When you started your study journey in Australia, you might have picked a course that you thought would be a good option, but then you found you were interested in something else. Or perhaps you started one degree only to realise that the field was becoming obsolete, and that career prospects would be better in another field. Life happens. Our priorities evolve, and the world around us changes. In this modern world, it’s common for job changes every few years- and career changes are normal too.

It can be scary and overwhelming to change your career or course midway through studies. However, a strategic change could be a positive step in a new direction that helps you achieve your career and life goals.

Universities know there are genuine cases where students want to change their study choices and can be very supportive. However, due to some unscrupulous students who changed degrees to extend their stay in Australia, there are regulations and processes that must be followed.

Your first step should be speaking to an international student advisor or a counsellor at your institution. Alternatively, talk to someone from your local IDP office, especially if you want to change courses or move to a different university.

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Will I Need to Change My Visa If I Change My Course?

If you want to lower your qualification level, from a Bachelor to a Diploma for instance, you will need to apply for a new student visa as the visa subclass would have changed. Also, if you need longer time to complete your course, you will need to apply for a new student visa. It is wise to seek advice from an expert at IDP or the Australian Department of Home Affairs before making any decisions. You can check on VEVO to find specific information relating to your visa.

Course Withdrawal Policies

There are government mandated policies around course changes. You will need to follow the processes or risk visa termination.

Changing Courses Within Your University

Each university will have different policies, but in general, switching internally is a simple process. For example, if you want to change to a BSc from a BA, it’s easy to switch and you may be able to cross credit some or all of your completed papers. This may result in more fees and a longer study period, so do consider the consequences before making any decisions.

However, for postgraduate students, consent from the Minister for the Department of Home Affairs is required before starting a new course, research topic, or thesis. Condition 8204 on your student visa limits your ability to change your thesis of research topic.

Transitioning to a New Institution

Before you consider changing your provider, you will need to speak to your current university. If your current provider declines to approve your request, a transfer cannot happen.

If you’ve been studying for less than six months, you’ll need permission from your new institution toapply for and be accepted into your new course, and then you’ll need to request a letter of release from your current provider. This letter will state the reasons why you are moving to a new course of study and provider. There would have to be very compelling reasons, such as a serious illness or a major disaster or traumatic experience.

Your current provider can refuse your request. You need to provide strong reasons why you want to move, and how the new course of study and institution is in your best academic interests.

If you’ve been studying for more than six months, you can transfer without the release letter. You will need to be accepted into the new course and withdraw from the one you’re on.

VET and TAFE Courses

Many of the high-demand courses are for roles where training can be through a VET or TAFE institute. These courses tend to be more hands-on than a more theoretical degree from a traditional university. The degrees here are for lower qualification levels, so you will need to reapply for your student visa if this is what you wish to do.

Careers and Jobs in Demand in Australia

As of December 2024, the most in-demand occupations in Australia are as follows:

  • Registered nurses

  • Software and application programmers

  • Aged and disabled carers

  • Child carers

  • Construction managers

  • Motor mechanics

  • Retail managers

  • Chefs

  • Generalist medical practitioners

  • Metal fitters and machinists

  • ICT business and systems analysts

  • Civil engineering professionals

  • Electricians

  • Early childhood teachers

  • Contract, program, and project administrators

  • Advertising and marketing professionals

  • Physiotherapists

  • Gardeners

  • Mining engineers

  • Database and systems administrators and IT security specialists

You also may want to look further into the future. Artificial intelligence engineers, clean energy workforce, and almost anything in the healthcare and disability sector will be experiencing high demand both now, but also over the next ten years.

Want to Change Your Degree or Provider?

Need to speak to an expert about changing your course in Australia? Connect with us at your local IDP office and talk through your questions and concerns about changing your qualification, subject, or institution. It’s a decision that can result in visa reapplications and disruption in your life, so taking on advice before making any decisions are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my course on a student visa in Australia?

Yes, you can change your course on a student visa in Australia. You will need to follow due process at your institution and the process varies depending on:

  • If your course is equivalent to the one you’re already studying

  • If you intend to stay with your current provider or switch

  • If you will need to reapply for another visa for a longer period

How do I change my course in Australia?

  • If you are staying with your provider, contact them to discuss. They can advise the process, depending on how long you’ve been studying your current degree and what you wish to study.

  • If you intend to switch providers and have been studying for less than six months, then you’ll need to provide compelling reasons to do so. Apply with your current provider as they will need to give permission.

  • If you want to switch providers and have been studying for more than six months, you do not need approval from your current institution, but you will likely need to apply for a new visa.

  • If you intend to change your degree type to a lesser degree, you’ll need to reapply for your student visa.

Who can help with the course withdrawing process in Australia?

Your institution should be your first point of contact. Alternatively, you can chat to experts at IDP, and they can advise you of legal and visa requirements and help you throughout the process.