Case Study | Change of provider - International Student

Change of provider - International Student Amit*

Eager for an opportunity to study in Australia, Amit* applied for a student visa and accepted a place with a higher education provider where they had no connections.

They subsequently received a second-round offer at another provider in another State, where the course was more in line with their interests; they had an established network of family and friends, as well as teaching staff able to provide guidance and mentorship in their desired field.

Amit submitted a request to the initial provider be released from the place they had accepted, to enable them to enrol in their preferred course.

The provider rejected the request as a ‘change of mind’. Amit lodged an appeal against this decision, citing in their case that the other institution offered specialised units of study; more opportunities in their desired field of interest, in addition to having access to personal supports that this provider would not afford them. The provider upheld their decision, telling the NSO that the students’ reasons for appeal did not align to their policies for withdrawal and/or release.

The NSO contacted the provider to query the basis on which they had made the upheld decision.

In its initial response, the provider reiterated its position and cited the policies for allowing withdrawal. In follow-up, the NSO sought clarification in how the provider had applied its policies.

After receiving the request for further information, the provider advised it had reviewed its policy in light of the questions raised by the NSO and in consideration of Amit’s circumstances; the provider decided to reverse its decision and allow Amit to withdraw from their institution, thereby allowing Amit to enrol at their preferred provider and into a course of study more relevant to their interests.

The provider also said they would undertake further review of its internal policies and clarify criteria and provide definitions.