Transferring To Us Universities: A Guide For European Students

Transferring from a European university to a US university is possible, but it can be a complex process due to differences in educational systems and requirements. Over one million students, including international students, transfer to a US university each year. To transfer, students should first consult with an academic advisor to understand the transfer process, required documents, and potential costs. It is recommended to start the process early, as it can be time-consuming and may involve translating and evaluating transcripts. English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, and college admissions exams may also be required. While it is possible to transfer credits, there is no guarantee that all credits will be accepted, and the transferability of credits will depend on the specific universities and programs involved. Students should be prepared for the possibility of having to repeat courses or spend additional time completing their degree.

Transferring from a European university to a US university

Academic Credits and Course Equivalency:

• One of the main challenges is that US universities have general education requirements, while European universities typically do not. US universities require students to take a range of courses outside their major, including science, humanities, and English composition. These types of courses may not transfer directly to a European university, as they are not typically part of the European curriculum.
• It is important to note that credit transfer policies vary between universities. Some US universities may accept up to two years of study from another institution, but it is not guaranteed that all credits will transfer.
• To determine course equivalency, the receiving university will evaluate the content and level of your European courses to see if they align with their own curriculum. This process can be time-consuming and may result in some credits not being accepted.

Timing and Deadlines:

• It is crucial to start the transfer process early. Contact the international student advisor or academic advisor at your US university of choice to understand their specific policies and requirements.
• Give yourself ample time to gather all the necessary documents, as translating and evaluating transcripts can take time.
• Be mindful of enrollment deadlines and work with your advisors to ensure you meet all the requirements and deadlines for a smooth transfer.

English Proficiency and Admissions Exams:

• Before considering a transfer, it is recommended that international students take English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, and any required college admissions exams, such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE.
• Check with your intended US university to confirm their specific requirements for international transfer students.

Financial Considerations:

• Understand the financial obligations involved in transferring. Settle any outstanding payments with your current university, and be prepared to pay any necessary fees to your new university.
• Also, consider the cost of living and any additional expenses, such as rent or travel, that may arise during your transition.

Visa and Immigration:

As an international student, ensure that you maintain your legal status and meet all the requirements for your student visa. Work closely with the international student services office at your new university to complete the necessary immigration transfers and maintain compliance with regulations.

While transferring from a European university to a US university can be challenging, it is certainly possible with careful planning and timely execution. Remember to start the process early, gather all the necessary documentation, and seek guidance from academic advisors at both your current and intended universities.

Differences in academic systems

European Universities

In Europe, students choose their field of study from the beginning and apply to a specific program. There are no general education requirements for bachelor's students, and course requirements are specific to the program. For example, a student studying International Relations and International Organizations at the University of Groningen will take courses such as History of International Relations, International Politics, International and European Law, and Statistics for International Relations in their first year. They will also begin learning a language, with options such as Chinese, Dutch, Italian, or Russian.

US Universities

In contrast, students at US universities typically take general education courses during their first year, such as life or natural science, philosophy, or English composition. These types of courses are not usually offered at European universities, which can make it challenging to transfer credits. US universities also often require SAT/ACT or GRE scores for undergraduate and graduate admissions, respectively, which are not typically required for European universities.

Transferring Credits

Transferring credits between academic systems can be challenging due to differences in course structures and requirements. It is important to note that even transferring credits within a country can be difficult, let alone internationally. The evaluation of transfer credits can take several weeks, and it is common for some credits to be lost in the process.

English Proficiency

International students transferring to US universities may be required to take English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. This is typically not a requirement for European universities, although individual programs may have their own language requirements.

Timing

The timing of transfers is also crucial. It is recommended to start the transfer process early, as it can take time to obtain evaluations of previous coursework and meet application deadlines. Additionally, there may be specific deadlines for transfer students that differ from those for first-year applicants.

In summary, while it is possible to transfer between European and US universities, there are significant differences in academic systems that can create challenges. These include variations in course structures, credit transfer processes, language requirements, and application timelines. Prospective transfer students should carefully research the requirements and processes for their desired universities to ensure a smooth transition.

English proficiency tests

To enrol at a US university, international students whose native language is not English will need to provide proof of English proficiency. This is usually done by taking an English proficiency exam.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is an online, on-demand proficiency test accepted by universities such as Purdue University and the University of Maryland. A score of 110 or better is generally required, and subscores must also be submitted.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS is another widely accepted English proficiency test. A minimum overall score of 6.5 or higher, with at least a 6.0 in each section, is typically required. The IELTS Indicator version of the exam is also accepted by some universities.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL is a commonly accepted English proficiency exam. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted by many universities, while some also accept the standard in-person TOEFL iBT. Overall scores of 80 or 88 are generally required, with subscores of 20 or higher per section.

Cambridge English C1 Advanced Exam

The Cambridge English C1 Advanced Exam is accepted by some universities, such as the University of Southern California (USC). A score of 185 or above, with at least 169 on each skill, is required for exemption from further testing.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

The PTE Academic is another English proficiency test, with scores valid for two years. A score of 68 or above, with at least 53 on each band, is considered exempt from further testing.

Alternative Ways to Demonstrate English Proficiency

In some cases, international students can demonstrate English proficiency without taking a standardised test. For example, by providing evidence of academic success in an English-speaking curriculum or by submitting transfer credits from an accredited US college or university. Additionally, some universities may waive the English proficiency test requirement if the student has completed a certain level of education at a US high school or accredited institution.

