Moving to a new country as an international student is no easy task. Between finding an educational institution, choosing your course and selecting a new city to live in, there are a lot of big decisions to make. But what happens if you change your mind or those initial choices end up not being right for you?
To help you navigate switching cities, institutions or degrees as an international student, we’ve created this helpful guide to ease you through the process.
Can you change courses/cities/institutions as an international student?
The simple answer is yes! If you no longer feel the city, university or course you have chosen is the best fit for you, you can easily make a change.
Although it might seem scary, switching your degree, educational institution or location is completely possible, and you’ll probably find that many other people you know have done so in the past. Often, the hardest part is taking that first internal step and deciding that something needs to change.
Changing courses
Switching degrees within the same institution is usually quite a simple process. You will likely need to start by speaking to your school’s careers team to discuss whether the new course is right for you and your goals, and then the international support team for the next steps.
Once a decision has been made, you’ll need to submit an application. Many institutions, like the University of Canberra (UC), require students to submit their applications online.
This is then assessed against the new program’s entry requirements, which might include qualification grades, pre-requisite subjects, and sometimes even language requirements, depending on the course.
Changing cities
If you’re looking to move interstate for a new degree and institution, the process is a little more complicated. All education providers are different, so you must speak to both your current institution and new institution to find out what you need to do to facilitate your move.
You may need to apply for a release letter from your current institution if you have completed less than six months of study. To receive a release letter, you will usually have to complete an application form and explain why you wish to switch education providers.
Changing institutions
Like moving cities, changing your institution involves a few additional steps. It is important to review your student visa and find out if you need a new one to extend your time in Australia and complete your studies.
Nimisha is one student who opted to change institutions and cities. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Melbourne, she decided that UC was the right choice for pursuing her master’s.
“My move to Canberra was prompted by an attractive offer from UC,” she says.
“The offer, coupled with the favourable residency policies for international students, made it an opportunity I couldn’t decline. While it involved hard work, extensive research indicated that Canberra held a promising future,” Nimisha shares.
Requirements for transferring
Every institution has different rules for students wishing to transfer. Requirements can even change depending on whether you’re an international student, if you have completed any pre-requisite subjects, your academic record, your visa status, and whether you’re transferring to a new university or simply changing degrees.
During your transfer process, make sure you keep track of important submission dates and stay on top of your online applications.
Nimisha also recommends double-checking all paperwork involved to ensure you have a smooth transfer and not to hesitate when it comes to asking for support from your future institution.
She adds, “Although I had already completed a bachelor’s degree, I had forgotten how much paperwork is involved in the process.”
Making the decision to move
Before making the move, there are a few questions you should ask yourself to ensure you’re making the best decision possible.
For example, you should take time to consider the following:
- Is the course I’m hoping to switch to right for me?
- Will my new city be a good fit?
- How much money will it cost to move?
- What are the pros and cons of moving?
- What are my career goals?
- Will it be difficult to find accommodation?
- Are there any scholarships I could apply for?
- Do the study options offered, such as full-time or part-time, suit my lifestyle?
For international student Yimian, deciding to move from Sydney to Canberra meant doing lots of research before making a decision.
“Students should consult their advisors about the lifestyle in Australia, especially the lifestyle in the specific city they would like to stay,” he explains.
“Then, students need to choose their university and conduct research on aspects such as tuition fees, how accommodation works, available scholarships and their requirements.”
Ultimately, the decision to change your pathway once you’re already living in Australia, whether it’s swapping to another course, institution or city, shouldn’t be taken lightly. But, if you’re confident that it’s right for you, know that support services are available to help you do so easily!
