Change course

There are different processes for changing your course depending on the type of student you are and where you are in your course.

If you are a new undergraduate student and haven't started your studies yet, follow the steps on the New Students website.

Steps to apply – undergraduate

Step 1 – Choose your course

Choose your preferred course. If you are not confident you will be accepted into your preferred course, we recommend you list up to three preferences. Go to the JCU Courses and Study website to browse courses.

Step 2 – Meet pre-requisites

Make sure you meet the pre-requisites of your course/s. You can find this information under the Apply now button for your preferred course on JCU Courses and Study website.

Step 3 – Complete forms

Note, there are different steps, dependent on the course.

If you are applying to study the following courses, please refer to the JCU Division of Tropical Health and Medicine website:

  • Medicine/Surgery
  • Dental Surgery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Health Science (Physician Assistant)
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Veterinary Science

For all other courses, please download and complete the undergraduate course transfer application (PDF, 211 KB) and submit it to the JCU Student Centre by the relevant closing date. Make sure you complete the Advanced Standing (credit for previous study) section of this form to determine if you are eligible to transfer credit into your new course.

Steps to apply – postgraduate

Changing from one postgraduate program to another postgraduate program

If you are currently studying a postgraduate program at JCU and want to change to another JCU postgraduate program, apply via eStudent > My Course Applications.

Current undergraduate students

If you are offered or admitted to an undergraduate course and want to undertake a postgraduate program, you can apply via the JCU Courses and Study website. Find the course you want to apply for, check the prerequisites, and follow the steps to apply.

New postgraduate students

New postgraduate students can apply via the JCU Courses and Study website. Find the course you want to apply for, check the prerequisites, and follow the steps to apply.

Closing dates

If your application is not received by the closing date, it will not be considered.

Undergraduate international applicants

31 August – Medicine/Surgery and Dental Surgery

30 September – Physiotherapy and Veterinary Science

Undergraduate domestic applicants

30 September – Medicine/Surgery, Dental Surgery, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Science

30 November – Health Science (Physician Assistant), Nursing and Midwifery

All other courses, including postgraduate

31 January (Study Period 1)

30 June (Study Period 2)

When you will hear back

We will email your JCU student account within two weeks after the application due date. If you are successful and are issued with an offer, we will inform you by email on how to accept and enrol in your new course.

If you have applied through QTAC, you will need to check your QTAC application online at www.qtac.edu.au to find out if you have been made an offer.

Unsuccessful applicants

If your application to change course is unsuccessful, you will be advised by your Divisional Enrolment Team and you will remain enrolled in your current course.

If you don't want to continue your current course, email your withdrawal request and the reason for withdrawing to your Divisional Enrolment Team using your JCU email address. You will also need to withdraw from any future enrolled subjects through eStudent. Do this before the census dates to avoid any financial penalties.

You can leave your options open by applying for a formal leave of absence. Taking a leave of absence means you are taking a break from your studies, but you still remain a JCU student.

Further information

For further information, visit Ask Us – there are more than 1,000 commonly asked questions and answers available 24/7.

Top course transfer questions include:

How are course transfer applications assessed?

How will I find out if my request for a course transfer has been approved?

If I change courses, do I need to fill out a new Commonwealth assistance form?

What happens to my current enrolment if I receive a course transfer?

Can I apply for a course transfer if the program does not offer mid-year intake?

Related links

Credit for previous study (Advanced Standing)

Take a break from study (leave of absence)

Withdraw from subjects or your course

Ask Us