It’s perfectly normal to transfer universities if your current study doesn't align with your goals. But you might be wondering, am I transferring for the right reasons?
Whether you’re having second thoughts about your current study or reconsidering what you want to pursue as a career, switching to a different university is a valid option. Knowing that you need change can be empowering and what’s more, is the process of transferring universities is easier than you’d think.
Here are five reasons why switching universities may be just the right move for you, and some advice on how to kickstart the transfer process.
What’s just as important as the university you choose is making sure their course specialties and majors or minors suit your career aspirations.
Many universities have a specialisation or focus that’s unique to them, and when you’re considering transferring to another university, browse courses and universities that align to your interests and goals.
Different universities offer different majors, minors and electives, which will shape what you learn, and the skills and knowledge you’ll gain throughout your studies.
For example, RMIT’s Bachelor of Business gives students control over the speciality of their study. This course gives you the freedom to study their way, by giving them a choice between 14 majors and more than 30 minors to create a custom degree designed to help you land your dream career.
At RMIT, you can search by course or career to find the ideal study option to match your career ambitions. Once you’ve found your new course and applied, the next step is checking if you’re eligible for a credit transfer.
Gaining recognition of prior study or experience can reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.What’s just as important as the university you choose is making sure their course specialties and majors or minors suit your career aspirations.
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.
Are you feeling like your exams or lectures are a bit stifling, or perhaps the course content isn’t what you expected it to be? It’s perfectly reasonable to transfer universities if the learning style isn’t working for you.
The structure of courses, the way lectures are delivered and how classes work differs between universities and courses. For example, RMIT focuses on practical and industry-led learning. This means classes are often focused on developing and performing the skills you’ll be using in your future career.
You’ll also want to consider if your new university has access to the facilities you want to learn in, for example, industry-grade equipment and high-tech facilities specific to your field of study. At RMIT, we offer a range of world-class facilities, including the RMIT Virtual Experience Laboratory, which students will access in courses like the Bachelor of Information Technology or the Master of Artificial Intelligence.
If you’d like to explore your study options, Study@RMIT can answer any questions you have about courses, applications and pathways.
If the course you're studying isn’t giving you the direct skills, industry knowledge or real-world projects to open a path to your dream job or career, then transferring to a different university might be your best option.
At RMIT, hands-on learning is in our DNA. Our courses and programs are co-designed with industry to align the curriculum with current and future workplace demands. In 2023, 19,730 RMIT students completed work-integrated learning activities with 3,735 unique global industry partners like Microsoft, the NGV and Deloitte.
Even in courses where industry partners are less relevant, work-integrated learning still prepares students for their future work. Take for example RMIT’s Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching Practice (Secondary Education). In these courses RMIT students regularly step foot into classrooms where they can guide the minds of tomorrow before they’ve even graduated.
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 prefer to get job-ready in a trade that they can begin in under a year. 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 the Free TAFE program.
Another major benefit of vocational study at RMIT is that it opens pathways to higher education. After you complete your TAFE course, you can choose to go straight into the workforce or use your vocational study to transition to an undergraduate option.
University is just as much about making friends and having new experience as it is about academic learning. If a university doesn’t have the social or student support services, you’re after – that's a valid reason or transferring.
RMIT gives you access to a range of study and career support to help you make the most of your time with us. For example, RMIT’s award-winning Job Shop is a one-stop service where students can go for career advice, resume workshops, job-ready programs and more. There’s also dedicated learning support provided by the Equitable Learning Services team who ensure students that require learning or disability assistance are always supported.
RMIT has a host of social opportunities such as RMIT Kirrip, a program that gives students a way to easily connect with one another, explore Melbourne together and find their feet at uni. There is also a massive selection of student clubs and societies, ranging from the DJ club to the literature society to a number of sporting clubs.
If you’re still left unsure and want to find out what a certain university is really 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 if you’re making the right decision to transfer.
Story: Jess Zibung and Jacob Johnston
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.
