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Current students
Release for student visa holders
If you want to transfer to another education provider prior to completing six months of your principal course at the University of Sydney, you will need to request a release.
- Release for student visa holders
- Appealing the outcome of your release request
Release for student visa holders
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 2025 (pdf, 547KB).
If you have any questions, contact the ESOS Compliance team at esos.compliance@sydney.edu.au
Circumstances for a release
You will need to request a release if you have not yet completed six months of your principal course (the final course in your package covered by your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment) and hold a valid unconditional offer from another CRICOS-registered education provider.
Before applying, check the circumstances listed in the International Student Change of Provider Policy 2025 (pdf, 547KB) to find out when:
- a release will be granted (clause 2.4). Examples may include but are not limited to:
- you have completed the course requirements at CET/USFP but your final results do not meet the entry requirements for the principal course
- you have completed one semester of learning the principal course
- for government-sponsored students, the sponsor has provided the written support for the transfer
- there are significant compassionate and compelling circumstances* for the transfer.
- a release will not be granted (clause 2.5). 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 CET/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.
How to apply
Complete the Release request form (pdf, 206KB) and email it to esos.compliance@sydney.edu.au. You will also need to attach the following supporting documents:
- 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.
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’ll need to attach documentary evidence of this to your email.
If you have received a packaged offer from CET or USFP, you will 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.
Last updated: 16 May 2025
