Australia has introduced a new rule to stop education providers from paying commissions to agents when they recruit international students who are already studying in Australia and want to transfer to another provider.
This change takes effect on 31 March 2026 under the amended National Code of Practice.
🔴What is Being Banned?
From 31 March 2026:
- Universities and colleges cannot pay commissions to agents for:
- Recruiting students who are already enrolled with another Australian provider and want to switch institutions.
This is to stop “onshore poaching” where agents convince students to leave one institution for another just to earn commission.
🟢 What Is Still Allowed?
Commissions are still allowed in these cases:
- ✅ If the student is accepted by the new provider on or before 31 March 2026
- ✅ If the commission is for the same course(s) listed on the student’s original visa CoE
- ✅ If the student completes their principal course, and then starts a new, higher-level course (e.g., Diploma → Bachelor → Master) — this is called AQF progression
So, legitimate academic progression is not blocked.
💡 Example
- Before the rule: An agent could earn commission if they convinced a student studying Diploma in Business at College A to transfer mid-course to College B, even if it was not necessary academically.
- After the rule (from 31 March 2026):
- The agent cannot earn commission for this mid-course transfer unless it is part of genuine academic progression, like moving from a Diploma → Bachelor in Business after completing the diploma.
This ensures agents focus on helping students progress academically, not just earning money.
🎯 Why Australia Introduced This Rule
The government wants to:
- Stop unethical practices by some agents
- Reduce fake or unnecessary course transfers
- Protect students from being misled
- Protect institutions from losing students unfairly
- Improve the integrity and sustainability of the education sector
This is part of a larger reform under the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025.
🎓 Impact on Students
- You can still change providers if it’s academically justified
- Fewer agents may push unnecessary transfers
- Transfers will be more closely checked
This protects students from being treated as “commission targets”.
💼 Impact on Agents & Consultants
- ❌ No commission for mid-course transfers done only for financial reasons
- ✅ Commission still allowed for genuine academic progression (AQF pathway) and new courses after completing the main course
Agents will need to focus more on ethical counselling.
📞 Contact WAC Consultants
For more updates or guidance on studying in Australia, contact us:
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
📞 Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
📞Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com