So, you’re thinking of transferring universities? Before you make the switch, let’s unpack some of the reasons that may have led you to this decision.
You’re making a move
As the old saying goes - life happens. Family commitments, work opportunities, or the simple desire for a sea-change can be the driving force behind packing up and relocating our lives. So, how does this impact study? Time to find another university, right? As luck would have it, gone are the days of having to lug all our study materials to an on-campus location to learn. The wonders of technology have paved the way for accessible, online learning, meaning increased flexibility, as well as the ability to control when, where and how we learn. With exception to areas of study that have practical requirements or residential schools, by and large most university degrees can now be completed online. At UniSQ, we have over 40 years experience in delivering online study. We know what we’re doing - with over 75% of our students studying online, you can be assured that you will receive the same level of support as our on-campus students. So - if location alone is your motivation for transferring universities, know that there are options to take your study with you, wherever that may be.
But wait! What if you prefer studying on-campus? Understandably, many students like to immerse themselves in uni life – social events, clubs and societies, sporting matches – the whole experience. If this sounds like you, make sure your first step before transferring is checking if your university has other locations. It may be that a simple change of campus is all that’s required. Otherwise, see if your degree allows you to explore cross-institutional study. You might be able to switch to online mode at your current university and take some on-campus classes at a partnering institution - continue with your degree and maintain that on-campus engagement you enjoy.
You need a study change
You began your degree with enthusiasm and big dreams. Now you realise your study choices may not be for you. Before you decide on transferring universities in search of a new study avenue, look at your options in-house. Whether it’s a particular course that isn’t aligning with your interests, your major, or perhaps the degree itself, the option to make a change is always possible.
To ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision, take the time to reach out and talk to someone about your options. There are things to consider before changing degrees or courses. At UniSQ, our iconnect team is an ideal first point of contact. Offering a centralised support hub, our knowledgeable staff are trained to answer your questions or connect you the relevant UniSQ service you need.
Keep in mind that although the thought of changing your course or degree can feel like a major move, making the switch earlier rather than later will benefit your future career. If you need help determining your study or career direction, reach out to UniSQ’s Careers and Employability team. You’ll receive assistance with individual career planning, gain career development skills, as well as valuable advice around how to achieve your career goals.
You haven’t found the right balance
Life is busy. Be it work, family or social responsibilities, most people have existing commitments when making the choice to study. So, when all these competing commitments become overwhelming, it can be easy to have doubts about your current study situation and want to make the switch. But before you leap in and start Googling ‘How to transfer uni in Australia’, know your options.
Take some time to assess your situation. Studying on-campus full-time? Maybe you’d benefit from changing to online mode to save some time on the commute. Unsure about whether you can complete four courses this semester? Why not adjust your enrolment to better suit your current situation. Universities have come a long way in understanding the needs of their students and creating adaptable learning environments, so take advantage of the study options available to you.
'UniSQ gives you that flexibility to work around your schedule and family.'UniSQ offers many flexible ways to study, allowing you to balance your commitments and fit study into your life. Choose to study one subject at a time, study over summer semester, or explore mixed-mode study where you complete some subjects online and some on-campus. No matter what your study situation looks like, know that we are here to provide support every step of the way.
How to transfer universities in Australia
You’ve asked all the hard questions and have settled on your decision to switch. So now you are probably wondering how to transfer universities?
If you’ve made it this far, it’s likely you already have a good idea of which University you want to transfer to, as well as the new degree you’d like to study. So now is the time to look at the finer details. Do you know if you meet the entry requirements for this new degree? Keep in mind that your eligibility may be affected depending on what stage you are at in your current degree. For instance, if you are transferring university after the first year, your current GPA will impact your selection rank. Another important thing to consider is key dates. What deadlines do you need to be aware of (i.e., application closing dates)? Knowing the answers to these questions will help inform your next move in the official transfer process.
To cover all your bases, we would recommend speaking to someone about your plans. As well as reaching out to your new University, take the time to contact support staff at your current university. There may be other considerations you need to take into account before beginning the transfer process. For example, depending on how far you are in your current study, it may be beneficial to finish a particular subject that semester rather than leave mid-way. This could be due to potential fee penalties, or academic implications which may impact your Grade Point Average (GPA).
Once you have gathered all the information you need, you’ll be ready to start the application process with your new institution. Application processes can vary depending on the University you choose. Factors including whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate or research applicant, location (are you transferring interstate?), and whether you are a school leaver or mature-age student all come into play. Taking this into account, for specific information about how to apply to another university it’s always best to contact your new institution directly.
Changing universities in Australia is a process made easier if you ensure you do your research so you can make an informed decision. Fortunately, there are many avenues you can take to receive support on this journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek assistance along the way.
How to transfer from another university to UniSQ
If you’ve made the decision to join our UniSQ community, congratulations -you’ve made a great choice. When transferring to UniSQ, there are few steps you’ll need to take. Firstly, you'll need to apply. If you are wanting to enter an undergraduate degree and are new to UniSQ, you will need to apply via QTAC. There are some exceptions however, so before hitting the submit button on your application, we encourage you to contact us for detailed information. If it’s a postgraduate degree you are seeking to enter, you can apply directly to UniSQ. Remember, if you require any clarification or further information during the application process, we encourage you to contact us.
Your next step in the process is to apply for credit. The good news when transferring universities is that you may sometimes be eligible for Recognition of prior learning. This means you could be given credit for prior studies, reducing the duration of your new degree. The credit you are entitled to will vary depending on what degree you are applying for. When applying, you’ll be asked to provide relevant documentation to assist the UniSQ team in their credit assessment, so ensure you have this information ready to supply. If your application is successful, you'll then receive an offer to study and you will be one step closer to achieving your new career ambitions.
No matter your journey to get here, at UniSQ, know that you won’t walk your study path alone. We want to see our students succeed. With personalised support every step of the way, we’ll keep you connected, champion you as you achieve your study goals, and help you write your own success story.
