• Section 1 - Summary
• Section 2 - HESF/ASQA/ESOS Alignment
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Definitions
• Section 5 - Policy Statement
• National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
• Section 6 - Procedures

Section 1 - Summary

(1) This Policy outlines the principles by which Victoria University (VU) assesses requests from international students wishing to transfer to or from a VU course, prior to students completing six months of their principal course of study.

Section 2 - HESF/ASQA/ESOS Alignment

(2) HESF Standards: 1.2 Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning; 2.4 Student Grievances and Complaints; 7.2 Information for Prospective and Current Students

(3) ESOS National Code of Practice: Standard 1.5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10. 

(4) Standards for RTOs: Standard 6.

Section 3 - Scope

(5) International students (studying onshore).

(6) This Policy applies to international students studying on a student visa who request a transfer between Registered Education Providers prior to completing six calendar months from the commencement of their principal course of study ie:

1. To VU from another Registered Education Provider.
2. From VU to another Registered Education Provider.

Section 4 - Definitions

(7) International Student (Onshore)

(8) Restriction Period

(9) Principal Course of Study

(10) Registered Education Provider: A registered higher education provider or VET provider or ELICOS or Foundation Programs provider that provides courses to international students. 

Section 5 - Policy Statement

(11) As one of the most culturally diverse education institutions in Australia, and in recognition of this diversity as an asset, VU is committed to being a great University of the 21st century by emphasising:

1. diversity -  by embracing students from diverse countries, cultures and education backgrounds; and
2. inclusivity -  in our students’ experience of University and our approach to students’ life and education experiences and socioeconomic backgrounds.

(12) VU is committed to:

1. academic excellence and providing high quality, engaging career-based tertiary education at all levels of vocational and higher education;
2. strong international collaboration and partnerships with universities and other partners in other countries in learning and teaching, research and translation;
3. engaging with industry and the community, both locally and internationally to develop cross-cultural capability and foster global citizenship;
4. enhancing the quality of our students’ experience and outcomes, with an emphasis on career preparedness and development, employability and entrepreneurship, and leadership capability for a global context.

(13) The University respects and acknowledges the contribution of international students to our University and the broader community.

(14) The University values international students for the varied perspectives, insights and experiences they bring to our University community in the area of cultural diversity and internationalisation.

National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018

(15) In accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (Cth), the University will not knowingly enrol an international student wishing to transfer from another registered provider’s course prior to the international student completing six calendar months from commencement of their principal course of study, except where any of the following apply:

1. the releasing registered provider, or the course in which the international student is enrolled, has ceased to be registered;
2. the releasing registered provider has had a sanction imposed on its registration by the ESOS agency that prevents the international student from continuing his or her course at that registered provider;
3. the releasing registered provider has agreed to the international student’s release and recorded the date of effect and reason for release in Provider Registration International Students Management System (PRISMS);
4. any government sponsor of the international student considers the change to be in the international student’s best interests and has provided written support for the change.

(16) When considering a request from an international student seeking to transfer, VU is committed to following this Policy and the International Student Transfer Procedure to assess international student transfer requests during the restriction period.

Section 6 - Procedures

(17) International Student Transfer Procedure