Applying for a Letter of Release is a critical step if you plan to change courses in Australia. This guide provides a clear overview of eligibility requirements, acceptable reasons, the application process, and key visa and CoE considerations to ensure your course change complies with Australian regulations.
1. What is a Letter of Release?
A Letter of Release is an official document issued by your current education provider, allowing you to transfer to another course or institution within the first six months of your principal course.
This document ensures your course transfer complies with the ESOS Framework and the National Code 2018, which regulate international education in Australia.
In many cases, a Letter of Release is mandatory before your new institution can issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
2. When Do You Need a Letter of Release to Change Courses in Australia?
You will generally need a Letter of Release in the following situations:
2.1 You Have Not Completed Six Months of Your Principal Course
If you are enrolled in a principal course (such as a Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) and wish to change courses within Australia, your current provider is required to assess whether the transfer is reasonable and does not negatively affect your visa pathway.
2.2 You Are Changing to a Completely Different Field of Study
For example, moving from Business to Community Services or Nursing.
In these cases, providers typically require strong justification aligned with your long-term career goals.
2.3 You Are Requesting a Transfer for Personal or Academic Reasons
Common examples include:
- Course content is too demanding or unsuitable for your academic background
- Limited access to student support services
- Learning experience does not match what was originally offered
- Health issues or family circumstances affecting study progress
3. Acceptable Reasons for Requesting a Letter of Release
To be granted a Letter of Release, you must present clear, reasonable reasons supported by evidence. Commonly accepted reasons include:
3.1 Your Current Course No Longer Aligns with Your Career Direction
This is one of the strongest justifications when clearly explained:
- After commencing study, you realise the course does not support your long-term career goals
- You have researched the Australian labour market (e.g. skills shortages in Community Services, Aged Care or Disability Support) and identified better career prospects
- Continuing the current course would be inefficient and offer limited practical value
3.2 Academic Difficulties
Applicable where you face genuine challenges such as:
- Highly technical terminology
- Teaching methods that do not suit your learning style
- Entry-level knowledge gaps
- Excessive workload impacting academic performance
3.3 Health or Personal Circumstances
Accepted under ESOS regulations when supported by evidence:
- Stress, anxiety, depression or burnout
- Physical health limitations incompatible with the course
- Changes in family or financial circumstances
3.4 Inadequate Support or Services from the Institution
This reason may be valid if:
- The provider cannot arrange required work placement on time
- Frequent staff changes affect teaching quality
- International student support is insufficient
- Facilities do not meet course requirements
3.5 Evidence That the New Course Offers Better Outcomes
A strategic reason, particularly when moving into a high-demand sector:
- The new field has stronger employment prospects (supported by Job Outlook or Skills Priority List data)
- Your skills and experience are better suited to the new course
- You have relevant work or volunteer experience
- You can demonstrate a clear and realistic career pathway
4. Letter of Release Application Process in Australia
While procedures vary by institution, the general process includes five key steps:
Step 1: Contact Student Support or the International Office
- Most institutions provide an application form or online portal
- Clearly explain your intention to change courses and provide valid reasons
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
These may include:
- Statement of reasons
- Offer Letter from the new institution
- Evidence supporting academic or personal reasons
- A revised study plan
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Lodge via the institution’s online system or email
- Some providers may request a counselling session
Step 4: Assessment by the Institution
The provider will consider:
- Your reasons for transferring
- Visa implications
- Educational benefit
- Quality and clarity of supporting documents
Step 5: Receive the Outcome and Apply for a New CoE
- If approved, you will receive a Letter of Release to submit to the new provider for CoE issuance
- If refused, the institution must provide written reasons and you have the right to lodge an internal appeal
5. Processing Time for a Letter of Release
- Typical timeframe: 5–20 business days
- Some institutions process within 3 days; others may take up to 4 weeks if additional documents are required
Tips to speed up processing:
- Submit a complete application from the outset
- Present a clear, well-structured study plan
- Ensure the new course aligns with your career direction
6. Important Visa and CoE Considerations When Changing Courses
Changing courses affects not only your enrolment but also your visa status.
6.1 Your Existing CoE Will Be Cancelled
Once a Letter of Release is issued:
- Your current provider will report the change via PRISMS
- Your visa remains valid, but you must obtain a new CoE promptly
Avoid study gaps:
Extended gaps between CoEs may raise concerns with the Department of Home Affairs and lead to:
- Requests for Further Information (RFI)
- Review of visa conditions 8105 and 8202
- Possible visa cancellation for failing to maintain enrolment
6.2 The New Course Must Be at the Same or Higher AQF Level
Under Student visa (subclass 500) rules, you cannot downgrade your study level (e.g. Bachelor to Diploma) without approval.
Downgrading may:
- Undermine your Genuine Student assessment
- Impact visa extensions or future applications
6.3 Avoid Frequent Course Changes
Multiple transfers may raise doubts about your genuine study intentions. Only change courses when necessary, with strong justification and a consistent study plan.
6.4 Keep All Documentation
Retain all documents related to your course change for:
- New enrolments
- Visa renewals
- Requests from the Department of Home Affairs
- Compliance checks
Store documents securely in cloud storage and label them clearly for future reference.
Conclusion
Applying for a Letter of Release is a critical step when changing courses in Australia. A well-prepared application, valid reasons and a clear understanding of visa requirements will help minimise processing time and reduce visa risks.
>> If you are considering changing courses in Australia and need support with eligibility assessment, visa strategy or Letter of Release preparation, contact the Next Gem team for free professional advice.
