Ikon has been exploring options to support international students impacted by recent changes to Australian Student visa requirements.
Additional study options to support earlier course completion
We are pleased to confirm that Ikon’s Academic Board has approved additional enrolment flexibility for eligible students who may need to apply for a further Student visa before completing their course.
Under these arrangements, eligible students may apply to enrol in:
- Up to four subjects per trimester, rather than the standard three subjects.
- A maximum of 12 subjects per academic year.
These arrangements are intended to help eligible students progress through their courses more quickly and, where possible, complete their studies before their current visa expires.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for additional subjects, students must:
- Have a current Student visa that expires before their expected course completion date.
- Be meeting minimum academic progression requirements.
Approval to enrol in additional subjects will also depend on individual course requirements, subject availability, prerequisites and sequencing. Students undertaking placement subjects may be subject to additional considerations regarding their study load, as the demands of placement can limit the number of additional coursework subjects that can reasonably be undertaken at the same time.
These requirements are in place to ensure that students taking on additional study are appropriately supported and have a reasonable opportunity to succeed.
How to apply for additional subjects and request a revised study plan
If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit an application form for either one or both of the following:
Applications will be reviewed by our Student Administration team against the eligibility requirements, taking into account your remaining course requirements, visa expiry date, academic progression, subject availability, prerequisites, sequencing, placement requirements and maximum permitted study loads.
Approval to enrol in additional subjects is not automatic, and submitting an application does not guarantee that additional subjects can be accommodated or that earlier course completion will be possible.
Update on summer school
As outlined in our previous communication, Ikon has also been exploring the possibility of introducing a summer study period in 2026.
Following a detailed review of students’ remaining course requirements, academic progression, study load limits and subject sequencing, Ikon has determined that introducing a summer study period in 2026 would not provide a meaningful opportunity for a sufficient number of affected students to accelerate their course completion. As a result, Ikon has decided not to proceed with summer school in 2026.
We recognise that this may be disappointing for students who were hoping to undertake additional study over summer. Our focus remains on providing practical options that can genuinely help students progress towards completing their studies while supporting their academic success.
What happens next?
Students should continue to enrol and participate in their studies as scheduled, while their current visa remains valid and permits them to study.
Students whose current Student visa expires before their expected course completion date can choose to submit the application form to apply for additional subjects in Trimester 1 2027, request a revised study plan through to course completion, or both.
We will continue to update students where necessary and, as always, remain committed to supporting you throughout your studies.
Wellbeing Support
We understand that uncertainty around your studies and visa arrangements can be stressful. If you need additional support, you can access Sonder, Ikon’s free, confidential wellbeing and safety support service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sonder provides access to counselling, mental health support and other specialist services and is completely confidential. You can contact Sonder via text through the Sonder app or by calling 1800 234 560.