If you’ve been wondering, “Should I change universities for postgrad?”, you’re not alone. This is a very common question among students finishing their undergraduate degrees, especially when considering long-term career growth.
After spending years at one institution, the idea of transferring to a postgraduate institution can feel overwhelming. You’ve built routines, relationships, and familiarity.
But postgraduate study options in South Africa are different. They’re more focused, more career-driven, and often more aligned with where you want your life to go next.
That means changing institutions is not unusual. It’s often strategic. So, let’s look at when switching universities postgraduate actually makes sense.
Reasons to change postgrad schools
Just because you completed your degree or diploma at one school, it doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever to complete your postgraduate programme, too.
You could theoretically study wherever you like, provided you have done your research on costs, benefits and course options. Some reasons that you may want to change institutions for postgrad could include the following:
- You want to study through distance learning instead of at a traditional campus. Making the move from on-campus school to off-campus or remote school is one of the biggest reasons that students decide to change universities. There are numerous benefits to taking the distance education route, not least including safety, flexibility and the chance to work while you finish your studies.
- You want to focus on a specific sector or niche. If you want to find a more intensive commercial qualification, you can move from a large, generalised institute to a more specialised business school that focuses on courses that are more in line with your goals. This move is strategic and can help you find courses that may be better suited to your chosen career path.
- You were not too happy with your undergrad school. Of course, you may find that you don’t want to return to a school that didn’t meet your expectations. You may have earned the qualification, but if your time there as an undergrad was miserable, it stands to reason you might not want to risk a repeat performance as a postgrad. Just be sure that your choice is also based on course options and support, as well as personal feelings.
- You want to take a course that is offered only at selected schools. Sometimes, you may find that your old school doesn’t offer the course you want to take. Some establishments are smaller than others, while some take a broader approach to education, making it harder to include specialised fields. As we covered in the second point, a more specialised school may be your best bet in this instance.
- Your goals have changed since your undergrad days. What you look for in an establishment might also have changed since those early days as a brand-new student. You may find that reliable support is more important than being where your friends are, for example. Or, you may find that a remote campus works better for your current lifestyle than on-campus classes. You need to find what is right for you right now, and that may not be what was right for you a few years before.
Can I apply to a postgraduate programme at a university other than my undergraduate institution?
Yes, you can. Universities assess your eligibility based on your qualifications, not where you studied before. As long as you meet the requirements, applying elsewhere is completely normal.
Postgraduate admission requirements in South Africa depend on the exact programme as well as the institution.
For postgraduate diplomas, it typically includes an appropriate bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma and at least two years of working experience. For master’s degrees the admission requirements are more advanced.
What are the different types of postgraduate degrees?
There are several types of postgraduate degrees, and each serves a different purpose depending on your goals.
- A postgraduate diploma is often the most practical starting point. It’s usually shorter than a master’s degree and focuses on real-world skills. This makes it ideal if you want to upskill quickly or pivot into a new field.
- An honours degree builds directly on your bachelor’s degree and typically takes about one year to complete. It’s often a stepping stone toward further study.
- A master’s degree offers deeper expertise and can take between one and two years to complete, depending on the programme. Many students choose this route when they want to specialise or move into leadership roles.
- Doctoral degrees, such as a PhD, are research-focused and suited to academic or highly specialised careers.
Each option offers different benefits, so the right choice depends on your career goals, time availability, and level of commitment.
Is a postgraduate degree hard?
A postgraduate qualification is more demanding than an undergraduate degree, but it’s also more meaningful.
You’ll be expected to think critically, apply concepts to real-world situations, and manage your time independently. That said, the level of difficulty often depends on the support you receive and how well the programme fits your lifestyle.
The good news is that postgraduate study often leads to strong career outcomes.
According to Statistics South Africa, individuals with higher education qualifications generally experience lower unemployment rates and higher earning potential compared to those with only matric education.
This means that while it may be challenging, the long-term return is often worth it.
Are all postgraduate programmes eligible for credit transfer?
If you’re already studying postgrad and considering moving institutions, you might be wondering how credit transfer for postgraduate studies works.
The reality is that not all programmes are eligible for full credit transfer. Universities carefully assess whether your previous coursework aligns with their curriculum.
Most institutions will evaluate:
- Your academic transcripts
- The relevance of completed modules
- Your overall performance
However, policies differ. Some universities accept partial credits, while others require you to complete the full programme.
Before applying, always check the postgraduate admissions requirements South Africa for your chosen institution. This will help you avoid surprises and plan your studies more effectively.
FAQ
What documents are required when transferring to a postgraduate institution?
Most universities will ask for a few standard documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Certified copies of your qualifications
- Identification documents
- Sometimes a CV or motivation letter
These help them assess your application and determine eligibility.
How do universities assess prior learning or experience?
Universities assess prior learning through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). They review your academic records, work experience, and any supporting evidence (like a portfolio or references) to see if your knowledge matches the programme’s requirements.
They may also ask for a motivation, interview, or assessment. In South Africa, this process follows guidelines set by the South African Qualifications Authority to ensure fair and consistent evaluation.
Does REGENT Business School accept credit transfers for postgraduate studies?
In many cases, yes. REGENT Business School may allow postgraduate institution transfer of credits depending on your previous qualifications and how closely they match the programme you’re applying for.
Study postgrad with REGENT
The good news is that making the change to a learning establishment that’s just right for your needs is a lot easier than it seems.
We offer a combination of carefully chosen REGENT Business School postgraduate programmes, efficient support, and a wide range of interactive remote learning tools that make achieving your educational dreams more possible than ever before.
To find out more about changing postgrad school, contact us today.
