Transferring To Uk Universities: Is It Possible?

Transferring to a university in the UK can be a complicated process, and it's important to do your research before committing to the change. All major universities in the UK accept transfer students, but the transfer process can vary depending on the university and course. For example, at King's College London, students applying for certain programmes like dentistry need to apply directly to the university rather than through UCAS. The University of St Andrews also accepts transfer applications, but only a small number each year.

UK universities that accept transfer students

Transferring to a different university is a big decision. Students in the UK transfer universities for various reasons, including personal considerations, dissatisfaction with their current course or university, or financial concerns. While all major universities in the UK accept transfer students, the acceptance rate is low, and the process can be complex and varies across universities and courses.

University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews accepts transfer applications from students enrolled in other higher education institutions. Transfer applicants from the UK must apply through UCAS, while international students can apply directly if St Andrews is the only university they are applying to in the UK. The university requires transfer applicants to meet the standard entry requirements and any subject-specific prerequisites for their chosen programme. Transfer students typically need strong academic records and valid reasons for transferring their studies to St Andrews.

University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire welcomes transfer applications at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They offer two ways to transfer: through their international partner institutions' formal Progression/Transfer Pathways or by applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) individually. The university has agreements with several international partners, allowing students to progress their education on their degree programmes with advanced standing. For those not eligible for the progression pathways, individual APL applications are assessed based on evidence of qualifications and detailed information about the student's current course.

University of London

The University of London accepts transfer students from other institutions, particularly for their distance and flexible programmes. They offer recognition of prior learning, where transfer students may be able to transfer credits from their previous studies towards their new programme, reducing the time and cost of qualification completion. The university reviews prior learning on a case-by-case basis, considering the programme regulations of the course to which the student wishes to transfer.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is mentioned as one of the UK universities that accept transfer students, but no further details are provided in the source.

University of Cambridge

Similarly, the University of Cambridge is listed as accepting transfer students, but no additional information is given.

University of Reading

The University of Reading is also included in a list of UK universities that accept transfer students, but no further specifics are available.

In addition to the universities mentioned above, it is worth noting that the transfer process in the UK usually involves applying through UCAS, the centralised university application system. However, some universities, like the University of St Andrews, offer direct applications under specific circumstances. It is important for prospective transfer students to research the requirements and processes of their desired universities and courses, as they can vary significantly.

The transfer application process

• Research and identify your desired course: Before initiating the transfer process, you need to identify the course you want to study at another university. This step involves careful research to ensure the course matches your academic and career goals.
• Contact the admissions team: Once you've chosen your desired course, get in touch with the admissions team at your current university and the potential new university. They can provide valuable insights into the transfer process and help you understand the specific requirements and procedures.
• Compile the required documents: Start gathering all the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, module information, and any other relevant materials. These documents will be submitted as part of your transfer application.
• Submit the application: Most university transfer applications in the UK are made through UCAS, following their standard deadlines. However, some universities, like the University of St Andrews, offer direct applications for international students applying to a single UK university.
• Provide supplementary documentation: In addition to the standard application, some universities may require supplementary documents, such as additional academic references, detailed academic transcripts, and a copy of your syllabus. These documents support your application and help the university evaluate your transfer request.
• Understand the acceptance criteria: Transferring to a new university can be competitive, and acceptance rates for transfer students are typically low. Ensure you meet the minimum grade requirements and have a valid reason for wanting to transfer.
• Consider the impact on student finance and visas: If you are receiving financial support or have a student visa, transferring universities may have implications. Contact Student Finance England (SFE) to understand how your financial support may be affected. If you're an international student, reach out to the international student support team to discuss how transferring will impact your UK student visa.
• Wait for a response: After submitting your application and any supplementary documentation, await the university's decision. The response time may vary, and you will typically receive a response through the UCAS system or the university's admissions channel.

