Switching from a Private to a Public University in Australia 1. University Transfer Rules In Australia, international students must usually complete at least 6 months of study in their first course before transferring. This rule is part of the “release policy” set by the Department of Home Affairs. 2. CRICOS & Visa Conditions Both your private and public university courses must be CRICOS-registered. If you transfer correctly, your student visa stays valid. But if you change your course level (for example, from Master’s to Diploma), you may need a new visa. 3. Credit Transfer If your subjects match, you may get credits in the new university. This can save time and money, but it depends on the public university’s policies. 4. Why Students Switch Public universities in Australia are more recognized worldwide, which helps with jobs. They often have lower fees compared to private universities in Australia for international students. More research opportunities and stronger alumni networks.