Once you have started studying, you may decide you want to change your course or where you are studying.

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How do I change my course?

Depending on what you want to study, you may be able to submit an application for an internal transfer with your higher education provider to a new course.

Each provider will have their own process for students to follow when transferring internally.

If you are not able to transfer internally or if you want to start studying at another provider, you will need to submit a new application. For universities this may be done through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) in your state or territory, or otherwise by applying directly to your preferred provider.

If you have enrolled in a course and submitted an application for a HELP loan, but change your mind before your course starts, you will still need to withdraw by the census date or you may incur a HELP debt.

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The first step to changing courses

If you are considering changing your course or where you study, you should first contact your provider, as well as your prospective provider, to discuss the process and options available to you.

It is a good idea to ask about how you would apply for credit for any units of study you have already successfully completed as part of your course.

Is my HELP loan transferable?

No, if you have an existing HELP loan application for your current course, you cannot transfer this to your new course.

How do I manage my HELP loan when transferring courses?

You must firstly withdraw your HELP application from your existing course and then apply for a new HELP loan for your new course.

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It is important to follow the correct process for withdrawing from your current course.

If you do not follow the correct process including withdrawing by the census date, you will incur a HELP debt.

You must follow the correct process for withdrawing even if you are changing to a new course at the same provider.

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You will need to complete the required enrolment forms and a new HELP application for your new course.

You need to do this even if you are moving to a new course at the same provider. This needs to be completed by the census date or you will have to pay tuition fees upfront.  If you are not sure how to do this you should contact the admissions office of your new provider.

They will be able to assist and confirm that you have completed this process correctly.

Switching courses or providers recap

  1. Step 1

    Discuss your interest in changing courses with your current or prospective provider. Understand how you need to apply for your new course.

  2. Step 2

    Receive an enrolment offer from the provider for your new course.

  3. Step 3

    Accept the new enrolment offer.

  4. Step 4

    Complete the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) requesting Commonwealth assistance through a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and/or HELP loan.

  5. Step 5

    Confirm your existing provider’s withdrawal process and the census date.

  6. Step 6

    Complete your provider’s withdrawal process before the next census date.