Transferring between registered providers guidelines

Under the National Code 2007, providers are restricted from enrolling transferring students prior to the student completing six months of their principal course.  The principal course is one for which a student visa has been issued as the highest level of study in the program.  At Deakin University this usually means the completion of one full trimester of study.

Approval of release from Deakin

Where a release letter is granted, the letter will be provided at no cost to the student.

Normally all students who are issued a Student visa as a result of a Deakin generated electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) will be expected as a minimum to complete the first six months of the Deakin principal course.

The following criteria are the only circumstances in which Deakin will grant a release before the completion of the first six months of the Deakin program:

• Deakin University’s CRICOS registration has been suspended;
• A government sponsor deems that the transfer is in the best interest of the student;
• There are grounds for compassionate and compelling circumstances (see below); and
• An applicant under 18 years old presents a valid offer from a receiving institution (which also acknowledges the responsibility to provide accommodation, support and general welfare) and provides written evidence of parents'/guardian's support for the transfer.

Compassionate and compelling circumstances to be considered for approval of release from Deakin University will normally be a sudden change of circumstances, beyond the student's control, that impact on plans for on-campus study in Australia. Such circumstances, supported by evidentiary documents, may include;

• Illness of the student or immediate family member evidenced by a medical certificate;
• Death of a student’s immediate family member evidenced by a death certificate;
• Other compassionate circumstances where adequate evidence can be provided to show reason for release.

Please note that the following circumstances will not generally be considered compassionate or compelling circumstances:

• Lack of understanding of Deakin University Transfer between Registered Providers Guidelines or Tuition Fee and Refund Policies.
• Lack of understanding of Deakin University’s enrolment procedures.
• Distance of your residential address from the Deakin campus at which you study.
• Changing to a course that is outside your previous field of study.
• A desire to change to a new course with lower fees.

The applicant requesting a release letter will be advised of the decision in writing within the agreed time frame, outlined upon receipt of application. Please use the form Request for a Release Letter for international students currently enrolled at Deakin University (340 KB). Applications can be submitted in any one of the following ways:

• in person at Deakin University International Reception, Level 2 LA Building, or
• emailed to int.release.refund@deakin.edu.au, or
• sent to: Release Applications, Deakin International – Quality and Compliance, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood Victoria 3125

NOTE: Requests for transfers from currently enrolled students who are in an adjustment period should not expect approval prior to enrolling for six months in the principal award course, except where there is evidence of compassionate or compelling reasons.

The applicant will be free to pursue the change of study plans after completing an enrolment of six months in the originally intended award course at Deakin University.

For international students who are not yet enrolled at Deakin University (including pathway students), please go to the Future International Students website.

Refund of Fees

Refunds are assessed separately. It is important to note that an approved release does not mean you will be automatically approved for a refund. If you believe you are eligible for a refund, you will need to apply directly through the Division of Student Administration (DSA). Go to: www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-information/fees/

If you believe you are eligible for a refund of fees, please complete a Remission of Debt form.