How to Transfer from One University to Another in Australia?

Are you enrolled in an Australian university, which you were dreaming to get into, but are now regretting your decision? Do not worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we will talk about the procedure of how to transfer from one university to another in Australia, the reasons behind it, and more.

No matter how much you have researched about the university and course you wish to pursue, it is only after spending some time at the university, that you realize the accuracy of your decision. For some students, transferring to another university makes more sense if their current university, course or curriculum doesn’t align with their goals. But is this possible? The answer to this question is that it is very much possible to change universities in Australia.

When you are studying at an Australian university, you can certainly consider transfer options to another university. This possibility of transfer is available for both domestic and international students. However, this transfer process comes with its pros and cons. Thus, a student must be certain about his decision to change university. The article throws light upon how students can change from one Australian university to another and possible reasons to transfer from one university to another in Australia.

Reasons to transfer from one Australian University to another

There may be numerous reasons why an applicant wishes to switch from one university in Australia to the other or maybe switching a course in an institution or max to max changing institutions because of a course. The following reasons are accompanied by the steps to follow:

• Changing the Course: If the applicant wishes to change to a new course at the same institution they are currently studying and at the same level of qualification, they are not required to apply for a new student visa unless their current visa is about to expire. 
• Changing the Level of Qualification: In case the applicant wants to change their level of qualification, for e.g. from a Diploma to a Bachelor's degree, they may need to apply again for a new student visa because the visa subclass may change.
• Changing the Institution: If the applicants are thinking of moving to a different institution, they can speak with their current institution for information on doing this. In most circumstances, the new institution will be restricted from enrolling the applicant if they haven't completed a minimum of 6 months of the main course of study (at their current institution) for which the student visa was granted.

Note: If applicants wish to change institutions before completing the first 6 months of the main course of study they must contact their current institution for permission. They will require a letter of offer from the new institution to apply for a letter of release from their current institution.

How to Transfer from One University to Another in Australia?

Can I take a transfer from one university to another? – Although most universities in Australia have transfer policies, before making any significant move towards this direction, you need to consider a few things which will help you not only initiate the transfer process but also make a sensible decision.

Step 1: Research Your Options

In order to transfer from one Australian university to another, applicants should first research their options. Research should include the course of study the applicant wishes to change, the university in which the course is available with the preferred curriculum and an understanding of how credit transfer will work and CRICOS code change will happen. Applicants will also have to understand if there will be additional financial constraints if transferring from one university to another in Australia. Then the intake in which the transfer is intended - July intake in Australia or February intake in Australia or the lesser preferred November intake in Australia, once the intake is chosen, applicants can check the corresponding deadlines and apply. Once all these details are taken care of, applicants can look at transfer formalities but before that, get in touch with the student advisor. 

Step 2: Set up a meeting with a student advisor in your current institution

This should be your first and foremost step as it is highly important to speak with your student advisor or course coordinator regarding your plans of transferring. They can guide you about the university’s exact policy regarding the transfer option. They will even guide you about financial obligations that are included in such transfer cases. In case, you are an international student, certain visa considerations will also be there as in most cases. The new university will be restricted to allow the transfer if you have not completed a minimum of six months of the main course of study at your current institution. If you are initiating a transfer process before the competition of six months, you are required to get a ‘Letter of Release’ from your current institution. As every transfer case is different, a student advisor will be able to give you the correct information and help you move ahead with your decision.

Check: Eligibility Requirements to Study in Australia

Step 3: Consider Visa Requirements

For an international student, getting your visa sorted is a must. When a student is granted a Subclass (500) visa or Subclass (485) visa in Australia, there are certain requirements, they need to meet for visa acceptance. And those requirements are mainly for your current institution. However, for transferring to another university in Australia, you need to meet visa requirements as per new institutions. If you are granted a streamlined student visa in Australia, you will be able to transfer to only the universities which are eligible for a streamlined student visa. However, if you wish to transfer to an institution that is not eligible for this kind of student visa, you might be required to cancel your current visa and reapply. In this regard, visa requirements become an important deciding factor if you wish to transfer to another university. For all this information, you need to get in touch with the visa authority to read the exact status of your case.

Also Read:

• Do Backlogs Matter? 
• Student Visas for Study Abroad

Step 4: Check your financial obligations

Switching universities brings with it some amount of financial planning as the tuition cost of each university varies. So, you might have to pay more if your new university is more expensive than the current one. If you are transferring in the middle of a year, you might not be entitled to loans and grants as you might have used them in your current university.

Also, you need to settle financial dues with your current university. Every university sets up a date after which you are required to pay the full cost of that semester. If you switch to university before that date, you can expect some amount of refund. Hence, it is important to get an exact picture of your financial dues from your current university before you plan to make a move.

Check: Scholarships to Study in Australia for International Students

Step 5: Get in touch with the new university

While considering the transfer option, you must check the features and policies of the university you wish to get transferred to. Right from the course curriculum and infrastructure to course fees and faculty need to be checked so that you can select the right university this time. Once you are certain about your choice of university, you need to gather information about the transfer policies of that institution so that you can start the transfer process.

Transferring from one university to another might come with its set of challenges. However, if you are an international student, you need to remember that you are required to keep a copy of any cancellation and enrolment paperwork. You should check your student visa requirements carefully as your future is at stake. Lastly, don’t forget to contact the Department of Home Affairs and provide an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate from your new institution. And follow the right steps when catering how to transfer from one university to another in Australia situation. 

Still, have queries about Australian university admissions? Sign up for free counselling at https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.