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Release

If you want to change universities, there are different processes based on how long you have been enrolled at La Trobe.

Standard 7 of the National Code restricts providers from enrolling students transferring from another institution prior to the student completing six months of their principal course of study, except in certain circumstances.

  • If you want to change universities within the first six calendar months of your principal course (per the date on your CoE) and you want to continue studying in Australia, you will need to apply for a Release from La Trobe University.
  • If you have completed six calendar months of your principal course at La Trobe University, you do not need to apply for a Release and can apply to discontinue your enrolment and transfer freely. Please note: a Leave of Absence (break from studies) is not counted towards the six calendar months calculation.

If you are applying for a Release and can demonstrate to the satisfaction of La Trobe University that the transfer to another provider is in your best interests, a Release may be granted. Examples include:

  • where the transfer represents a clear educational progression.
  • where you can demonstrate that you are experiencing academic difficulties in your current course.
  • where your personal circumstances suggest that changing to an alternative course with another provider is in your best interests.

How to apply

Complete the below steps and submit your application via email to int.release@latrobe.edu.au

You must maintain a valid enrolment while your release application is being assessed. This includes re-enrolling in subsequent study periods. You are advised not to accept an offer at another institution, enrol or pay fees until La Trobe University has issued a Release.

Application steps

1. Complete a Request for Release Form.

2.  Write a personal statement explaining why you want to be released.

3. Attach an unconditional Letter of Offer from the University you wish to attend.

4. Provide evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances (if applicable).

5. Submit your Request for a Release Form and documents to  int.release@latrobe.edu.au

6. If your applicable is successful and you are granted Release, you must submit a Discontinuation of Enrolment form.

Please note:

  • If you are a sponsored student, you must provide written permission from your sponsor agreeing to the transfer.
  • If you are under 18 years of age, you will need the written consent of your parent or guardian.

Application outcome

It can take up to 10 working days to assess your application form. If you submit an incomplete application, you will be asked to submit all documents before we can assess your application.

A release approval does not discontinue your enrolment at La Trobe University. If your application is successful and you are granted Release, you must submit a Discontinuation of Enrolment form.

Important information:

  • You must maintain your enrolment and continue to attend all scheduled classes, until a decision is made on your application.
  • Do not complete the Discontinuation of Enrolment form until after your release request is approved.
  • There is no fee charged for a Release.
  • If you hold a student visa and have not yet enrolled, you still require a Release during the first six months of your intended principal course before accepting an offer from another provider.
  • If you discontinue your studies before your results are released, you will not receive results for any completed assessments, so you might consider waiting until after you receive your results to change your university.
  • A release approval does not guarantee a refund of tuition fees. This is a separate process, and the Student Fee Procedure - International Students Refund should be considered prior to lodging your application. Visit the Refunds and Remission of Debt webpage for more information.

  • Appeal outcomes: If an appeal (internal or external) on another matter results in a decision or recommendation to release you.
  • Compassionate and/or compelling circumstances: If there are grounds and evidence for compassionate and/or compelling circumstances.
  • Course delivery failure: If La Trobe fails to deliver the course as outlined in the written agreement.
  • CRICOS Registration or ESOS Sanction: If La Trobe’s CRICOS registration is suspended, or an ESOS agency sanction prevents you from continuing your studies, or if La Trobe fails to deliver the course as outlined in the student agreement.
  • Government sponsor: If your government sponsor deems the transfer to be in your best interests and provides written support for the change.
  • Misleading information: If there is evidence that you were misled by La Trobe or an education or migration agent about the course, making it unsuitable to meet your needs and/or study objectives.
  • Pathway provider: If your pathway provider indicates you have not met academic progress requirements.
  • Under 18 students: If you are under 18 years old and present a valid offer from a receiving institution (which acknowledges responsibility for accommodation, support, and general welfare) and provide written evidence of parent/guardian support for the transfer.
  • Unmet expectations: If there is evidence that your reasonable expectations about the course have not been met.
  • Unsatisfactory progress: If you are enrolled in a La Trobe pathway and are reported to the Australian Government (DHA) for unsatisfactory progress or attendance, even after participating in an intervention strategy.

The following circumstances are generally not considered compassionate or compelling:

  • Lack of understanding of La Trobe’s transfer guidelines, tuition fee and refund policies, or enrolment procedures.
  • Lack of understanding of La Trobe’s course content or campus.
  • Desire to change to a new course with lower fees, shorter duration, to be closer to family and friends, or to be eligible for a future visa or residency.
  • Inability to find or secure accommodation.
  • CoE cancellation for non-commencement of study or inactive enrolment status.
  • Failure to meet student visa conditions, including financial capacity to fund study and living costs.
  • Failure to actively participate in intervention strategies, transition, or support services available at La Trobe and make a genuine effort to succeed academically.
  • If the course you intend to undertake with the new provider is not at the same or a higher AQF level than the registered principal course for which you were granted a student visa.
  • Where the commencement date of the new offer has passed without written approval from the new provider for late enrolment.

Appeals against a decision

You have the right to appeal a decision by the University, including a decision not to grant a letter of Release. If a Release letter is not granted, you can either lodge a new application for a release or lodge an appeal. Appeals are considered by an independent person who was not involved in the original decision.

To appeal a decision not to grant a Release, email InternationalAppeals@latrobe.edu.au within 10 working days of the date on the release outcome letter.

Commencing with a new education provider

If you are granted a Release, you will need to provide this written confirmation from La Trobe University to your new education provider.

Once they have issued you with a new CoE, you should provide that to the Department of Home Affairs.

If your new course is in a different visa subclass to your course at La Trobe University, you may be required to apply for a new student visa.

Visa information

Once we have issued your Release and approved your discontinuation, we will report to the Department of Home Affairs that you are no longer studying at La Trobe University and your CoE will be cancelled.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs are aware of your new education provider, and of the course you have chosen. You are strongly advised to report to the Department of Home Affairs office within 28 days of your cessation of studies at La Trobe University.

For changes in your situation, such as changes in your study, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs through their Change in situation page.