Switch Course as an International Student
Changing course can affect visa logic, academic progression, graduation timeline and career outcome.
Start on WhatsApp. No documents needed for the first conversation.
What changing course or university involves in each country
The rule that applies when you change course or institution, for the 16 destinations this site covers.
| Country | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| USA | Your current school releases your SEVIS record on an agreed date, then your new SEVP-certified school issues a transfer I-20. You must start classes there at the next available term or within five months of leaving your old school, whichever is sooner. ICE, F-1 transfers |
| Canada | Since November 2024 you need a new study permit, usually with a new PAL or TAL, before you start at a different post-secondary DLI. Changing program at the same school needs no new permit while yours is valid and you meet its conditions. IRCC, changing schools |
| UK | Changing university needs a new CAS and visa application before you start; if you haven't finished your course, usually from outside the UK. A same-university course change avoids reapplying only if it's degree level, not lower, university-approved and finishable on your current visa. GOV.UK, student sponsor guidance |
| Australia | In your main course's first 6 months, a new provider can enrol you only if your current provider releases you or an exception applies. Your provider tells Home Affairs about the new CoE. Dropping to a lower-level qualification usually needs a new visa. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Germany | Your residence permit is tied to studying. To change university or subject, get admitted to the new course and apply to your Ausländerbehörde for a new permit; a change is allowed if you can still finish in a reasonable time. Interior Ministry guidance, section 16b |
| Ireland | You can change course or college only to a full-time ILEP-listed course at the same or a higher NFQ level, and you need immigration approval. In your first year it is allowed only in very exceptional circumstances. Irish Immigration Service |
| France | If you change institution or course, be ready to explain it. At each renewal the préfecture checks that your studies are real and serious across your whole path: attendance, exam results, diplomas and reasons for any change of course. Service-Public.fr |
| Netherlands | You can switch institutions and keep your permit if the new one is an IND-recognised sponsor; you and it must tell the IND within 4 weeks. Earn at least 50% of credits yearly, or, without good reason, your institution reports you to the IND. IND, study residence permit |
| Italy | Academic authorities must approve a switch to a different degree course. Don't formally withdraw first: withdrawal revokes your study permit. To renew the permit you must pass at least one exam in your first year and two in each later year. universitaly-private.cineca.it |
| Spain | Since 20 May 2025, your higher-education stay authorisation covers your programme's official length; there's no yearly renewal. Each year you or your institution must prove enrolment in the studies it was granted for, so check with the immigration office before switching institution. Royal Decree 1155/2024 (BOE) |
| Poland | If you change university, notify the voivode who issued your student residence permit within 15 working days. Any new permit application is made only online through MOS, where your new university completes Appendix No. 5. Voivode office, full-time studies |
| New Zealand | Changing provider needs a new student visa unless the change is outside your control, such as your provider closing. A same- or higher-level course at the same provider needs a variation of conditions. Don't leave your course before approval. Immigration New Zealand, visa conditions |
| Japan | If you leave one school and enrol at another, notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of each change, online, in person or by post. Moving on to graduate school at the same university needs no notification. Immigration Services Agency |
| Singapore | You need a new Student's Pass. Your new school registers you, then you apply yourself through ICA's online SOLAR service (private schools: at least four weeks before the course). You or your old school should cancel your current pass when you leave. ICA, Student's Pass |
| Malaysia | Your new institution applies through EMGS for a new eVAL and Student Pass, with a release letter from your current one. This in-country Variation is allowed once, for Bachelor's or above, within 18 months after your first semester; otherwise you exit Malaysia and reapply. Education Malaysia Global Services |
| UAE | Your current university, as your sponsor, cancels your student residence, and the new institution sponsors a new one. First check the new institution is licensed and approved by the Ministry or your emirate's education authority. Dubai allows 60 days' grace after cancellation. UAE Government, residence visa |
Rules checked on 24 September 2026 against the official pages linked. They change: confirm on the linked page before you act.
What to check before you switch
Switching university, course or country can solve the wrong-fit problem, but it can also affect credits, refunds, visa status, graduation timing and post-study work options.
Do not assume a new offer automatically protects your visa or credits. Ask the current institution, the new institution and the relevant official source what changes before you stop studying or move money.
If you are switching after a refusal, low GPA, failed subjects or a poor university choice, write down the reason for the change clearly. A safer switch usually has a better academic and financial explanation, not just a new country name.
What to check before switching
Use this page to understand documents, timing, visa/status risks, credit questions and safer next steps.
Recommended tools
Use these tools to turn a switch concern into a document and timing checklist.
Transfer Eligibility Checker
Check whether your switch may need a new offer, release step, visa update, credit review or timing buffer.
Open →Credit Transfer Estimator
Prepare transcripts, syllabi, grades and course outlines before a university reviews your credits.
Open →Visa Risk Checklist
Check funds, course logic, gaps, refusal history and status timing before changing route.
Open →Core switch and transfer guides
Use these deeper guides when the switch involves F-1 status, OPT/CPT planning, credit review or financial-support terms.
USA F-1 Transfer
Explains SEVIS transfer timing, I-20 handover, school start dates and F-1 status risks.
Open →USADay 1 CPT
Use carefully to understand CPT questions, employer expectations and why approval is never automatic.
Open →USAOPT Guide
Check OPT timing, eligibility, STEM extension basics and how switching schools can affect planning.
Open →CreditsCredit Transfer Guide
Use this when credit loss could add semesters, tuition or visa complications.
Open →FundingCashback / Financial Support
Review what financial support or cashback means, what is conditional and what must be written before relying on it.
Open →Unhappy with your university? Find out what switching could look like.
Share your current university, course, completed study and budget. We will help you identify potential alternatives and the cost, credit-transfer and timing questions to resolve before moving.
Start on WhatsApp. No documents needed for the first conversation.
