My RTO Closed: What Happens to My Student Visa? A Simple Guide for Students

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My RTO Closed: What Happens to My Student Visa? A Simple Guide for Students

It’s the news every international student dreads: you’ve received an email that your RTO (Registered Training Organisation) has suddenly closed.

If this has happened to you, you are probably feeling stressed, confused, and worried about your visa. What do you do next? Who can you trust? How do you protect your student visa and make sure you don’t lose the time and money you’ve already invested?

This guide will explain the exact steps you need to take right now and show you a simple, safe pathway to secure your studies.

What to Do Right Now: Your First 3 Steps

If you’ve just found out your provider is closing, take a deep breath. Here are your first, most important actions:

  1. Check Your Email (and Phone) Constantly: Your provider (or their appointed liquidator) is legally required to notify you. More importantly, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS)—the official government safety net—will contact you via email or SMS with instructions. This is the most important communication you will receive.
  2. Gather Your Documents: Find and save digital copies of everything:
    • Your original Letter of Offer.
    • Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
    • All receipts for tuition fees you have paid.
    • Your Statement of Attainment or any results/transcripts for units you have already completed.
  3. Check Your Visa Status: Log in to your VEVO account immediately. Check your visa expiry date and ensure all your conditions are still being met.

Understanding the Official Process: What Happens Next?

This situation is called a “provider default.” When this happens, a formal government process is triggered to protect you.

1. The Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

The TPS is the Australian Government organisation set up to protect international students. Their job is to help you.

The TPS will contact you and create an account for you in their system. They will generally give you two options:

  • Option A: Find a replacement course. The TPS will help you find a new provider to continue your studies. They will pay your unspent tuition fees directly to the new provider.
  • Option B: Get a refund. If you don’t want to continue studying, you can apply for a refund of your unspent tuition fees.

2. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

When your RTO closes, your CoE is cancelled in the government system (PRISMS). This automatically notifies the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The DHA knows this is not your fault. They will generally give you a limited time (often 28 days, but this can vary) to enrol in a new course and get a new CoE. If you don’t get a new CoE within this timeframe, your visa could be at risk of cancellation.

The ‘Official’ Process vs. The Reality (The Hidden Traps)

The TPS process is a great safety net, but it’s not perfect. It’s designed to find you a placement, not necessarily the bestone for you.

This is where students often face “hidden traps”:

  • The Credit Transfer Nightmare: The new RTO that TPS finds might not accept all the units you’ve already completed. You could be forced to repeat (and pay for) subjects, wasting months of time and thousands of dollars.
  • The “Suitable” Course Problem: The replacement course might be at a campus far away, have a bad timetable, or not be the quality you want. You don’t have to accept it, but finding your own replacement is stressful.
  • The Ticking Clock: While you are trying to find the right college and get your credits approved, the 28-day visa clock is still ticking.

How a Specialist Education Agent Can Help

The official process can be confusing and slow. A specialist agent works for you to navigate this process safely.

While the TPS focuses on finding you a placement, we focus on finding you the right placement. We act quickly to:

  • Advocate for your course credits to save you time and money.
  • Fast-track your new application with one of our high-quality partner colleges.
  • Offer a free ‘Visa Health Check’ with to ensure your visa is safe.

Your Next Step Is Simple (And Free)

Your situation is time-sensitive, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

Book a free, 15-minute “Student Rescue Call” with our team. We can explain your options, check your visa, and help you build a plan today.

Or, if it’s easier, just call us directly at (03) 9022 7000 or email us at info@evolvemigration.com.au.

We’re here to help you solve this.

Ready to start your journey? If you have questions about your visa, your study options, or your future pathways in Australia, book a consultation with one of our counsellors today.

About Us: Evolve Education and Migration specialises in helping international students in Australia navigate complex visa and education pathways. Our expert team is dedicated to providing clear, honest advice and robust support to ensure every student’s journey is smooth and successful.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general purposes. Please consult a professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation.