International Student Transfer Policy
Under the revised National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers for Education and Training to Overseas (the National Code), registered providers are only able to enrol transferring students in the first six months from the commencement of the student’s principal course of study in limited circumstances. The following provides information about the University of Melbourne Policy and the International student transfer procedures.
- University of Melbourne Policy
- International student transfer procedures
- For further information, visit the Australian Government's Australian Education International website.
University of Melbourne Policy
This policy refers to students currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne who wish to transfer away from the University to another institution.The University of Melbourne is entitled to determine the circumstances in which it may provide or refuse to provide a letter of release. This policy took effect from 1 July 2007. A letter of release will be granted by the University only where the transfer will not be to the detriment of the student or their future studies (e.g. a letter of release will be issued if a student is experiencing personal difficulty or educational problems that can not be addressed by the University’s resources).A letter of release is not required if:
- a student is sponsored by their government and the sponsor considers the change to be in the student's best interest and has provided written support for the change; or
- the course for which the student has received a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will not be offered by the University and ceased to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
A letter of release will not be granted to a student:
- within four weeks of a course beginning;
- if the University forms the view that the student is trying to avoid being reported to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for failure to meet the provider’s attendance or academic progress requirements;
- if the student applies to transfer to another sector (e.g. VET) or another level (e.g. Bachelor to Diploma) unless the student has discussed the request with the University’s course advisor and the course advisor has made a recommendation supporting the transfer, based on an assessment of what is in the student’s best interests, whether there are compassionate and compelling circumstances, and whether the student is likely to succeed in his or her present course;
- if the transfer may jeopardise the student’s progressions through a package of courses; or
- if the intended course will not provide adequate preparation for further study, nor be recognised by higher education or VET providers as meeting their entry requirements and the transfer would be detrimental to the student’s future study plans.
The University will assess a student’s request for release against its policies and procedures and
will only grant a letter of release when the student has:
- provided a letter from another registered provider confirming that a valid enrolment offer has been made;
- provided a letter detailing the benefits to them by enrolling in the alternate course; and
- where the student is under 18:
- the registered provider has written confirmation that the student’s parental or legal guardian supports the transfer; and
- where the student is not being cared for in Australia by a parent or a suitable nominated relative, the valid enrolment offer also confirms that the registered provider will accept that responsibility for approving the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.
International student transfer procedures
Application Process
International students who have accepted an offer from the University of Melbourne and have been granted a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and wish to transfer providers within the first six months of their study must submit the following documents to the General Manager, International Admissions:
- A written letter detailing the reasons behind their request to transfer to another institution and how they will benefit from the transfer.
- A copy of the offer letter from the other institution confirming that they have been offered an unconditional place at the institution.
- Written confirmation that the student’s parent or legal guardian supports the transfer if the student is under 18 years of age.
- Written approval for the change from the scholarship body if a sponsor is paying the tuition fees.
Outcome
Students will be notified of the outcome of their request within ten working days of submitting their request to the General Manager, International Admissions. There is no charge for a letter of release.
- Successful outcome
Students will be informed that the University has approved the request to transfer to another institution, DIAC will be informed and their University of Melbourne COE cancelled. The student must be advised that they will need to contact DIAC to seek advice on whether a new student visa is required.
- Unsuccessful outcome
Students will be informed of the reasons for this decision and informed that they may freely transfer between institutions after six months. Students can appeal the decision in writing in accordance with the University’s complaints and appeals process.