It is important to note that transferring between universities in the UK is generally not possible midway through an academic year. Most transfers occur between years, and you may need to apply for a "false start" if transferring during your first year. Additionally, transferring into the final year of a degree programme is usually not allowed.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for transfer students at UK universities can vary depending on the university and course. It is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen university and course before applying for a transfer. Here are some general entry requirements and considerations for transferring to a UK university:

• Research and Course Availability: The first step is to identify the course you want to transfer to and check its availability. Contact the admissions team at your current or potential new university to discuss your options.
• Application Process: All transfer applications for undergraduate degrees in the UK are typically made through the UCAS system. However, some universities, like the University of St Andrews, offer direct applications for international students applying to a single UK university.
• Entry Point: When applying through UCAS, you will need to specify the year of entry and indicate that it is an entry point of 2 (or 3) when inputting your course options. It is important to note that transferring beyond the second year is usually not possible.
• Documentation: Compile all the required documents, including academic transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and module information. International students may also need to provide additional documentation, such as high school transcripts.
• Credit Transfer: Check if your credits from your current programme will be transferable to the new university and how they will be recognised. This is a crucial consideration, as it can impact the time and cost of completing your degree.
• Entry Requirements: Ensure that you meet the standard, minimum, and subject-specific entry requirements for your chosen programme. These requirements can vary for UK and international students, so refer to the university's website or prospectus for detailed information.
• Competitive Nature: Transferring to a UK university can be competitive, and acceptance rates for transfer students are often low. Maintaining a high grade point average can improve your chances of acceptance.
• Personal Statement: Along with your application, you will need to provide a personal statement explaining your reasons for transferring and why the new university is a better fit for you.
• Deadlines: Pay attention to the application deadlines, as transferring midway through the academic year is typically not possible. The standard UCAS deadlines for most courses are 15 January, while for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science courses, the deadline is 15 October.
• Visa and Financial Considerations: If you are an international student, consider how transferring will impact your UK student visa. Additionally, notify Student Finance England (SFE) about any changes, as transferring may have financial implications.

Recognition of prior learning

There are two types of RPL: automatic and discretionary. Automatic RPL is where a qualification is recognised as meeting the learning outcomes for a course or module without any further assessment. This is often free of charge and is usually considered for qualifications achieved within a set time frame, such as five years. Discretionary RPL is where a qualification is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if it reflects similar learning outcomes to the course or module for which the student is seeking RPL. This process usually involves a fee and requires the submission of supporting evidence.

The University of London, for example, offers both automatic and discretionary RPL. For automatic RPL, students must submit a formal request when applying for their preferred programme, meet the entrance requirements, and provide evidence of their qualification. For discretionary RPL, students must complete an RPL Request Form and submit documentary evidence, such as transcripts and syllabi, to be assessed by specialist academics.

The University of Portsmouth also recognises RPL and allows students to convert relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits that can be put toward a qualification. This includes prior certificated learning, such as professional development awards, and prior experiential learning, such as knowledge and skills gained through employment.

When considering transferring universities in the UK, it is important to research the process as it can vary between courses and institutions. While all major universities in the UK accept transfer students, the acceptance rate is low, and transfer admissions can be highly competitive. It is also important to note that transferring midway through an academic year is typically not possible, and students may need to wait until the end of the year to transfer. Additionally, transferring beyond the second year of a programme is usually not possible.

The impact on student finance

When transferring universities in the UK, there are several factors that will determine the impact on your student finance. Here are some key points to consider:

Student Finance England (SFE)

It is important to contact Student Finance England (SFE) to inform them of any changes to your circumstances. The impact on your student finance will depend on factors such as your current course, year of study, and the course you plan to transfer to. If you transfer to a different course at another university within the same academic year, SFE will typically continue your financial support without any changes. However, if you transfer to a new course during your second year, you may need to self-fund this additional year as SFE offers support for the length of your course plus one extra year.

"Plus One" Rule

Student finance in the UK usually covers tuition fees for three years, plus one additional year. So, if you transfer universities and have to restart your first year, this will count as your second year of student finance. Consequently, if your course lasts longer than three years or you extend your course to four years, the final year will not be covered by student finance.

Mitigating Circumstances

There is some flexibility in the "Plus One" rule if you have to transfer universities due to personal circumstances. In such cases, you may be able to receive additional support from Student Finance under mitigating circumstances.

Repeating a Year

If you transfer during your first year at university, you will be considered a "false start" and will be assessed alongside first-time applicants. However, if you transfer to the second year of the same degree, the receiving university will evaluate the modules you have completed to determine if appropriate credits can be transferred. It is important to note that transferring beyond the second year is typically not possible.

Application Costs

When applying for a transfer, you will need to submit a UCAS application and may be required to pay processing fees, just like any other applicant. These fees apply regardless of whether you are applying for the first or second year of the course.

Accommodation Costs

When transferring universities, you may need to change your accommodation, and finding new student accommodation at your new university can be challenging. Additionally, if you leave your current accommodation before the end of your contract, you may still be responsible for covering the accommodation costs unless someone else takes your place.

Frequently asked questions