Introduction to Change Program/Plan

Programs are categorised as follows:

1. Single Programs - are programs undertaken under one set of rules, with the student obtaining one degree on completion of the program.
    
2. Dual Programs - are defined as one program undertaken under one set of rules, leading to two degrees. It is essential that a student is active in a plan for each degree within the dual program. To obtain both degrees, the student needs to complete both programs at the same time (except if one program is the LLB - Law dual programs are handled differently to other dual programs).
    
3. Ad hoc Combined Programs - are defined as two programs assessed under two sets of rules. Usually, a student will gain admission to both programs independently, will have to complete the requirements of both programs separately, may complete the programs at different times and will be awarded two degrees.

Students can change between these types of programs. Slight variations in the method of processing a program change exist depending on the type of change requested.

This training course focuses on the steps that need to be carried out, and the rules associated with the different program change scenarios.

For domestic students

Program changes cannot be approved unless they fulfil all the following requirements:

• The request is received before the HECS census date;
• The student has satisfied any program prerequisites; and
• The student has attained the relevant OP/rank/grade point average required for entry into the program; and
• The student has completed the requirements in Schedule 2 of PPL 3.40.06 Undergraduate, Doctor of Medicine, Non-Award and CSP Admissions.

Each year the University allocates the number of places available to each of the programs offered. These are known as quota places. If a student gains a quota place in a UQ program, they must satisfy the specific program requirements set out in Schedule 2 of PPL 3.40.06 to maintain that quota place.

See:  https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/sites/default/files/PPL3.40.06d2-Schedule2.pdf.

For international students

In addition to the above requirements, international students must also fulfil both of the following requirements when changing program:

• If the student is sponsored, they must have sponsor approval.
  • A sponsored student would have a positive service indicator relating to student sponsorship.
  • All requests from sponsored students must be referred to the Sponsored Students Officer in the International Education Directorate.
• There must be no visa compliance issues for the student.

A plan is an area of study within a program. Depending on program rules, a plan could be called a major, field of study, stream or concentration.

Students can change their plan, but restrictions may apply to students in certain circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are:

• Where academic advice is required before changing plan, a student can only change from an undeclared plan to a specific plan. Subsequent changes must be requested through the faculty.
• If a student’s graduation term is the current semester, access to change plan via mySI-net is removed. In this situation, the student would need to request the change of plan through the faculty.
• For some programs, a change of plan requires specific approval. For example, for Postgraduate Research programs, the change of plan would be approved and processed by staff of the Graduate School.