It’s perfectly normal to transfer to a different university if your current university or course doesn't align with your study or career goals. But how do you make sure you’re transferring for all the right reasons?
Changing universities can feel like a big deal. The decision often comes after you’ve invested time and money into your current course, and involves accepting that your path is about to change. But whether you have second thoughts about your university, have found another career you want to pursue, or even want to transfer to a different location to study, it might be exactly what you need to achieve your goals.
Here are five reasons why switching universities may benefit you, and some advice to help you kick-start the decision-making process.
What’s just as important as the university you chooseis making sure their course, specialties and majors or minors suit what you're looking for.
Many universities have a specialisation or focus that’s unique to them, and when considering transferring to another university, make sure your major interests and career aspirations align with what your new university and course are offering – especially as you begin to narrow down your options.
If you’re looking for a degree that sets you up with skills and experience for the workplace, RMIT’s range of industry-led degrees can help you achieve your goals. You can search by course or career to find the ideal course to match your career ambitions. You may also be eligible for a credit transfer to reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Different universities also offer different majors, minors and electives, which will shape what you learn, and the skills and knowledge you will gain from your qualification.
For example, RMIT’s new Bachelor of Business focuses on future business skills with an agile approach to learning, swapping traditional exams and lectures for more industry projects and experience. Students can choose from 14 majors and more than 30 minors to create a custom degree designed to shape their education for their dream career.
Hear from our international students and staff about the various career and employability support options at RMIT. From dedicated job search and resume workshops to programs to grow your professional network and land a job – we've got your future in mind at RMIT.
An important question to ask yourself if you’re having doubts, is to identify whether it’s the course content or the style of study. Different courses and qualifications often have different modes of learning, and universities themselves can vary on how they set up and structure their courses, lectures and classrooms, and whether their times and modes of study (full-time or part-time) work with your lifestyle requirements.
RMIT’s focus on practical and industry-led learning means that you’ll be getting a degree that focuses on developing skills for the workplace – we want our graduates and their employers to feel confident about a qualification from RMIT.
Finding a suitable course that accepts a credit transfer for your prior study or experience to shave time off your new degree might be a big factor for you to consider, especially if you're aiming to have your previous courses and experience recognised.
Another factor to consider is ensuring your new university has access to campus facilities you’ll need for your future career – this includes access to industry-based equipment and facilities specific to your specialisation and course area. At RMIT, we offer a range of world-class and state-of-the-art facilities, including the RMIT Trading Facility, to further enhance our students’ study experience.
If you’d like to explore your study options, Study@RMIT can answer any questions you have about courses, applications and pathways.
Getting the skills and industry exposure you need for the career you want is an important part of your learning experience, especially once you're further into your course and starting to look ahead at what’s next.
So, if the course you're studying isn’t giving you the direct skills, industry knowledge or real-world projects to confidently give you an entry into a career, then this is a good reason to transfer to a different university.
You also want to make sure that you’re not missing out on valuable industry and practical opportunities if you’re learning online or through a blended mode. These opportunities can make all the difference to your workplace confidence and getting the right amount of relevant skills and experience you need when you graduate.
RMIT courses and programs are co-designed with industry to align the curriculum with current and future workplace demands. Whether you’re learning online or on-campus, industry learning is in our DNA. RMIT delivers industry opportunities through industry-simulated classroom projects, workshops, industry speakers, internships (including virtual) and more.
Before you switch or apply for a credit transfer, make sure you’re clear on what skills or industry specialisations you would like to gain, and ensure your demands can be reasonably met. It’s also important to investigate whether your new university offers any industry opportunities or learning embedded into their courses.
I chose RMIT because the students and alumni I spoke with had such enthusiasm and positive experiences. The industry connections that RMIT have to offer attracted me, especially with the job market already competitive, it gave me confidence that I’ll get a positive university experience as well as a pathway to get me a job.
- Beth Shegog, Bachelor of International Studies
While some students thrive in an academic setting, some might prefer to get even more hands-on experience with equipment and systems they’ll be using in their future career. If this sounds like you, then it might be good to reflect on whether you're more suited to vocational study (also known as TAFE).
As the largest dual-sector university in Australia, RMIT offers a range of TAFE qualifications, including apprenticeships, traineeships, certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas. Not only can these be completed in as little as six months, but you may even be eligible for free or low-fee tuition through government-subsidised Free TAFE initiative.
Another major benefit of vocational study at RMIT is that it opens pathways to higher education. After you complete your TAFE course, you can either choose to go straight into the workforce or use your vocational study to count towards a bachelor or associate degree, saving you time and money on your qualifications.
Some of the best memories, experiences and connections you’ll make in your life can start at university, so it’s important to make sure your university community and student services, both on-campus and online, meet your expectations before making the switch.
Having a mentor or someone to help you navigate the ins and outs of your industry and build professional networks with all the right people and groups in your industry is an invaluable way to start your career. RMIT’s focus on industry and employer partnership is strengthened by the career services through RMIT Job Shop, a one-stop service where students can go for career advice, resume workshops, job-ready programs and more.
When transferring to a new university, making sure you’re getting the support you need can have a huge impact on your experience. RMIT students have access to a range of study support services, social programs such as Mates at RMIT and a massive range of student clubs and societies. There’s also dedicated learning support provided by the Equitable Learning Services team.
If you want to find out what the real university experience is like, the best people to ask are the students themselves. You can explore student life at RMIT or chat with various students across regions and study areas to find out more about your study area and discover what it’s like to be a part of the student community at RMIT.
Story: Jess Zibung
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
