If you are studying for a degree in your home country but now wish to complete it abroad, you may be able to transfer. While it is not a common occurrence, some universities around the world are willing to accept international students who are part of the way through their course elsewhere. So, you may be able to complete your first year in the place where you live, then finish the rest in a different one – including the UK, US and Canada. Find out what steps you can take to do this as we explain how to transfer to a university abroad.
Can I transfer to a university abroad?
It is absolutely possible to transfer from a university in one country to a university in another. However, there is no guarantee that this will be straightforward, or even possible in your specific circumstances. Different countries and universities have their own rules regarding such moves, so you should check what the situation is in the place where you wish to study.
What steps can I take to transfer to a university abroad?
As your ability to transfer will depend on national and university rules, as well as your own circumstances, there is not one universal route to making the move. However, following these steps should help you explore your options.
- Research similar courses to the one that you are currently studying. Look closely at their course content, and how comparable it is to what you have already learned. The closer the match, the more likely you are to be able to transfer.
- Search for universities’ policies regarding international transfers. Some may publicise their approach on their website, along with specific details.
- Contact universities. If you find a suitable course at a university that does not say it will not accept international transfers, look for a way to reach their international office or admissions department. Tell them about your situation.
- Take universities’ advice. If they indicate that transferring may be possible, they should also be able to advise you on the next steps towards enrolling with them.
- Inform your current university. It is important that they are aware of your plans. If you have not already discussed this with them (and perhaps explored the possibility of staying), it will be necessary eventually. Your transfer must be made official by all relevant parties: yourself, both universities, and any other bodies who may be involved.
What terms do universities use when talking about transfers?
Universities may use a number of unfamiliar terms when talking about switching universities. They do not always use them to mean the same thing, but in general, these definitions hold true:
- Credit transfer – the process of having degree credits you have earned at one institution recognised by another. These may or may not be deemed as equivalent.
- Advanced standing – the use of your previous qualifications or experience as a basis for entering a course at a more advanced stage than is usual. For instance, the completion of a pathway course can enable you to enter the second year of an undergraduate degree.
- Recognition of prior learning – the evaluation of the knowledge, skills and experience you have acquired so far in your life, and what they qualify you to do next. This can be based on what you have done both inside and outside of the classroom.
In each case, these terms describe ways through which universities seek to establish that your prior experience is suitable for acceptance by them, and for a particular level of study.
Can I transfer abroad from a branch campus?
Branch campuses (also known as satellite campuses) are places where you can study for a degree from a university that are separate to its main location. Top institutions around the world have these, allowing students to benefit from their teaching without having to move for it. Examples include the Malaysian branch of the UK’s University of Southampton and the Indian branch of Australia’s Deakin University.
Another advantage of branch campuses is the ability to transfer to the main location during your course. While this is not always guaranteed, it is often possible to move to study abroad after one or two years at your initial location. For example, De Montfort University in the UK allows this for students at its campuses in the UAE and Kazakhstan.
Can I transfer between universities in the same country?
It is much more common to move between institutions within a country. In the USA, it is increasingly popular for students to transfer from a community college to a university after their first or second year of study. In the UK, the process is often overseen by the admissions service UCAS, while some universities have reciprocal arrangements, such as the Midlands Credit Compass. This makes moving between institutions much more fluid.
What other ways can I use to study abroad?
If transferring is not an option, you may still be able to achieve your study abroad dreams by other means.
You could research whether your university takes part in any exchange programmes. These may enable you to study part of your course at a partner institution in another country. Examples include the European Union’s Erasmus+. This is a great option if you do not want to commit to longer-term study abroad, or do not want the financial cost it can entail. Often, such programmes are fully or partially funded.
Alternatively, you could study another course abroad after completing your current one. Many international students wait to get their undergraduate degree before moving to another country for a postgraduate course. Doing this will give you more time to consider your options, and perhaps save money for what is likely to be a shorter period of study.
Of course, studying abroad is not always the answer. While becoming an international student is an exciting and empowering thing to do, you should only attempt it if you are sure it is right for you. Don’t rush into the decision – transferring to study abroad should only be done if the time is right.
If you are ready to think seriously about taking the step, you might want to consider some of the other important points on the way to getting an education in another country. Discover how much it costs to study abroad, take our visa application tips, and make sure everything is in order with our study abroad checklist.
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