In a further tightening of Australia’s international education settings, the government confirmed on 25 February 2026 that education providers will be prohibited from paying agents any form of commission to facilitate course transfers by students already in the country. The ban, which takes effect on 31 March 2026, covers cash payments, gifts, bonuses and other incentives.
The measure plugs what policymakers describe as a “perverse incentive” that encouraged some agents to push international students into rapid course-hopping in return for a second commission. Under the new rule, commissions remain permissible for genuine offshore recruitment, but any inducement linked to an on-shore transfer will breach both the ESOS Act and immigration regulations.
For institutions, the compliance burden is significant. Universities and vocational colleges must audit existing agent agreements, amend clauses and implement monitoring systems before the deadline. Failure to comply risks fines and potential suspension of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issuing privileges. Mobility advisers note that students who receive an offer before 31 March can still be processed under existing arrangements, creating a short-term rush.
![Canberra bans education-agent commissions for on-shore student visa transfers]()
The reform is also expected to reduce unsanctioned “course shopping” that has complicated employer sponsorship pathways and contributed to visa-fraud concerns. Genuine students will still be able to change providers, but motives will be more transparent.
Amid these changes, students and education providers looking for streamlined visa support can turn to VisaHQ, which offers real-time guidance and application assistance for Australian study and work visas. Their online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) simplifies document submission, tracks application progress and keeps users informed about regulatory updates—services that are especially helpful as the new commission ban reshapes on-shore enrolment practices.
Corporate HR teams that rely on post-study work rights should prepare for a more stable cohort of graduates, albeit one entering the labour market slightly later if on-shore transfers slow. Meanwhile, agents may pivot toward charging students directly for counselling services, altering cost dynamics for prospective applicants.
The measure plugs what policymakers describe as a “perverse incentive” that encouraged some agents to push international students into rapid course-hopping in return for a second commission. Under the new rule, commissions remain permissible for genuine offshore recruitment, but any inducement linked to an on-shore transfer will breach both the ESOS Act and immigration regulations.
For institutions, the compliance burden is significant. Universities and vocational colleges must audit existing agent agreements, amend clauses and implement monitoring systems before the deadline. Failure to comply risks fines and potential suspension of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issuing privileges. Mobility advisers note that students who receive an offer before 31 March can still be processed under existing arrangements, creating a short-term rush.
The reform is also expected to reduce unsanctioned “course shopping” that has complicated employer sponsorship pathways and contributed to visa-fraud concerns. Genuine students will still be able to change providers, but motives will be more transparent.
Amid these changes, students and education providers looking for streamlined visa support can turn to VisaHQ, which offers real-time guidance and application assistance for Australian study and work visas. Their online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) simplifies document submission, tracks application progress and keeps users informed about regulatory updates—services that are especially helpful as the new commission ban reshapes on-shore enrolment practices.
Corporate HR teams that rely on post-study work rights should prepare for a more stable cohort of graduates, albeit one entering the labour market slightly later if on-shore transfers slow. Meanwhile, agents may pivot toward charging students directly for counselling services, altering cost dynamics for prospective applicants.