Application requirements and deadlines

Transferring to a US university involves leaving the university where you are enrolled and enrolling at a new US college or university. As a transfer student, you may continue to pursue your original degree, or you may opt to change to a new degree program. The conditions of your transfer can vary depending on your program, the universities involved, and the timing of your transfer.

As an international transfer student, you will need to understand the application requirements and transfer policies of both your current university and the university you plan to transfer to. Most universities allow students to become transfer students, but many have set deadlines in place for doing so. Be aware of all relevant application and transfer schedules if you are considering transferring in the future.

Transfer Options

There are three main transfer options available for international students:

• Transferring from a local university outside the US
• Transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution
• Transferring from a four-year US university to another US university

Application Requirements

When applying to transfer as an international student, you will typically need to submit the following:

• Academic credentials or transcripts from the local institution you attended (these must be in English)
• Standardised English language test scores (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS)
• SAT/ACT or GRE scores
• A valid student visa appropriate for the program and university you are transferring to
• Letters of recommendation

Deadlines

It's important to start the transfer process early, as course evaluations can take several weeks, and you will want to avoid missing admissions deadlines. Experts recommend applying months in advance to ensure you have enough time to meet all application requirements.

Deadlines may differ from those for first-year applicants, so it's a good idea to contact individual universities to ask about their transfer policies and deadlines.

Enrollment Deadlines

In addition to application deadlines, you should also keep in mind the university's enrollment deadlines. If you plan to become a transfer student, start gathering the required documents as soon as possible, as these can take time to collect and evaluate.

Academic Transfer

When transferring from a four-year university or college, your credits will be evaluated to determine which can be transferred to your new university. This ensures you have the necessary credits to begin a new program or continue an existing one without having to start from the beginning.

Immigration Transfer

If you are an international student, your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record will need to be transferred to your new school. Once your admission to the new university is confirmed, you will need a new I-20 form. To initiate this process, you must register on SEVIS, submit any required payments, and request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record.

Transferring from a Community College

Many four-year universities and colleges waive the requirement for standardised tests during their admissions processes, especially if you are transferring from a community college.

Transferring from a University in Your Home Country

If you are transferring from a university in your home country, your completed courses will need to be evaluated to determine which credits are transferable. This process can take time, so it is best to start as early as possible to ensure you meet admission deadlines.

Research Transfer Schools and Their Transfer Policies

Before deciding which university to transfer to, research the minimum entry requirements, application deadlines, and international college credit transfer policies. These policies will help you understand the minimum number of credits you need to be eligible to transfer, and how many credits can be transferred to your new university.

Transfer Credits Between Universities

The earlier you decide to transfer to a university in the US, the better, as not all of your credits are guaranteed to transfer. To ensure you get the most credit for classes you have already taken, choose your class load and junior college carefully.

Begin the Transfer Application Process Early

It's best to begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start. Knowing what you will study and where you want to go will save you time down the line.

Look for Articulation Agreements

An articulation agreement between a junior or community college and a four-year university means that both schools agree to certain credits and classes transferring within a given program.

Look for Transfer Tables Before You Enrol in Classes

Many US universities use previously accepted transfer credits to guide their decisions about contemporary credit transfer policies. This information is contained in transfer tables (or transfer equivalencies), which are often available to the public.

What to Do if Your Credits Are Not Accepted

Even if your classes are not accepted as counting toward your major, they may count toward your general education requirements, which most US universities require.

Take Care of Any Pending Financial Obligations

Before beginning the transfer process, be sure to settle any outstanding payments at your current institution to make the process as smooth as possible.

Update Your Visa Requirements

When considering how to transfer universities, you need to ensure that the programs and universities you are considering still allow you to meet your visa requirements so that you can maintain your status as an international student.

For example, certain university programs may only be eligible for J-1 or M-1 student visas, and if you have an F-1 student visa, you would not be able to enrol. In this case, you would need to change your student visa type or consider other university options.

Transfer to the US with American Collegiate

American Collegiate helps international students earn recognised credits that can be applied toward a transfer to a top-ranked US university. Options include digital learning, on-campus, or honours programs.

Student visa

To transfer to a US university as an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa. The type of student visa you will need depends on the specific program and university you are transferring to.

• Contact your Academic Advisor: Speak to an international student advisor or academic advisor at your current university to guide you through the transfer process. They will provide essential information, including deadlines and the documents you need to collect. Be sure to ask about any changes you need to make to your student visa.
• Start the process early: Approaching your department, faculty head, or relevant authorities to approve your transfer is crucial. It is important to begin this process as soon as possible, as gathering the necessary documents and completing all the required steps before the deadline can take a significant amount of time.
• Prepare your finances: Ensure that you have settled any outstanding payments or financial obligations with your current university. Then, check the amount you need to pay to your new US university and plan your finances accordingly.
• Gather the required documents: The specific documents you will need may vary, but typically, you will need to provide academic credentials or transcripts from your current institution (translated into English if necessary), standardised English language test results (such as TOEFL or IELTS), SAT/ACT or GRE scores, a valid I-20 document, and a valid student visa appropriate for the program and university you are transferring to. Letters of recommendation may also be required.
• Update SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Programme): Ensure that the program and university you are transferring to allow you to maintain your status as an international student and meet your visa requirements. For example, students with a J-1 visa can only enrol in programs approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Frequently asked questions