Request for release

Effective from 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, international students on a student visa who have not completed at least twelve months of their principal course at ACU must obtain approvals from the university if they wish to enrol at another education provider.  From 1 July 2027, the transfer restriction period will return to six months. This means that students who have completed less than six months of their principal course at ACU will need to obtain approval from the University before transferring to another education provider. The request will be formally assessed as per the International Student Release Policy

Students do not require a release once the relevant transfer restriction period has passed. The twelve or six calendar months restriction period are calculated from the first day of the principal course. The principal course is usually the final course of study that you will undertake. For example, if you are studying a pathway program followed by a bachelor program, the bachelor program is your principal course.

Students seeking release should refer to the Study in Australia – Transfer institute or course information.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires that students who are granted a student visa must comply with Condition 8516 and 8202. Students considering moving to a lower AQF level course are urged to seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) prior to finalising their decision.

Education providers are not permitted to enrol students seeking a transfer from another provider until the relevant transfer restriction period has passed, except in limited circumstances as provided in Standard 7 of the National Code 2018.

Students should remain enrolled in their current course of study until such time they receive an outcome of their application.

How to apply for a release

1. Read the International Student Release Policy carefully.
2. Download and complete the Application for Release Form (PDF file, 304KB)
3. Provide a copy of the new provider's valid unconditional Letter of Offer and any other supporting documentation with the completed application for release.
4. If you are under 18 of age, please also provide the following:

• Written confirmation that the student's parent or legal guardian supports the transfer; and
• Where the student is not being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable nominated (blood) relative, the valid enrolment offer also confirms that the receiving provider will accept that responsibility for approving the student's accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements, and to ensure that there is no gap in the welfare arrangements as per Standard 5 of the National Code 2018. 

Timeframe

Students will be advised of an outcome within 14 days of the formal request for release.