Transferring Colleges: Options For International Students

Transferring colleges is a common occurrence among students, and international students are no exception. In the US alone, approximately 2.1 million college students transferred between institutions in the 2020-2021 academic year. International students may consider transferring for various reasons, such as cost, needing more time to prepare for a four-year university, or a school not being the right fit. While transferring colleges as an international student is possible, there are several important considerations and processes to keep in mind.

Can an international student transfer to another college?

Eligibility for financial aid

International students are generally ineligible for US federal financial aid and typically have to pay out of pocket. However, many colleges offer substantial financial aid packages to international students in the form of scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities.

Scholarships

Scholarships are the main way to fund your studies in the US. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships. While they are highly competitive, your chances of getting one are good if you have impressive achievements and know how to make a good application. Many colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships or grants to talented international students. For example, the John M. Belk scholarship at Davidson College provides full funding plus special study stipends to allow students flexibility in the on-campus and off-campus opportunities they choose to explore. Indiana University's Wells Scholars Program is a full-time merit-based scholarship offered to between 18 and 22 students each year.

Loans

Several private legal lenders in the US offer loans to international students, but there are not many lenders that do so. They usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.

Work-Study Programmes

Some colleges offer work-study programmes to international students.

Federal Loans

The option of applying for federal loans (FAFSA) is limited by strict conditions. FAFSA is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries, such as students with a green card (US permanent residents) or former victims of human trafficking (T nonimmigrant status).

Transferring credits and grades

Transferring Credits:

• Course Equivalency: The transfer of credits depends on the course equivalency between the two institutions. Not all courses may have direct equivalents, and some credits may not transfer. It is important to evaluate the transferability of your current courses to the new institution.
• Transcript Evaluation: Provide official transcripts from your current institution to the new college or university. They will evaluate your transcripts to determine the transferability of credits.
• Credit Acceptance: The new institution will decide how many and which specific credits they will accept. They may have policies regarding the minimum grade required for credit transfer or the maximum number of transferable credits.
• Major Requirements: If you are transferring to a different major, some of your previously earned credits may not count toward the new program's requirements. Ensure that you understand the new program's curriculum and how your transferred credits will apply.

Transferring Grades:

• GPA Calculation: The calculation method for Grade Point Average (GPA) may vary between institutions. Your cumulative GPA may be calculated differently at the new school, potentially impacting your academic standing.
• Transcript Records: Your transcripts will typically include your grades from the previous institution. Ensure that your transcripts are sent to the new school for evaluation and incorporation into your academic record.
• Standardization: Some institutions may have processes to standardize grades or GPAs for transfer students to ensure fairness. Inquire about any such processes at your prospective new institution.

It is important to remember that each college or university in the US has its own policies and procedures for transferring credits and grades. Therefore, it is essential to contact the specific institutions you are considering to understand their exact requirements and how your credits and grades will transfer. Additionally, as an international student, visa requirements and maintaining your legal status during the transfer process are crucial, so be sure to seek guidance from the appropriate authorities.

Maintaining legal immigration status

International students in the US on an F-1 visa can transfer to another college or university, but they need to take some extra steps to maintain their legal immigration status. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Full-Time Student Requirement: To maintain their F-1 visa status, international students must be enrolled full-time during the academic year. When transferring, students should ensure they do not have a gap between semesters that would cause them to fall below the required number of credits.
• Maintain Good Academic Standing: Students should maintain a satisfactory academic performance to remain in good standing with their visa requirements. This typically means maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA), such as above 2.5.
• Follow Transfer Procedures: International students should work closely with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they follow the correct transfer procedures. This includes transferring their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new school and obtaining a new Form I-20.
• Timing of Transfer: It is important to plan the timing of the transfer carefully. Students should start the transfer process early, typically four to six months before classes start at the new school. They should also be mindful of any deadlines and requirements set by the new school.
• Credit Transfer: International students should ensure that their credits will transfer to the new school to avoid prolonging their time between enrollments. A certain number of credits may be required to maintain their visa status.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Transferring to a new school may impact an international student's eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. Some schools offer financial support specifically for international transfer students, while others may only provide aid to first-year applicants.
• Visa Reinstatement: If an international student fails to maintain their status, they may need to apply for reinstatement with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If reinstatement is denied, the student must leave the US immediately to avoid removal proceedings.

By carefully following these guidelines and staying informed about their specific visa requirements, international students can successfully transfer to another college while maintaining their legal immigration status in the US.

Exploring different subjects

International students can explore different subjects at a community college before committing to a four-year program in the US. This is a good option for students who are still deciding on their major. Community colleges offer the same general education classes required as part of a bachelor's degree but at a lower cost than four-year institutions. They also specialize in helping new immigrants transition to life and work in the US.

Some universities have partnerships with local community colleges to make transferring easier. For example, students can take classes that count toward their degree at both types of institution. Community colleges can provide access to more competitive four-year institutions as a third-year transfer student.

International students already at four-year colleges and universities can transfer schools as well. However, some colleges are very specialized and offer limited academic programs. Students at these schools who want to change their focus may need to apply to a different type of school to finish their bachelor's degree.

It is important to note that applying as an international transfer student may affect your eligibility for financial aid. Some colleges and universities give financial aid to international students only if they are first-year applicants, not transfer applicants. On the other hand, some schools offer scholarships specifically to international transfer students.

Application requirements and deadlines

International students can transfer to another college in the US, and most colleges accept international transfer students. However, the application requirements and deadlines vary across colleges and academic programs. Therefore, it is advisable to start the process early and contact the individual college to which you plan to apply for their specific transfer policy.

International students can transfer from a community college to a four-year college, which can help preserve funds, provide a better initial classroom experience, and build relationships with a community. Some colleges are very specialized and only offer limited academic programs, so students who want to change their focus may need to transfer to a different school to finish their bachelor's degree. Additionally, some universities have partnerships with local community colleges to facilitate transfers.

For F-1 students, transferring to another college requires the transfer of their SEVIS records, which includes their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status." The transfer process should be initiated by contacting the Designated School Official (DSO) at the transfer-in school, who will work with the DSO at the student's current school to choose a transfer release date. On this date, the student's SEVIS record is transferred to the new school, and the DSO at the new school can issue a new Form I-20. It is important to obtain this new Form I-20 as soon as possible and to maintain your status by registering for classes within 15 days of the program start date listed on the form.

The specific requirements and deadlines for transferring as an international student can vary, and some colleges may only accept transfer students who have completed a certain number of years of study. Additionally, transferring to a new college may impact an international student's eligibility for financial aid, as some colleges only offer financial aid to first-year international students and not to transfer students. Therefore, it is essential to research the requirements and deadlines for each college before initiating the transfer process.

Frequently asked questions