Changing a program of studies or an education institution is allowed under certain conditions. The student submits to the Migration Department an application for renewal of his residence permit with all relevant supporting documents, accompanied by a transfer application form with the details of the program in which he was previously studying and the details of the program in which he is applying to study.

The application is forwarded by the Department to the Ministry of Education for examination of the academic issues, such as transfer of credits etc. and accordingly it is recommended to be approved or not recommended. In the event that the Ministry of Education does not recommend the application, the Department rejects the application for granting a residence permit.

In case of submitting an application for the granting of a residence permit due to a change of educational institution and/or program of studies, it is examined whether the application is made for the obvious purpose of avoiding the implementation of the provisions of the relevant Law that refers to the student's academic progress. If this is the case, the permit is not renewed.