July 2022 – New Rules on International Students Changing Courses.
International students enrolled in Australian universities will not be able to change their course of study, thesis or research topic without receiving an approval from the Minister, according to the new Australian visa rules.
Currently, international students are able to change a course that they had been on for at least six months with just the approval of their educational institution.
From 1 July 2022, some students will now need to get approval from the Department of Home Affairs, not their educational institution.
The students affected are those undertaking the following
- graduate certificate
- graduate diploma
- master’s degree
- doctorate, or
- any bridging course required as a prerequisite to a course of study or research for a master’s degree or doctorate
These changes are covered under conditions 8204A and 8204B, which will apply to student visas received after July 1, 2022 and will affect student visa holders studying a higher education or postgraduate research course and intend to change their course of study, thesis or research topic.
Applications received before 1 July 2022 will not be affected by the new ruling.
If you are considering changing your thesis, major or research topic you must complete Form 1221 – Additional personal particulars information (PDF) and submit to Adelaide.student.centre@homeaffairs.gov.au. Your subject line must be ‘8203/8204 assessment’.
