Internal Program Transfers Procedure

Internal Program Transfers Procedure

1. The purpose of our procedure

This procedure outlines how we manage internal program transfers for current students at Adelaide University.

Please read this procedure in conjunction with our:

2. Who our procedure applies to

2.1 Inclusions

This procedure applies to any student enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Adelaide University who seeks to transfer to another Adelaide University program.

2.2 Exclusions

This procedure does not apply to:

  • students enrolled in research degrees (see our Graduate Research Policy)
  • students enrolled in enabling, non-award or professional development programs
  • international student visa holders seeking release to transfer to another registered provider (see our [International Student Release Procedure]).

3. Our internal program transfers procedure

3.1 Overview

An internal transfer allows a current student to apply for admission to another Adelaide University program without needing to apply through the standard admission processes.

A student may seek an internal transfer to:

  • another program at the same level
  • another program at a lower level
  • another program at a higher level.

Students are not eligible to obtain an internal transfer from an undergraduate to a postgraduate program.

3.2 Our eligibility and application process

To be considered for an internal transfer:

  • the program the student is applying for must be approved to accept internal transfers
  • if the applicant is an international student on a student visa, the program must be available to international student visa holders
  • the program must have capacity to admit additional students
  • the student must meet the program’s entry requirements and selection criteria
  • the student must have completed at least one course within their current program.

Students must apply through our [Internal Transfer webpage] in accordance with any closing dates published on that page and our [Key Dates webpage].

If the application is approved, the student will commence the new program in the next available study period.

When a student receives an internal transfer to a program, they are charged the tuition fees or student contribution amounts that apply to students commencing that program in that academic year.

Credit previously approved in the original program is not automatically transferred; we reassess credit for the new program under the Credit Procedure.

If a program does not accept internal transfers, students must apply through the standard admission process.

3.3 Our requirements for international students on a student visa

In addition to the general internal transfer requirements outlined above, the following apply to international students on a student visa.

International students must ensure their student visa and confirmation of enrolment (CoE) cover the duration of the new program.

Internal transfers for international students must also comply with:

4. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

4.1 Executive Director, Student and Academic Services or delegate must:

  • ensure this procedure aligns with national standards and legislation
  • approve associated protocols and exceptions under this procedure.

4.2 Director, Scholarships and Admissions Standards or delegate must:

  • interpret the Admissions Policy, Enrolment Policy and related program rules for internal transfer applications
  • ensure consistent application and timely communication of decisions
  • monitor compliance with relevant Adelaide University policies governing internal transfers.

4.3 Admissions Officers or delegates must:

  • process internal transfer applications within delegated authority
  • request additional information from the student if required and allow the student five working days to respond
  • record decisions in the student information system
  • notify students in writing of all decisions, directions, conditions and appeal options.

4.4 Program Directors must:

  • advise whether an internal transfer is permissible under program rules
  • assess whether the transfer aligns with program sequencing and academic integrity.

4.5 Students must:

  • submit a complete internal transfer application with supporting documentation before the published closing date
  • respond to requests for further information within five working days
  • keep their contact details up to date
  • comply with all directions and conditions we issue following a transfer decision, whether the transfer is granted or refused.

5. Definitions used in our procedure

Please refer to our Adelaide University Glossary for a full list of definitions.

Student means a person enrolled in an enabling program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) means an official document issued by Adelaide University to international students to confirm enrolment status, required for student visa holders by the Australian Government.

International student means a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and does not hold Australian permanent residency.

How our procedure is governed

This procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

Parent policy

Admissions Policy

Policy category

Academic

Policy owner

Deputy Vice Chancellor – Student Experience and Success

Approving authority

co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President

Procedure owner

Executive Director, Student and Academic Services

Responsible officer

Director, Scholarships and Admissions Standards

Effective from

19 December 2025

Review date

[3/4/5 years after date this version is approved, TBC]

Enquiries

Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit]

staff.policy.enquiries@adelaideuni.edu.au

Replaced documents

Student and Program Transfers Procedure

Legislation and other documents related to our procedure

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

Category

Documents

Associated procedures

Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure

Credit Procedure

English Language Proficiency Requirements Procedure

Genuine Student Assessment Procedure

Under 18 Student Support Procedure

Related policy documents

Admissions Policy

Enrolment Policy

Referenced legislation

Adelaide University Act 2023

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 Standard 1.2: (Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning)

National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 Standard 10 (Complaints and Appeals)

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (Cth)

National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (Cth)

Related legislation

Delete, or add additional links, as appropriate

History of changes

Date approved

To section/clauses

Description of change

31 May 2024

N/A

New procedure “Student and Program Transfers Procedure”

DD Month Year

N/A

Separates the internal transfer sections of the former combined procedure to provide clearer governance, responsibilities and processes relating only to transfers between Adelaide University programs.
The procedure has been rewritten to align with the Adelaide University procedure template and Writing Guide, using plain language, active voice and consistent terminology.

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.