Change School in Australia — Transfer to Clinton Institute 2026

Published by Clinton Institute Admissions Team | Last updated August 2026

You can change schools in Australia without an education agent. From 31 March 2026, education agent commissions are restricted under the Education Services for Overseas Students (Critical Standards) Instruments. Clinton Institute accepts direct enrolment applications — you contact our admissions team directly, receive a personalised offer, and enrol without intermediaries. As a CRICOS-registered provider (RTO 41597 | CRICOS 03540C), we welcome transfer students at any point in the academic year.

Why Transfer to Clinton Institute Without an Agent?

When you enrol directly with Clinton Institute, your fees go toward course quality and trainer expertise — not agent commissions. Since the commission ban came into effect, providers that previously relied on agent referrals are restructuring their enrolment models. Clinton Institute has always accepted direct applications. This means:

• One point of contact — our Melbourne and Hobart admissions teams work with you directly from first enquiry to confirmation of enrolment.
• Transparent fees — published tuition fees reflect actual course investment, with no hidden commission markups.
• Faster communication — your enquiries reach our admissions team directly, not through a third-party intermediary.
• No referral conflicts — our focus is on your study outcomes, not on meeting agent referral targets.

Clinton Institute is registered as RTO 41597 and CRICOS Provider 03540C. All courses listed on our website are currently registered on CRICOS and available for international student enrolment.

The Six-Month Rule — Do You Need a Release Letter?

Under Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, international students wishing to change their education provider must follow specific requirements:

• If you have completed 6 months or more of your principal course at your current provider — you generally do not need a release letter. You can apply directly to Clinton Institute.
• If you have not yet completed 6 months — you will need a Letter of Release from your current CRICOS-registered provider before Clinton Institute can issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Your current college must respond to a release letter request within 21 days under the ESOS Act. If they do not respond, or refuse unreasonably, you may have grounds to escalate to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the relevant state or territory regulator.

When a Release Letter May Not Be Required

• Your current college has closed or ceased to operate
• Your current college has lost its CRICOS registration or can no longer deliver your course
• Your current college has materially breached its obligations under the ESOS Act
• Compassionate or compelling circumstances supported by documented evidence

Clinton Institute's admissions team will assess your specific circumstances and advise on the fastest path to enrolment.

How to Change Schools in Australia — Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Course at Clinton Institute

Review our aged care courses, commercial cookery and hospitality courses, and business courses. Each course page includes intake dates, placement requirements, entry requirements, and career outcomes. Contact our admissions team for a free course advising session before you apply.

Step 2: Check Whether You Need a Release Letter

If you have completed 6 months or more of your principal course, you can apply directly — no release letter required. If you have not yet completed 6 months, request your release letter from your current college.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to Clinton Institute

Complete the application form and attach: your release letter (if required), academic transcripts and current course progress report, passport and current visa details, and English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.) if not already provided.

Step 4: Receive Your Offer and CoE

Clinton Institute will issue a Letter of Offer within 5 business days. Once you accept the offer and pay your fees, we will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the document you need to update your student visa.

Step 5: Update Your Student Visa

With your new CoE from Clinton Institute, you can apply for a new student visa or visa extension with the Department of Home Affairs. Our admissions team can advise on timing and documentation requirements.

CRICOS Courses Available for Transfer Students

Clinton Institute offers the following CRICOS-registered courses across our Melbourne and Hobart campuses. Work placement is arranged by Clinton Institute — not self-arranged.

All courses delivered by Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS Provider 03540C). Placement hours are structured and arranged by Clinton Institute with partner organisations.

"The six-month rule exists to protect students from being pressured into transfers before they have had a genuine opportunity to settle into their studies. But once those six months are complete, students have the right to make their own decisions about their education — and we are here to support that transition. Our direct enrollment process means you have one point of contact from your first enquiry through to your first day of class."

Frequently Asked Questions — Changing Schools in Australia

Our Campuses — Melbourne and Hobart