Can You Change Your Course or University After Arriving in Europe?

You arrive in Europe, begin your classes and realise that the programme is not what you expected.

Maybe the course is too theoretical. Perhaps you have discovered another specialisation that better suits your career plans. Or you simply feel that another university would provide better opportunities.

Can you change?

In many cases, yes.

International students can sometimes change their course, university or both after arriving in Europe. However, the process is not as simple as cancelling one admission and joining another.

Your decision can affect:

• University admission
• ECTS credits
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Academic progression
• Student residence permits
• Graduation timeline

Most importantly, the immigration rules are not the same across Europe.

A change that is straightforward academically may still require notification to or approval from immigration authorities.

Here is what international students need to understand before making the switch.

First: There Are Three Different Types of Change

Students often describe everything as “changing university”, but there are actually several different situations.

Situation 1: Changing Your Course at the Same University

For example:

MSc Mechanical Engineering → MSc Sustainable Energy

while remaining at the same university.

This may be the simplest type of change because you remain within the same institution.

However, you may still need:

• Approval from the new department
• A new admission decision
• Assessment of your existing credits
• Updated enrolment
• Immigration notification where required

Situation 2: Changing to Another University in the Same Country

For example:

University A in Austria → University B in Austria

Here, you are changing your educational institution but remaining within the same immigration system.

This may require more administrative steps because the institution connected to your student status has changed.

Situation 3: Moving to a University in Another European Country

For example:

University in Germany → University in the Netherlands

This is significantly different.

Your German student residence permit does not automatically become a Dutch student residence permit simply because both countries are in Europe.

You would normally need to satisfy the immigration requirements of the new destination.

So:

Changing university within the same country ≠ changing your country of study.

That distinction is extremely important.

Can You Change Your Course After the Semester Starts?

Possibly.

Whether you can change depends on the university and the programme.

The new course may require:

• Specific bachelor’s subjects
• Minimum academic grades
• Language proficiency
• Entrance examinations
• Portfolio
• Work experience
• Specific ECTS prerequisites

You therefore cannot assume that because you were admitted to one Master’s programme, you automatically qualify for another.

The new department may evaluate you as a fresh applicant.

Internal Course Transfer vs New Application

Some universities allow students to request an internal programme transfer.

Others require students to submit a completely new application.

Imagine you are studying:

MSc Data Science

but want to move to:

MSc Artificial Intelligence

The university might:

Option A: Transfer you internally.

or

Option B: Ask you to apply to the AI programme during the normal admission period.

This can become important if the programme has only one intake each year.

If the next application window is several months away, changing your programme could delay your studies.

Can Your Completed Subjects Be Transferred?

Possibly, but credit recognition is not automatic in every case.

Europe widely uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One of its purposes is to make study periods and academic credits easier to understand and recognise between institutions.

However, just because two subjects both carry 6 ECTS does not necessarily mean they are academically equivalent.

The receiving university may compare:

• Course syllabus
• Learning outcomes
• Academic level
• Number of credits
• Assessment method
• Subject content

For example:

You completed:

Statistics for Business – 6 ECTS

Your new Master’s requires:

Advanced Statistical Modelling – 6 ECTS

The university may decide that the subjects are not sufficiently equivalent.

In that case, you may need to complete the new module despite already earning 6 ECTS elsewhere.

ECTS Makes Transfer Easier, Not Guaranteed

This is an important distinction.

The European Commission describes ECTS as a system designed to support academic recognition and student mobility.

But recognition still depends on the receiving institution and the compatibility of the learning completed.

So do not ask only:

“How many credits have I completed?”

Also ask:

“How many of these credits will my new programme actually recognise?”

That answer can determine whether changing university costs you a semester or even an entire academic year.

A Simple Credit Transfer Example

Imagine you completed your first semester with:

30 ECTS

You then transfer to another university.

The new institution assesses your subjects and recognises:

18 ECTS

That means:

30 ECTS completed

but only:

18 ECTS counted toward the new degree

You may therefore need to complete the remaining 12 ECTS again through subjects required by your new programme.

Changing university does not necessarily erase your previous academic work, but neither does it guarantee that everything transfers.

Can You Change University After One Semester?

In many cases, potentially yes.

But the new university must first accept you.

You may need to provide:

• Passport
• Current university enrolment certificate
• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous transcripts
• Current Master’s transcript
• Module descriptions
• ECTS details
• Language certificate
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Admission documents

The university may then determine:

1. Whether you qualify for admission.
2. Whether any completed credits can be recognised.
3. Which semester you can enter.

You may not necessarily continue directly from Semester 2.

The receiving university could admit you into Semester 1 if insufficient credits transfer.

Can You Change After One Year?

Academically, this can sometimes be possible as well.

However, the later you change, the more important credit recognition becomes.

