, it will return to 6 months.

What is your principal course?

If you have a package of courses, your principal course is the final course in the package covered by your Student visa. 

For example: 

  • If your package includes an English or diploma course at UTS College followed by a bachelor's course at UTS, the bachelor’s course is your principal course. 
  • If your package includes a graduate diploma followed by a master's course at UTS, the master’s course is your principal course. 

Your transfer restriction period

The transfer restriction period is calculated in calendar months from the start date of your principal course.

The restriction period is:

  • 6 months for a transfer before 2 October 2026
  • 12 months for a transfer from 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027
  • 6 months for a transfer on or after 1 July 2027.

Once you have completed the transfer restriction period that applies to you, you can transfer to another education provider without obtaining a release from UTS.

Check how transferring may affect your Student visa

Transferring to another course or education provider may affect your Student visa. For example, if you transfer to a course at a lower Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, you may need to apply for a new Student visa.

UTS does not provide visa or immigration advice. Before transferring, check your visa requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or seek your own immigration advice.

You can also find information about qualification levels on the Australian Qualifications Framework website.

Applying for a release from UTS

To obtain release approval, you must demonstrate that you meet the conditions in the UTS Release Protocol. UTS may refuse your request if you do not meet these conditions.

To apply:

  • Complete the Application for Release – International Students.
  • Submit a personal statement explaining the reason(s) for your release request
  • Obtain a valid, unconditional offer from your new CRICOS registered provider. Do not pay tuition fees or a deposit to the new provider at this stage.
  • Provide additional supporting documentation where relevant, such as medical certificate, counselling reports.
  • Your application will be assessed within 10 working days of submitting a complete application.

If your application is approved, UTS will notify you by email and record the release in PRISMS. Your new education provider can then issue your CoE.

If your application is refused, UTS will  notify you of the outcome by email. You will have 20 working days to appeal the decision. Refer to the UTS Release Protocol for more information for information about the appeals process.

Note: You must remain enrolled in your course until a final decision is made.

If you are under 18

Additional requirements apply if you are under 18:

  • Your parent or legal guardian must sign the release application form and provide written evidence that they support your request to transfer.
  • If you are not living with a parent or suitable relative, your new provider must confirm that it will accept responsibility for your accommodation, support and welfare arrangements. You will need to attach evidence of this with your application.

More information

For questions about applying for a release, contact the International Student Advisory team at internationalstudent@uts.edu.au. You can also call 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887) for general enquiries.

If you are under 18, email under18student@uts.edu.au for assistance.