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I would like to be released from Curtin University and study at another institution. What do I need to do?

UPDATED 28 MAY 2024 | 2:54AM

If you are an international student on a student visa, you must remain with the education provider with whom you originally enrolled for the first six calendar months of your course, or if your course is less than six months, for the duration of your course. If you are undertaking a pre-requisite course, you must remain with the provider of the pre-requisite course for the length of that course, and then with the education provider providing your principal course of study for the first six calendar months.

A letter of release approving transfer must be obtained by an international student visa holder, seeking to transfer institutions within the first six months of study in their principal (mainstream) course (in addition to any prior preparatory study eg. Foundation, English, Diploma).

You must remain enrolled as per your visa condition 8202 until the assessment of your release letter is complete.

In order to be assessed for a release letter, you need to follow the following steps:

If you are a packaged student, please talk to your pathway provider: Curtin English, Curtin College, or Canning College.
Step 1:
  • Complete the Release Letter Request Form. Remember to attach all the documentation requested for on the application form. These include:
    • Statement detailing reasons for requesting release.
    • Evidence to support your reason for request.
    • A copy of the Letter of Offer from the institution to which you seek to transfer to (please note conditional offers may not be accepted).
Step 2:
  • If you are a new to Curtin international student and have not commenced studies in your mainstream course, please submit this request to Curtin International via Ask International weblink.
  • If you have commenced your course and completed less than 6 months of your course, please submit this request to the International Visa Office via email at IO-Visa@curtin.edu.au.

Once you submit the application, it takes 10 working (business) days for the process to be completed.

Sponsored Students: If you are a sponsored student, written confirmation from your sponsor approving the provider must be attached.

Under 18: If you are under 18, a letter of support from your parent/guardian and/or written confirmation from proposed provider that they accept responsibility for approving your accommodation and general welfare arrangements must be attached.

Staff Information:

  1. Students will often come requesting updates. First check that they have submitted the release form and any other information to Ask International weblink or IO-Visa@curtin.edu.au.
  2. If they have, kindly ask them when, as it takes 10 working days from the day the request has been submitted.
  3. If they would like to appeal a decision there will be details provided on their decision notice.

Sometimes students will request for an urgent decision - requests cannot be made for 'urgent assessments' and will be responded to within 10 business days of a full application being received.

FAQ managed by International Admissions.

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