Suppose you complete:

60 ECTS at University A

but University B recognises only:

30 ECTS

You may effectively lose the academic value of one semester toward the new programme.

Before transferring, ask the receiving university for an evaluation of your previous studies wherever possible.

What Happens to Your Current University?

Do not immediately withdraw from your existing university the moment you decide you want to leave.

A safer sequence is usually:

Current University

↓

Apply to New University

↓

Receive Admission

↓

Confirm Credit Recognition

↓

Check Immigration Requirements

↓

Complete New Enrolment

↓

Withdraw from Old University

Why?

Because your current enrolment may be connected to your legal student status.

If you cancel your existing enrolment before securing the next one, you could create unnecessary immigration complications.

The Most Important Question: What Happens to Your Residence Permit?

For non-EU students, this is often more important than the university transfer itself.

A residence permit for study is generally issued based on a specific purpose:

studying.

Depending on the country, authorities may also maintain information about:

• Your university
• Degree programme
• Expected duration
• Academic progress

Changing these details may therefore need to be reported.

Do not assume:

“My residence card is valid until next year, so I can study anywhere until then.”

Your permit remains subject to the conditions under which it was issued.

Example: Changing Universities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands provides a useful example of how a university transfer can interact directly with immigration status.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service states that students are allowed to transfer to another educational institution while studying. The existing residence permit can remain valid, provided the new institution is a recognised sponsor, and both the student and the new institution notify the IND about the change.

This demonstrates an important point:

Changing university may be permitted without starting the entire visa process again, but there can still be official notification requirements.

Other countries may handle the process differently.

What About Germany?

Germany issues residence permits specifically for full-time studies at recognised higher education institutions.

Therefore, students considering a major change to their study situation should verify the consequences with the responsible immigration authority before completing the switch.

Do not rely on another student’s experience because factors such as the stage of study, new programme and individual residence conditions can matter.

Changing Course and Changing Career Direction Are Not Always the Same

Consider these two changes:

Computer Science → Artificial Intelligence

and

Computer Science → International Business

The first is closely related academically.

The second represents a much larger change in study direction.

A major programme change can attract greater scrutiny because immigration authorities may want to understand whether you are continuing a genuine and coherent course of study.

This does not mean such a change is automatically prohibited.

It means you should be prepared to explain:

• Why the original programme was unsuitable
• Why the new course is appropriate
• How it relates to your previous education
• Your future career plan
• Whether the change extends your study duration

The earlier you investigate these questions, the better.

Can You Change From a Bachelor’s to Another Bachelor’s?

Potentially.

The same principles apply.

You need to check:

• Admission eligibility
• Credit recognition
• Programme availability
• Immigration implications
• Financial consequences

The new programme may recognise some subjects from your previous Bachelor’s, particularly if the courses are closely related.

But switching to an entirely different field could mean starting almost from the beginning.

Can You Change From One Master’s to Another Master’s?

This is also possible in some cases.

For example:

MSc Business Analytics → MSc Data Analytics

may involve overlapping modules.

But:

MSc Civil Engineering → MSc Finance

is a much larger academic change and may require a new evaluation of your bachelor’s eligibility.

Remember that Master’s programmes often have specific prerequisite requirements.

Being accepted to one Master’s does not automatically make you eligible for every other postgraduate programme.

What If You Want to Change to Another Country?

This needs to be treated as a new international study move, not just a university transfer.

Imagine you currently hold a student residence permit for Germany but receive admission from a university in Austria.

You cannot simply move permanently to Austria and continue using your German residence permit as if nothing changed.

Residence permission is granted under national immigration systems. Third-country nationals staying longer-term generally need the residence authorisation applicable to the country and purpose of stay. Austria, for example, requires third-country nationals intending to stay for more than six months to hold an appropriate Austrian residence title.

You may therefore need to:

• Apply to the new university
• Receive admission
• Meet the new country’s financial requirements
• Obtain health insurance
• Apply for a new student residence permit
• Provide accommodation evidence
• Complete other immigration formalities

Do not make the move before checking the new country’s requirements.

Will You Have to Apply for a New Visa?

This depends on:

• Destination
• Nationality
• Current residence status
• New university
• Whether you remain in the same country
• Type of programme

A student changing institutions within one country may sometimes be able to continue or update the existing residence permit.

A student changing countries is much more likely to need a new residence authorisation from the destination country.

Always check this before withdrawing from your existing course.

What Happens to Your Tuition Fees?

This can be an expensive part of changing universities.

Your current university may have:

• Non-refundable tuition
• Semester withdrawal deadlines
• Partial refund policies
• Administrative charges

Your new university may require:

• New application fee
• Tuition deposit
• Semester contribution
• Full first-semester payment

This means you could temporarily pay costs at two institutions.

Before transferring, calculate:

Current tuition already paid

Possible refund

New university fees

Additional living costs caused by delay

Changing university may be academically worthwhile, but understand the complete financial impact first.

