Release for student visa holders

Check if you need a release

You will need to request a release if both of the following apply:

you haven’t completed six months of your principal course (the final course in your package covered by your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
you hold a valid unconditional offer from another CRICOS-registered education provider.

You will not require a release if you have completed more than six months of your principal course.

If you are considering transferring to another Australian education provider, read our International Student Change of Provider Policy.

Eligibility

Before applying, check the circumstances listed in the International Student Change of Provider Policy to find out:

When a release will be granted

Clause 2.4 of the policy sets out when you’re eligible for a release. Examples may include but are not limited to:

you’ve completed the course requirements at the Centre for English Teaching (CET) or University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP), but your final results don’t meet the entry requirements for your principal course
you’ve completed one semester of learning on the principal course
you're a government-sponsored student and the sponsor has provided the written support for the transfer
there are significant compassionate and compelling circumstances for the transfer.

When a release will not be granted

Clause 2.5 of the policy sets out when you’re eligible for a release. Examples may include but are not limited to:

the new course at the new provider is at a lower Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level than the original principal course at the University of Sydney
you have completed the course requirements at CCET or the USFP and your final results meet the entry requirements for the principal course
for packaged students, you have been identified for or reported due to unsatisfactory attendance and/or unsatisfactory progression
you have provided a fraudulent document, have a misconduct process underway or been found guilty of misconduct
there are no compassionate and compelling circumstances for the transfer.

Compassionate and compelling circumstances

are generally involuntary and outside of your control
significantly impact your ability to progress with your planned study and leave you with limited or no choice but to transfer to another provider
are demonstrated by evidence.

Apply for a release

Download and complete the release request form, then email it with your supporting documents to the ESOS Compliance team.

International student release request form

Filename: international-student-release-request-form.pdf
Title: International student release request form
Size: 206 KB
Format: application/pdf
Extension: pdf

Supporting documents

Attach the following documents to your email:

a signed personal statement explaining the reason(s) for your release application including any supporting evidence
a copy of your valid unconditional offer from your new CRICOS-registered education provider
a copy of the identification page of your current passport.

If you’re under 18

Your parent or legal guardian must sign both your release request form and your personal statement.

If you are not being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable nominated relative, your new education provider must confirm it will accept responsibility for approving your accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in accordance with Standard 5 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. You need to attach documentary evidence of this to your email.

If you’re a CET or USFP student

If you have received a packaged offer from the CET or the USFP, you need to attach your transcript, attendance certificate and/or completion certificate.

What happens next

Your application will be assessed within 10 working days from the date you submit a complete application.

If your application meets the requirements, we will provide you with a release. If your application is not successful, we will inform you and outline reasons for this decision in writing.

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