How to transfer to a university abroad | transfer program

There are situations you find yourself that make you want to transfer university. You are not alone. There are many reasons why students want to switch universities. That is why, I will take you through what you need to know about switching universities. More importantly, how you can transfer to a university abroad.

First, you need to know there are many things involved in a university transfer. But you no worries, I’ll tell you all about it.

Secondly, transfer to a university abroad require you to be in a full-time undergraduate course at a university or college. So if you have completed one year (an academic session) at a university, you can transfer to a university abroad. What is more important is that different universities have their unique requirements before receiving transfer students.

What level would I start?

Applying to transfer to a university abroad mean you would start from second or third year. That depends on your current level before transferring and the university you are transferring to.

Moreover, universities in a particular country have similar requirements. For example, universities in Canada have similar requirement for transfer program, just as universities in UK have similar requirements.

transfer to a university abroad

Going forward

First, you have to decide if a university transfer is right for you based on your current situation.

And, peradventure you have. Then, decide on a university to study – whether a university in UK, South Korea, US, or other country. This will help you make progress with your application.

Most importantly, transferring to a university abroad require transfer of credits (your academic achievement). And this process is a tedious one, so you have to supply as much information as possible. That would determine if you start from second year or third year at your new university.

The good thing is that it’s possible to transfer to a university abroad. Follow this guide to transfer abroad.

What do I need to transfer to a university abroad?

There are many factors that swings the pendulum in your favor if you are transferring abroad. Following these tips will help you transfer university to your choice country.

More importantly, you should be studying a full-time course at your university or college. If that’s you, then you are qualified to transfer to a university abroad.

You would be required to provide sufficient information on:

Your university grading system

Universities and colleges around the world have different grading systems, although most are similar. While some schools have a 5-point grading system, others operate a 4-point system.

To transfer to a university abroad, you would submit your school (current university or college) grading system.

Who are you submitting to? The university you are applying to.

That includes how your term (semester) grades were arrived at. Because, grading system includes the corresponding values for A, B, C and D. For example, here is a typical grades of a university or college using a 5-point system.

A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1, F = 0

So, say you have a CGPA of 3.70 after first year. You should be able to reveal how your university arrived at that CGPA through their grading system. That’s not hard. Is it? Perhaps not!

However, universities and colleges grading system other than the one above have their unique calculations. That information is important and you need to provide it.

Also, ready the grades (all courses) you attained in your first year. And, if you have completed second year, ready all the grades you attained in your first and second year.

Your course curriculum

It’s also called syllabus. Your university curriculum for your course is needed.

Where to get it? You’ll find it in your course handbook.

Your course curriculum mean all the courses you were expected to take in your program. That is, at your current university.

There is no substitute for providing information on your university grading system and course curriculum. Have them handy.

Next is to..

Inform your you want to transfer to a university abroad

It would be a terrible idea not to inform your school. Because, your university (or college) have a huge role to play in your transfer to a university abroad.

Your school might consider giving you a certificate that shows you have completed studies there. Whether first year or second year. That’s because some universities abroad ask for such certificate authorized by your school.

Remember I mentioned earlier that there are factors that determine your transfer abroad. By extension, these factors also determine the level you start at a university abroad. Be it second year, or third year. Because, the university might recommend you starting from second year based on your credits.

Those factors are:

Your academic grades

The grades you attained counts a great deal to the success of your transfer to a university abroad. Also, it goes a long way to determine the level at which you start your course.

Your personal statement

An impressive personal statement is important. Transferring to a university abroad is the same thing as applying to a university abroad. Just that, you want your current credits to also count in your new school.

That’s why you start from second year or third year. Find out how to write a good personal statement.

Your reference

Get a an academic reference from a lecturer at your university. Get them to give you a reference.

Reasons why transfer to a university abroad may not be accepted

Applying to a a different field. First, make sure your current course is relevant to your intended course of study. Most often, transfer requests are rejected because applicants apply for courses not related to their current course.

For example, applying to study Accounting when your current course is International Relations. That’s not how it works.

Therefore, applying to study Finance when your current course is Marketing. Or applying to study Physiotherapy when your current course is Anatomy. Those makes sense.

You are already in third year. At the same time, be aware that most universities abroad won’t accept transfer if you are already in third year.

In most cases, your application may not be considered if you have completed more than two years on the course at your university. Because the typical duration of degree course is 3 years or 4 years.  So, it’s taken that you have almost completed your course.

Personally, I encourage you to finish your course if you are already in third year. Besides, you are almost through. And, it would be more economical finishing your course than attempting to transfer to a university abroad.

Transfer is not permitted into your course. Also, universities abroad don’t accept transfer students into all courses. Therefore, you may need to check that your intended course is part of the university’s transfer program.

Moreover, if for any reason, a university is unable to accept you into your choice course…. most universities are considerate enough to give you an offer of a place into a different course. That is, if you’d consider it. But definitely, a related course to your intended course of study.

I have a first degree, so can I transfer to a university abroad?

  • Yes.

You can transfer to university abroad to study an undergraduate course even though you already finished your course. However, most universities won’t permit you to study the same course you did in your first degree.

In other words, you won’t be permitted to study Criminology on a transfer program, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Unless, you have to apply as a high school leaver, not through a transfer program. And in that case, you will have to start from first-year.

Next thing to do…

Start an application to transfer to your choice university abroad.

The great part of transferring to a university abroad is that you get to start from second year. And in rare cases, from third year…depending on your transfer credits.

Applying to transfer to a university abroad is not a guarantee you’ll be accepted (just as with other admission). What is more certain however, is that you can transfer to a university abroad. By the Heavens, that’s great!

I hope you enjoyed this post? Please share it with your friends on social media with those buttons below.

Please let me know in the comments if you have any more queries. Also, if you have or recently transferred to a university abroad, please share your experience in the comments.

One more thing. If you’d like to hang out with other international students, click here to join the International Students Facebook group.

13 thoughts on “How to transfer to a university abroad | transfer program

  1. Hello,
    I am interested in transferring abroad but I am a 200 year student currently studying engineering in Nigeria and in a few months I’ll be entering 300 year in about a month. Do I still qualify considering it’s a 5 year course?

  2. I’m currently undergoing my masters program in Public and international Affairs in Nigeria . I am in my second year. Is it possible to transfer? If yes which school should I be looking at in Canada and US that can offer my a full funded scholarship. Can you also provide me with the process to go about this? Thank you.

  3. Hello,
    Am interested in the above opportunity.
    I am trying to pursue my career in ethical IT or cyilber SEC at master level.
    I need full coverage scholarship as an African student.
    What are the required qualifications and procedures?
    My regards

  4. Good day, What subject and grade in WAEC will accelarate one to study any Engineering course in UK?

  5. Thanks very much i need an admission to study early childhood education in canada how do u help me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *