Transferring Phd Programs: Changing Universities Mid-Degree

Transferring PhD programs is possible, but it is not a simple process. It is more common for PhD students to transfer with their primary supervisor to another university, but it is not unheard of for students to transfer for other reasons, such as a better-aligned project or difficulty settling in. The transfer process usually involves making a new application to the new university, which may include providing a written statement of progress from your previous university and a written agreement from your sponsor for the transfer (if applicable). There may also be minimum time requirements left on your PhD and additional fees to pay. Transferring PhD programs can also have an impact on other important factors like your visa and funding.

Transferring to a new university, new application

Transferring to a new university as a PhD student is possible, but it is not a simple process. It is more common for students to transfer with their primary supervisor to another university, but it is not unheard of for students to transfer without their supervisor, perhaps because they have found a project that better aligns with their goals, or they have been unable to settle at their current university.

If you are considering transferring to a new university, you will likely have to make a completely new application, although there is no nationally agreed system and universities are often free to define their own rules and requirements. This means that the process will vary depending on the universities in question, and you should consult both your current and prospective universities for specific advice.

In general, you will need to complete a basic application form and provide supporting documents that show the progress of your research so far. This might include a written statement from your previous university confirming that your progress has been satisfactory, and a written agreement from your sponsor for the transfer (if applicable). You will also probably have to clearly state your reasons for transferring. Your application will then be reviewed and approved by an assessment panel.

There are some additional considerations to be aware of before initiating the transfer process. For example, there might need to be a minimum amount of time left on your PhD for you to be able to transfer, depending on the rules of your new university. You will also usually have to pay the remainder of your fees, and your funding may or may not be transferable, depending on the terms laid by your provider. If you are an international student, transferring universities may affect your visa status, so it is important to check with your university's international office.

Before deciding to transfer, it is worth considering alternative options, such as transferring supervisors within the same university or adding a supervisor from another university to your project. Transferring universities is a big step and should not be taken lightly, but if you are struggling with your PhD, remember to have open conversations with your supervisor and take advantage of your university's wellbeing support.

Reasons for transferring

Transferring your PhD to another university is not unheard of. While students usually move with their primary supervisor, you could also transfer if you've found another project that better aligns with your goals, or if you've been unable to settle in at your current university.

• Supervisor moves: Academics often need to move around for jobs, and this can happen while they are supervising students. This could be an opportunity for you to move with them to a university that is better suited to your shared research area. Alternatively, it could mean that a second supervisor steps in to lead your PhD, and you stay put.
• Funding elsewhere: Not all universities run on the same entry schedules, and sometimes funding comes in at odd times. It could be that an application for a large pot of funding doesn't come in time for your predicted start date but appears later. Funding is a strong reason to move.
• Structural or family reasons: If you feel that your current university is not supporting your family life or your mental health, it may be time to consider transferring.
• New focus with specialists elsewhere: This can happen, especially in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. You might start building a literature review and find that your interest is piqued by something different. This is an expected outcome, but it could be a problem if your supervisors are not experts in, or interested in, this new area.
• Discovery of specialists in a new place: You might stumble across a whole new team of specialists in your field and want to work with them. It is less lonely to work in a group, and this could be a powerful motivator.
• Headhunted by another institution: You might make contact with a new group, expecting to just do some work with them, and they might fall in love with your work.
• Institutional culture: You might struggle to acclimate to, or make sense of, some of the unwritten rules governing conduct and communication inside and outside the program.
• Relationships with faculty members: There might be a lack of mutual interests, rapport, and trust in your relationships with faculty members. Given the differences in personalities and experiences, this could be inevitable.
• Graduate assistantship: Your role as a graduate assistant might evolve in ways you weren't expecting, and this might not align with your professional goals.
• Program design, content, and goals: The program might have a very specific vision for forming students, which might not align with your own vision for yourself.
• Personal reasons: You might discover that your current program is challenging you in some really healthy ways, and transferring would short-circuit your opportunity to grow in important areas.

Things to Consider:

• You will usually need to make a completely new application to transfer to another university.
• There might need to be some minimum time left on your PhD for you to be able to transfer, depending on the rules of your new university.
• You will, in most cases, have to pay the remainder of your fees.
• If you are being funded, whether or not your funding gets transferred along with you depends on the terms laid by your provider.
• Your previous university might need to sign an official release of Intellectual Property before you can transfer any of your research.
• A transfer can affect other aspects of your research, such as your visa and funding.

