Australia Implements Strict New Visa Rules Targeting Education Agents and Student Transfers
The Australian government has announced a significant crackdown on the practice of "course hopping" among international students, with new regulations set to take effect from March 31, 2026. This policy shift specifically targets the financial incentives that have driven non-genuine transfers between educational institutions.
Ban on Agent Commissions for Onshore Transfers
Under the updated rules, education agents will be prohibited from earning any fees, commissions, or bonuses when international students who are already in Australia transfer to a different course or institution before completing their original visa-linked program. This ban applies universally across all sectors, including universities, vocational education and training (VET) colleges, and schools that host international students.
The government's primary objective is to remove the financial motivation for agents to encourage unnecessary transfers, which have been identified as a loophole undermining the integrity of the student visa system. By eliminating these commissions, authorities aim to ensure that course changes are driven solely by genuine academic or personal reasons rather than profit.
Grace Period and Broader Visa Tightening
A limited grace period has been established for offers that were accepted by students before the March 31, 2026 deadline. Transfers under these pre-existing arrangements will be permitted to proceed, providing some temporary relief for students and institutions currently in the process of changing courses.
This measure is part of a broader tightening of student visa regulations that Australia has been implementing. Notably, India has recently been moved to a higher risk tier within the student visa framework, which subjects Indian applicants to more stringent scrutiny and requirements. This reclassification means that thousands of Indian students currently studying in Australia or planning to enroll will face additional hurdles and monitoring.
Impact on Education Agents and International Students
The new rules are expected to have a substantial impact on education agents, many of whom have relied on commission-based income from facilitating course transfers. Without this revenue stream, agents will need to reassess their business models and focus more on ethical recruitment practices.
For international students, particularly those from India, the changes serve as a clear warning to adhere strictly to their visa conditions. Students are now on high alert to ensure that any contemplated course transfers are absolutely necessary and well-documented, as the financial incentive for agents to assist with such moves will no longer exist.
The Australian government emphasizes that these reforms are designed to protect the reputation of its education sector and ensure that student visas are used for their intended purpose—genuine study. By cracking down on course hopping, authorities hope to maintain Australia's appeal as a destination for high-quality international education while safeguarding visa integrity.
