Transfer Your Course to Australia — Continue Your Studies with Clinton Institute
Thinking about changing schools in Australia? Whether you are unhappy with your current college, want to pursue a different course, or need to extend your student visa, Clinton Institute welcomes transfer students from other education providers.
As a CRICOS-registered provider (Provider Code: 03540C), we can accept international students at any point in the academic year, subject to intake availability and course capacity. Our admissions team will guide you through every step of the transfer process.
Why Transfer to Clinton Institute?
- CRICOS registered since 2011 — RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C
- Two convenient campuses — Melbourne CBD and Hobart CBD
- Fast processing — we aim to process transfer applications within 5 business days
- Credit for prior learning — you may not need to repeat subjects you have already completed
- Course variety — Aged Care, Commercial Cookery, Hospitality, Community Services, and Business
- No hidden fees — transparent pricing and straightforward enrolment process
- Support from day one — orientation, enrolment, and ongoing student support
The Transfer Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Research and Choose Your New Course
Explore Clinton Institute's course offerings and decide which qualification is right for you. Our courses include:
- Aged Care: Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Diploma of Community Services
- Cookery & Hospitality: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Business: Diploma of Business, Diploma of Leadership & Management, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma
Step 2: Check If You Need a Release Letter
Under Australian Student Visa regulations, you generally need a release letter from your current college before enrolling at a new provider. However, there are important exceptions:
- You have completed 6+ months of your principal course — you may not need a release letter
- Your current college has closed or ceased to be a registered provider
- Your current college has breached the ESOS Act or their registration conditions
- Your current college is under sanction from the Australian Government
If you are unsure whether you need a release letter, contact our admissions team and we will advise you based on your specific circumstances.
Step 3: Request Your Release Letter
Write to your current college requesting a release letter. Your request should include:
- Your full name and student ID number
- The name of your current course
- The reason you wish to transfer (you do not need to go into excessive detail)
- The name of Clinton Institute and the course you wish to enrol in
- Your anticipated start date
Your current college must respond within 21 days. If they do not respond, or if they refuse unreasonably, there may be grounds for escalation.
Step 4: Submit Your Application to Clinton Institute
Once you have your release letter (or if you are exempt), submit your application to Clinton Institute:
- Complete the application form
- Attach your release letter (if required)
- Attach your academic transcripts and current course progress report
- Attach your passport and current visa details
- Attach your English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.) if not already provided
Step 5: Receive Your Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Clinton Institute will assess your application and issue a Letter of Offer within 5 business days. Once you accept the offer and pay your tuition fees, we will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the document you need to update your student visa.
Step 6: Update Your Student Visa
With your new CoE from Clinton Institute, you can:
- Transfer your visa to Clinton Institute if you are already in Australia
- Apply for a new student visa if your current visa has expired or is about to expire
- Apply for a visa extension if you need more time to complete your studies
For visa-related advice, we recommend consulting a registered migration agent. Clinton Institute can refer you to trusted migration agents if needed.
Common Reasons Students Transfer to Clinton Institute
1. Course Quality Issues at Current College
If your current college is not delivering the course as promised — poor training quality, inadequate facilities, insufficient practical training, or inexperienced trainers — you have the right to seek a better education. Many transfer students come to Clinton Institute because they heard about our experienced trainers and hands-on approach.
2. Wanting to Change Course Direction
Many students discover that their original course choice is not right for them. Perhaps you started a business course but now want to pursue aged care — a growing industry with strong job prospects in Australia. Clinton Institute welcomes students who want to change direction.
3. Need to Extend Student Visa
If your student visa is expiring but you need more time to complete your studies, transferring to a new course at Clinton Institute can give you a fresh CoE and a new visa grant period. Our admissions team can help you understand your options.
4. Current College Closed or Lost Registration
If your current college has closed, lost its CRICOS registration, or is no longer able to deliver your course, you have the right to transfer to another registered provider immediately. Clinton Institute will help you get enrolled as quickly as possible.
5. Cheaper Course Options
Clinton Institute offers some of the most affordable vocational courses in Melbourne and Hobart for international students. If you are looking for a quality education at a more accessible price point, we encourage you to compare our course fees.
Credit for Prior Learning — Save Time and Money
If you have already completed units in your current course that are equivalent to units at Clinton Institute, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer. This means:
- You do not pay tuition fees for units you have already completed
- Your course duration may be shortened
- You can focus on the new knowledge and skills you need
Contact our admissions team with your academic transcripts to find out how much credit you can receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Transfers in Australia
Can I transfer from my current college to Clinton Institute in Australia?
Yes. Clinton Institute welcomes students who wish to transfer from their current college. As a CRICOS-registered provider (Provider Code 03540C), we accept transfers at any point in the academic year, subject to intake availability and your current course progress.
Can I transfer to Clinton Institute if I am on a student visa?
Yes. You can transfer to Clinton Institute while on a Student Visa (Subclass 500). However, you must obtain a release letter from your current college before enrolling at Clinton Institute. Clinton Institute will issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) once your transfer is complete.
Do I need a release letter from my current college?
In most cases, yes. Under Australian student visa regulations, you generally need a release letter from your current provider before you can transfer to a new provider. There are some exceptions — including if you have completed 6 months of your principal course. Clinton Institute can guide you through this process.
Will I lose credit for subjects I have already completed?
Clinton Institute offers credit transfer for previously completed units that are equivalent to units in our courses. This means you may not need to repeat subjects you have already passed. Discuss your transcripts with our admissions team to understand your credit options.
How long does the transfer process take?
The transfer process typically takes 2–4 weeks from the time you receive your release letter from your current college. Clinton Institute aims to process all transfer applications within 5 business days of receiving your completed application and release letter.
Can I change my course when I transfer?
Yes. Many students transfer to Clinton Institute specifically to change their course direction. We offer courses in Aged Care, Commercial Cookery, Hospitality, Community Services, and Business. You can apply for a different course when you submit your transfer application.
What if I have already completed 6 months of my current course?
If you have completed 6 months or more of your principal course, you may not require a release letter from your current provider to transfer to Clinton Institute. This is a common situation and our admissions team can advise you based on your specific circumstances.
Can I extend my student visa by transferring to Clinton Institute?
Yes. If your current visa is expiring and you need more time to complete your studies, transferring to Clinton Institute and enrolling in a new course can allow you to apply for a new Confirmation of Enrolment and extend your Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Ready to Transfer to Clinton Institute?
If you are ready to make the change, our admissions team is here to help. We will guide you through every step — from choosing the right course to receiving your new CoE.
Start Your Transfer Application
Questions? Contact our admissions team:
Email: admission@clinton.edu.au
Phone (Melbourne): (03) 8394 2064
Phone (Hobart): (03) 6234 4251