Application requirements

Basic Requirements

Transferring PhD programs is possible, but it is not a straightforward process. Each university has its own rules and requirements, and it often involves submitting a new application. It is important to note that transferring is more common when a student's advisor moves to another school and takes their students with them.

Application Process

The application process for transferring PhD programs typically involves the following steps:

• Completing a basic application form: This may include providing personal information, educational background, and other relevant details.
• Submitting supporting documents: These documents demonstrate the progress of your research up to the transfer point. They may include a written statement from your previous university confirming satisfactory progress, a written agreement from your sponsor (if applicable), and a statement of your reasons for transferring.
• Approval by an assessment panel: Your application will be reviewed and approved by a panel before you can register at the new university.
• Minimum time left on your PhD: Some universities may require a minimum amount of time remaining in your PhD program to be eligible for a transfer.
• Financial considerations: You will likely be responsible for paying the remaining fees at your new university. Funding transfers depend on the terms laid by your provider.
• Intellectual Property release: Your previous university may need to sign an official release of Intellectual Property before you can transfer your research to the new institution.

Additional Considerations

When considering transferring PhD programs, it is important to keep in mind the potential impact on other aspects of your life, such as your visa status and funding opportunities. If you are an international student, transferring may affect your right to stay in the country, so it is crucial to consult with the international office at your university.

Additionally, transferring PhD programs can have implications for your funding, especially if you are on a scholarship or studentship. It is important to understand the terms and conditions of your funding and whether it can be transferred to the new university.

Alternatives to Transferring

Before initiating a transfer, it is worth exploring alternative options that could address your concerns without the need for a full program transfer. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Transferring supervisors within the same university: If you are happy with your current institution but want to change supervisors, this could be a simpler solution.
• Adding a supervisor from another university: If your PhD involves a joint research project with multiple universities, you may be able to add a supervisor from another institution without formally transferring.

Additional considerations

Before transferring, it is important to be aware of the challenges and potential setbacks that may arise. Firstly, transferring to a more prestigious department or university can be difficult as admissions committees tend to be sceptical of such moves. They may question whether your application is truly exceptional or if you are simply "rolling the dice" again. Therefore, it is crucial to have a strong application and a well-thought-out rationale for the transfer.

Secondly, expressing unhappiness with your current programme can make it harder to transfer. Admissions committees may worry about accepting an unhappy student who could become unproductive. While it is important to be honest, framing your reasons in a positive light, such as a desire to work with a specific professor or pursue a particular subfield, may be more favourable.

Thirdly, transferring once you have started working seriously on your thesis can be challenging. If your work is going well, it may be difficult to justify the need to change institutions. On the other hand, if your work is not progressing satisfactorily, it could count against you in the application process.

Additionally, there may be suspicion that your goal in transferring is to improve your department's reputation or location, even if you have other valid reasons. It is essential to provide a compelling argument for your transfer, addressing any potential concerns the admissions committee may have.

Another consideration is the impact on your visa and funding. If you are on a student visa, transferring may affect your right to remain in the country, so it is crucial to consult with the international office at your university. Regarding funding, it depends on the rules of your funding provider and the universities involved. In some cases, you may need to reapply for funding or find alternative sources.

Lastly, transferring your PhD is not the only option if you are facing challenges. You could consider changing supervisors within your current institution or adding a supervisor from another university to your project, especially if your PhD involves a joint research project with multiple universities. Open communication with your supervisor and taking advantage of wellbeing support services can also help if you are struggling.

Alternatives to transferring

While transferring to another university during a PhD program is possible, it is not a straightforward process. It involves a completely new application, and there are no nationally agreed systems or requirements. Therefore, there are some alternatives to transferring that may be worth considering:

• Transferring supervisors within the same university: This option may be simpler if you are happy with your institution but want to change supervisors.
• Adding a supervisor from another university to your project: If your PhD is a joint research project with multiple universities, adding a supervisor from another university to your project may be easier than transferring completely.
• Starting a new PhD program: This option may be feasible if you are in the early stages of your program and are willing to start over at a new university. However, it is important to note that you may need to apply from scratch and may not be able to transfer all of your credits.
• Collaborating with another university: In some cases, you may be able to remain enrolled at your current university but collaborate extensively with another institution. This option may provide you with the benefits of a different academic environment without having to go through the formal transfer process.
• Addressing the issues at your current university: Before making any decisions, it is important to have open conversations with your supervisor and take advantage of your university's well-being support if you are stressed or worried. There may be other solutions to your concerns that do not involve transferring.

Frequently asked questions