How to change degrees

Supporting your teen if they’re rethinking their degree

Choosing what to study at university can feel daunting, and it’s common for students to question their choice of degree once they’ve started. If your teen is having second thoughts, it’s important to know that changing degrees isn’t the only option. In fact, it’s often not the first one worth exploring.

Start with support

Before making any big changes, encourage your teen to speak with the right people. Our Careers and Employment Service can help them explore how their current degree connects to different career paths, identify alternative directions within the same program and reignite their excitement for their chosen field.

Sometimes the issue isn’t the degree itself at all; students, particularly those in their first year, can struggle with workload, expectations or adjusting to university study. That’s why we make it easy to access all sorts of academic and personal support, including services for help with study skills, assessment strategies, time management and wellbeing.

Griffith’s Back on Course hub also outlines practical options such as adjusting study load, changing individual courses or applying for a leave of absence if a break is needed.

Ask why

If your teen is still considering a change, take time to unpack what’s driving it.

Have they lost interest? Found the content more challenging than expected? Realised their strengths lie elsewhere? Understanding the root cause can help determine whether a small adjustment, like swapping a course or adding an elective, could solve the problem without requiring a whole new degree.

If they’re feeling unsure about their long-term direction, tools like My Career Universe can help spark ideas and highlight careers aligned with their strengths and values. It’s designed to open up possibilities, not lock students into one path.

If burnout is the issue, a temporary break may be more beneficial than a permanent change. New students may be eligible to defer, and continuing students can apply for a leave of absence. For many students, time away provides clarity and renewed motivation.

Be mindful of key dates

If your teen does decide to adjust their enrolment, timing matters—whether that’s dropping a course, reducing their study load or transferring degrees.

Changes made before census date generally don’t carry financial or academic penalty. After census date, tuition fees may still apply, and withdrawals may appear on their transcript. Griffith’s academic calendar outlines key census dates, though some courses have non-standard deadlines.

Considering a degree transfer

If, after exploring their options and accessing support, your teen decides that a different degree is the right move, the process can be straightforward.

It’s important to first check their eligibility. Depending on how much study they’ve completed, they may have improved their selection rank through their university results. In some cases, continuing for another trimester before applying can strengthen their position.

They’ll also need to check availability, closing dates and specific entry requirements for the degree they’re interested in. Internal transfer outcomes are sent to their student email and relevant credit is typically assessed automatically.

If your teen is considering changing degrees, the best place to start is by speaking with their program support officer (PSO), who can help them understand how a change might affect their study plans and guide them through the options and steps involved.

Once they’re ready, depending on their circumstances, the next step is usually to apply via our Internal Transfers page. This page is also a great resource for more information on how to transfer, eligibility, key dates and more.

If they haven’t started yet

If your teen is reconsidering their degree before commencing study, there may still be time to adjust before enrolment closes—so make sure to reach out to our support staff so you and your teen can talk through your options.