Student Transfer Policy – International Students
Sydney Art School (CRICOS Provider No. 03554G)
Purpose:
This policy outlines the conditions under which Sydney Art School permits the transfer of international students to and from other registered education providers, in compliance with Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
1. Scope
This policy applies to all international students enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course at Sydney Art School.
2. Policy Statement
International students are restricted from transferring to another education provider within the first six calendar months of their principal course of study, unless an approved release is granted.
3. Definitions
-
Principal Course: The final course in a package of courses which the student is enrolled in.
-
Release: Permission granted by the current provider to allow the student to transfer to another CRICOS-registered provider before completing six months of their principal course.
4. Transferring to Another Provider (Outgoing Transfer)
Sydney Art School will consider granting a release within the first six months of a student’s principal course only where:
-
The student provides valid documentary evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances, such as:
-
Medical illness or injury
-
Death or serious illness of a close family member
-
Major personal trauma or unforeseen events
-
-
There is evidence of the new provider’s offer of enrolment (Letter of Offer)
-
The student is not trying to avoid being reported to the Department of Home Affairs for unsatisfactory academic progress or attendance
- A release may be granted if there is sufficient evidence that the student’s academic or career objectives are not being met by the current course, and that the proposed course at another provider better aligns with their long-term goals.
-
The claim that another course “better meets the student’s academic or career goals” is not automatically a sufficient reason. But it can be deemed valid if:
-
The student provides documented evidence (e.g., career plans, course comparisons)
-
There’s a genuine misalignment between the student’s goals and the current course
-
The decision is made in the student’s best interests, not simply for convenience
-
Note: A release will not be granted if:
-
The student has not yet commenced studies with Sydney Art School
-
The request is solely for personal preference (e.g., convenience, location, or cost)
-
The student is attempting to circumvent the student visa requirements
5. Transferring to Sydney Art School (Incoming Transfer)
Sydney Art School may enrol an international student transferring from another provider if:
-
The student has completed at least six months of their principal course; or
-
The student has been granted a release from their current provider; or
-
The current provider has ceased to be registered or the course is no longer available
All students must provide:
-
A Letter of Release (if within six months of the principal course)
-
Evidence of attendance and academic performance (if applicable)
6. Requesting a Release
Students must submit:
-
A written release request
-
Supporting documentation (see paragraph 4)
-
A valid Letter of Offer from the intended provider
All applications are processed within 10 working days, and students will be notified in writing of the outcome.
7. Appeals
If a release is refused, students will be provided with written reasons and may appeal the decision via Sydney Art School’s internal complaints and appeals process.
8. Visa Implications
Students are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs to understand how transferring to a new course or provider may impact their student visa.
9. Record Keeping
Sydney Art School will maintain records of all requests for release and the outcomes on the student’s file for at least two years after the student ceases to be an accepted student.
10. Review
This policy is reviewed annually or in line with changes to legislative or regulatory requirements.
