Thinking about changing schools in Australia? Whether you want to pursue a different course, need to extend your student visa, or are unsatisfied with your current provider, Clinton Institute welcomes transfer students from other CRICOS-registered education providers at any point during the academic year.
As a CRICOS-registered training provider (Provider Code: 03540C, RTO ID: 41597) with campuses in Melbourne CBD and Hobart CBD, Clinton Institute offers a streamlined transfer process designed to get you back on track with minimal disruption to your studies. Our admissions team has guided hundreds of international students through school transfers, and we aim to process every application within 5 business days.
Clinton Institute has become a preferred destination for international students seeking to transfer mid-course, particularly in high-demand sectors like aged care, disability support, commercial cookery, and hospitality management. The combination of nationally recognised qualifications, industry-connected work placements, and dedicated student support makes Clinton Institute stand out among Australian vocational education providers.
Key benefits for transfer students:
The transfer process from your current education provider to Clinton Institute typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your complete application. This timeline depends on several factors including whether you need a release letter from your current provider, how quickly your current school responds to your release request, and the completeness of your application when submitted.
The key milestones in your transfer timeline:
If you have already completed more than 6 months of your principal course, you may not need a release letter at all, significantly accelerating the process. Contact our admissions team to understand your specific situation.
Under Australian Student Visa regulations, international students who wish to transfer to a new education provider generally need a release letter from their current provider — unless a specific exemption applies. Understanding whether you need a release letter is the first critical step in planning your school transfer.
You typically DO need a release letter if:
You typically do NOT need a release letter if:
If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, our admissions team can assess your circumstances and advise on the fastest path to enrolment at Clinton Institute.
If you determine that you need a release letter, the request process is straightforward but requires a formal written approach. Your current school is required to respond to your release request within 21 days under Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
Your release letter request should include:
Send your release request via email to your school's international student coordinator or admissions office, and keep a record of the date you sent it. If your school fails to respond within 21 days, or if you believe their refusal is unreasonable, you may be able to escalate the matter through the Overseas Students Ombudsman or seek guidance from the Department of Home Affairs.
Preparing a complete transfer application is the single most effective way to speed up the process. Incomplete applications are the primary cause of delays in issuing Letters of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment. Clinton Institute's admissions team will confirm receipt of your application within 2 business days and notify you of any missing documents.
Required documents for your Clinton Institute transfer application:
Clinton Institute accepts transfer students into a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications across four key industry areas. Each course is CRICOS-registered and includes mandatory work placement with Clinton Institute's industry partner network — not self-arranged placement.
Aged Care and Community Services:
Hospitality and Cookery:
Business and Management:
Credit for prior learning is available for all of the above courses. If you have completed relevant subjects or qualifications at your current institution, you may not need to repeat them at Clinton Institute. Our admissions team will assess your transcripts and provide a personalised credit assessment as part of your application.
Once you have received your new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Clinton Institute, you will need to take steps to ensure your student visa remains valid. The process differs depending on whether you are still in Australia and whether your current visa has expired.
If you are currently in Australia with a valid student visa:
If your current student visa is about to expire or has already expired:
Key reminder: Always maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout the transfer process and ensure your new course is covered under your policy. Failure to maintain OSHC can result in visa complications.
Can I transfer to Clinton Institute if I am on a student visa?
Yes. Clinton Institute accepts international students on student visas from other Australian education providers. As a CRICOS-registered provider (Provider Code: 03540C), we can issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to support your visa transfer or extension application.
How much does it cost to transfer schools in Australia?
Clinton Institute's application fee is detailed on our course pages and application form. There is no charge for credit for prior learning assessment. Your current school may charge a release letter processing fee (not exceeding $500 under Australian regulations). The Department of Home Affairs charges a provider change fee of approximately $719 AUD when you update your student visa.
Can I transfer if I have already completed part of my course?
Yes. Clinton Institute accepts transfer students at any stage of their course, subject to intake availability and course capacity. If you have completed relevant subjects, you may receive credit for prior learning, reducing both your study duration and total course fees.
What happens to the subjects I have already completed?
Subjects completed at your current institution that are equivalent to units in your chosen Clinton Institute qualification may be credited toward your new qualification. Our admissions team will assess your transcripts and provide a credit assessment as part of your application process.
Does Clinton Institute help with visa extensions?
Clinton Institute provides documentation to support your visa application, including your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and enrolment confirmation letters. For specific visa advice, we recommend consulting a registered migration agent. We can refer you to trusted migration agents who specialise in international student visa matters.
Ready to transfer to Clinton Institute?
Contact our admissions team:
RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C | clinton.edu.au