You鈥檝e been accepted to an academic institution in Canada鈥搊nly to realize the program you applied to isn鈥檛 what you expected. Sound familiar? If so, you may feel worried or guilty about this realization, but the good news is you don鈥檛 have to. Changing programs while studying abroad is not only possible but isn鈥檛 as difficult as you think! In Canada, you don鈥檛 need to change anything in your study permit if you want to switch programs. Read on for the steps to take if you want to change your program while studying abroad.
Thinking About the Switch
If you鈥檙e thinking about changing your current program, ask yourself why you want to switch and the factors that led you to this decision. You might want to switch programs because you鈥檝e been exposed to courses that made you realize your interest in another field. Or maybe you no longer want to pursue your current goals because it鈥檚 not the right fit. Regardless of your reasons, it鈥檚 important that they’re genuine and not based on temporary situations, such as class times, or a course you don’t like.
Tip: If you鈥檙e interested in a different program, attend a class or two to get a feel for the program before making the switch.
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Prepare for the Switch
If you鈥檝e decided you want to proceed with changing your program, there are steps you can take to prepare for the switch. Some important questions to consider include:
- If you want to stay in the same institution or change your institution
- Whether your credits are transferrable
- If your new program is or not
Choosing the same academic institution is usually a safe bet if they offer the program you鈥檙e looking for. If you decide to change your institution, there may be more details to consider, such as:聽
- Ensuring the new institution is a
- The length of time to complete your new program as it corresponds to your study permit
- Whether the new program supports your application to become a permanent resident of Canada (if you鈥檙e interested)
Note: If you choose to change your institution of study, it鈥檚 important to .
One of the advantages of studying in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Read our blog for more information on eligibility!
Make the Switch
Ready to officially make the switch? Once you鈥檝e considered the points mentioned above, you can proceed to make a program change through your student portal or by contacting the institution directly. If switching to a new institution, you must notify the government of Canada through your online account. You can sign into your online account and access the 鈥�Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer鈥� option, and you may need to enter more information from your original study permit.
Note: Keep in mind that different provinces and territories have their own requirements. If you鈥檙e transferring to Quebec from a different province, you need an Acceptance Certificate ().
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Adjust to the Switch
Once you鈥檝e successfully changed programs, it鈥檚 important to start building healthy habits from the beginning to ensure your future success. Some common ways to start adjusting to your new program include:
- Choosing courses that align with your personal life and academic goals
- Having a support system by making friends in your new classes
- Trying different study techniques
- Getting to know your new institution (if you鈥檝e changed it)
Change usually feels difficult in the beginning, even if you know it鈥檚 for the best! During this time, understand that you may have second thoughts about your program change, or feel uncomfortable with these new changes. However, if you start building healthy habits from the beginning, it can make transitioning a lot easier.
Check out our blog to learn how to prepare yourself to get your new academic life off to a fantastic start.
If your program isn鈥檛 what you expected it to be and you want to make a change, there are so many possibilities for international students! Whether you want to make a program change in the same institution you鈥檙e at, or change institutions entirely, there are options available for you.
Got more questions about your study abroad journey?