What Happens to Your Scholarship?

Scholarships are often connected to:

• A specific university
• Specific programme
• Number of semesters
• Academic progress

Changing your programme or university may affect your funding.

Do not assume that a scholarship automatically follows you.

Contact the scholarship provider before making the switch.

Will Changing University Delay Graduation?

It might.

The biggest factor is usually credit recognition.

For example:

Scenario A

Credits completed: 30 ECTS

Credits recognised: 30 ECTS

Possible delay: minimal

Scenario B

Credits completed: 30 ECTS

Credits recognised: 12 ECTS

Possible delay: significant

Scenario C

Credits completed: 60 ECTS

New programme is completely different.

Credits recognised: 0–very few

Possible result: restart programme

The more closely related your new course is to your existing programme, the greater the possibility that useful credits may transfer—but the final decision belongs to the receiving institution.

Should You Change University Just Because You Don’t Like the First Semester?

Not necessarily.

The first semester abroad can be difficult for reasons unrelated to the university itself.

Students may experience:

• Culture shock
• Homesickness
• Language difficulties
• Different teaching methods
• Heavy coursework
• Difficulty making friends
• Accommodation problems
• Adjustment to independent living

Before changing programmes, identify the actual problem.

Ask:

Is the course wrong for me?

or

Am I still adjusting to studying abroad?

Those are very different problems requiring very different solutions.

When Changing Course May Make Sense

A change may be worth considering when:

• The programme is fundamentally different from what was advertised
• Your career goals have changed
• You discover a more suitable specialisation
• The curriculum does not match your academic interests
• Another institution offers stronger relevant opportunities
• You cannot continue the programme for academic reasons

The decision should be based on long-term academic and career fit rather than a temporary difficult semester.

7 Things to Check Before Changing

1. Admission Eligibility

Will the new programme accept your academic background?

2. Application Deadline

Can you join immediately, or must you wait for the next intake?

3. Credit Recognition

How many completed ECTS will actually count?

4. Residence Permit

Does immigration need to approve or be notified about the change?

5. Tuition Refund

Will your existing university refund any fees?

6. Scholarship Impact

Will changing programmes affect your financial support?

7. Graduation Timeline

Will the transfer add another semester or year to your studies?

Get answers to these questions before withdrawing from your current programme.

A Safer Step-by-Step Process

If you are seriously considering changing your university or course, follow this order.

Step 1: Understand Why You Want to Change

Determine whether the problem is academic, personal or temporary.

Step 2: Research the New Programme

Check eligibility, curriculum, tuition and career outcomes.

Step 3: Contact the New University

Ask about admission and credit recognition.

Step 4: Prepare Your Academic Records

Collect:

• Current transcript
• Module descriptions
• ECTS information
• Examination results
• Enrolment certificate

Step 5: Secure the New Admission

Where possible, obtain formal admission before leaving your current programme.

Step 6: Check Residence Permit Requirements

Contact the relevant immigration authority or your university’s international office.

Step 7: Confirm Financial Implications

Check tuition refunds, new fees, accommodation and scholarships.

Step 8: Complete the Transfer Properly

Only after the academic and immigration side is clear should you formally withdraw and re-enrol.

5 Mistakes International Students Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Dropping Out Before Receiving New Admission

This can create a gap in student status.

Secure your next step first.

Mistake 2: Assuming ECTS Automatically Transfers

ECTS supports mobility and recognition, but the receiving university still evaluates whether previous studies fit the new programme.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Immigration

A university may approve your transfer while immigration procedures remain incomplete.

Treat them as separate processes.

Mistake 4: Assuming Every European Country Has the Same Rules

Europe does not operate one universal international-student residence system.

Always check the rules of your actual destination.

Mistake 5: Changing Without Calculating the Delay

Losing 30 or 60 recognised credits can significantly extend both your studies and your budget.

Ask for a credit assessment before deciding wherever possible.

The Bottom Line

Yes, international students may be able to change their course or university after arriving in Europe.

But the process depends on what exactly you want to change.

Changing course within the same university may involve an internal transfer or new admission.

Changing university within the same country may require new enrolment, credit recognition and immigration notification.

Changing to a university in another European country can involve an entirely new residence permit process.

Your completed ECTS may help you carry academic progress into the new programme, but recognition is not automatically guaranteed. ECTS is designed to support transparency and mobility between institutions, while the receiving university ultimately determines how previous study fits its curriculum.

Before making any change, confirm four things:

Admission. Credits. Costs. Immigration.

Only after all four are clear should you withdraw from your existing programme.

At Span International, we help students evaluate European universities and programmes carefully before departure while also guiding them through admission, documentation and visa procedures.

Choosing the right course from the beginning can save considerable time and money.

But if your plans genuinely need to change, understanding the academic and immigration process before making the move is what protects your study abroad journey.