Changing University Courses

You have entered university, chosen a specific course, but you have come to the realization that it is not the right fit for you. What should you do next? How do you change your course?

If you are thinking about changing your degree programme, you need to do ample research to ensure that the one you are choosing is going to benefit you. This is due to a number of factors such as the time it takes to change the course and the costs involved. It’s important to note that you may need to take time out before commencing your next course, and in some cases, you might not get into the course you have chosen.

However, if you are extremely dissatisfied with your current course, switching courses will help you achieve more and stay motivated in working towards your goals.

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Some things to consider before changing your course

Once you have committed to changing your course, it’s important consider the following:

Why do you want to change the course? This is the first question you should ask yourself, and you need to answer truthfully. There is no guarantee that you will enjoy your new course more, and there is a lot of money and time at risk should you make the wrong decision. Also, if you have doubts that university is the right venture for you, jumping into a new course may not be the best option. If you are changing a course to engage in something more competitive, that too may not be the right decision, as universities are well aware of this and as a result, reject applications.
Do you match the entry requirements? If you don’t meet the basic entry requirements, chances are that your new chosen course won’t accept your application.
Is your timeline realistic? It is not guaranteed that the course you transfer to will happen in the same year. If you submit your application after the course deadline (specifically in competitive courses) chances are that there will be a lack of space and you may have to wait for the preceding year.
Are you able to transfer your credits? Should you choose to switch to a course that is similar to the one you are currently in, you may be able to transfer your credits. However, should your new course be vastly different, you may need to start anew (i.e. at the very beginning of the course.) This means another year of accommodation fees, tuition fees, and various other expenses.
Will you be able to complete extra work? Transferring to a new course will require you to catch up on work that you missed out on. Do you have the time and dedication to complete it?

How to change courses

To change a university course in your first year of studies, be sure to follow these steps in the first few weeks of Term 1:

Decide which course you would like to change to and ensure that you meet the entry criteria.
Seek advice and information from a personal academic advisor on how to begin the process (be sure to do this step as soon as possible).
Talk with student service offices: Each university’s admin department works differently, once you have figured out how yours works, seek the help of your student services office. Here, you will be provided with assistance on how to change your course, which department to visit, and who you need to speak with.
Complete the necessary forms: You will be required to complete a form, specifying the course you would like to choose and why. You can acquire this form from your student support center or online. Be sure to consult your university’s student support office or your academic advisor for assistance, should you not know where to. acquire the necessary forms.
The processing of your application: Next, your application will be considered by your current course’s department, and your new course’s department. It’s important to note that you will need to have the necessary entry requirements for your chosen course.
Once all these steps have been followed effectively, you will then receive an email stating if your application has been approved.