Transfer Students: Welcome To Westminster University?

Westminster University offers a range of transfer options for students wishing to change their course or university. The university is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and considers students based on merit and academic potential. The transfer process involves submitting an application, transcripts, and additional information if required. International students and those on a visa should seek advice from the Student Advice team, as transferring courses can affect their visa status and funding. The university offers merit-based scholarships and has a rolling admissions policy, making it convenient for transfer students.

Transfer admissions requirements

The University of Westminster accepts transfer students and offers a convenient transfer pathway for nearly every major. The admissions process is committed to being transparent, consistent, fair, and equitable. The university also offers generous scholarships and a collaborative and experiential environment that leads to student success.

To apply as a transfer student, you must submit the following:

• Application form
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including an updated transcript with final grades for courses in progress
• Official high school transcript (if you've earned fewer than 60 university credits)
• Transfer Student Clearance Form, which shows proof of good standing at your current college/university

International students must contact Student Advice as transferring from your course will affect your Student Visa. Part-time and postgraduate students should also contact Student Advice to discuss the financial implications of transferring.

The University of Westminster's review committee will consider accepting transfer students with a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or above. They will also look at your high school grade point average and SAT and/or ACT scores, if provided.

Additionally, the University of Westminster requires applicants to meet minimum entry requirements, including prior academic achievement, predicted examination results, a personal statement, a referee's assessment, and professional experience (where relevant).

For students transferring to another course within the University of Westminster, you must complete the Internal Transfer Form and obtain the signatures of your current and prospective course leaders. This form is also required for changing between part-time and full-time studies.

The University of Westminster offers rolling admissions, and the deadlines for full consideration are December 2 for the spring semester and July 1 for the fall semester.

Application process

The University of Westminster accepts transfer students. The application process for transfer students varies depending on the course and level of study. Here is a detailed guide on the application process for transfer students at the University of Westminster:

Undergraduate Applications

The University of Westminster offers a rolling admissions policy for transfer students. While there are no application fees, students are encouraged to apply by the following dates for full consideration:

• December 2 for the Spring semester
• July 1 for the Fall semester

To apply, students must submit the following:

• An application through the Common App or the Westminster Application
• Official transcripts from every higher education institution attended, sent directly from the college or university
• An official high school transcript (or equivalency) showing a graduation date if the student has earned fewer than 60 university credits
• Additional information, if requested by the admissions committee, to clarify academic records or demonstrate good standing at previously attended institutions

Postgraduate Applications

Postgraduate students wishing to change their mode of study should do so before the start of the next semester. Before completing the form, students should speak to the Student Advice team to discuss the financial implications and potential visa implications of changing their course or mode of study.

Internal Transfers

Students wishing to transfer from one course to another within the University of Westminster must normally do so within the first two weeks of the academic year or, in the case of a continuing student, at the end of the academic year. To transfer to another course, students must complete an Internal Transfer Form, which requires the signature of their current course leader and the signature of the prospective course leader.

International Students

International students must contact Student Advice before transferring or withdrawing from a course, as it will affect their Student Visa. Additionally, international fee payers are required to pay £4000 of the first year's tuition fees as part of the application process.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Applicants for apprenticeship programmes must meet the current Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) eligibility criteria for the full duration of their apprenticeship. They must also supply evidence that their visa covers the full duration of their apprenticeship, including the End Point Assessment, if they require a visa.

Financial aid and scholarships

Westminster University offers financial aid and scholarships to its students. The process of applying for financial aid involves several steps. Firstly, students must submit their application for admission. Following this, they are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to be considered for need-based financial aid. The FAFSA form is also used to qualify for federal grants or loans, and it is recommended to file a new one each year. International students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-residents can file a CSS Profile with the College Board to assess their eligibility for need-based awards.

The Financial Aid Office at Westminster University assists students in determining their financial opportunities and creating an award package. Students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the acceptance process, and they can also apply for additional scholarships offered by external organisations. Westminster University also offers institutional scholarships, including talent scholarships for theatre, music, athletics, computer science, and dance.

For undergraduate first-year and transfer students, Westminster University provides automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships and awards. Additionally, undergraduate students who complete the FAFSA form are evaluated for income-based institutional grants. Students in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program are ineligible for Westminster merit scholarships due to their discounted tuition rate, but they are eligible for the Fenton Foundation Scholarship.

The university also offers continuing student scholarships, with priority given to applications submitted before February 1. These scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as cumulative Westminster GPA and financial need, as determined by the FAFSA form.

Westminster University is committed to making education accessible and affordable for its students, and over 98% of their students receive financial assistance. The university covers the cost of tuition for qualifying students through the Westminster Commitment.

Scholarships

Westminster University offers a range of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and promote specific fields of study or extracurricular pursuits. Here are some examples of the scholarships available:

• Undergraduate Excellence Award: This scholarship is designed to support international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for their chosen field of study.
• International School Undergraduate Excellence Award: This award is for undergraduate students studying or graduating from an international school outside the UK. Applicants must showcase academic excellence and a passion for their chosen field.
• Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This scholarship supports home students from a Black or Black Mixed ethnic background during their higher education.
• Foundation Degree Scholarship: The university offers scholarships for students starting an undergraduate course with an Integrated Foundation Year.
• Undergraduate Disability Scholarship: This scholarship is available for home students with a documented disability, regardless of other funding sources.
• GREAT Scholarship: Funded jointly by the university, the UK government's GREAT Britain campaign, and the British Council, this scholarship offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year master's programme to students from Thailand.
• Sanctuary Scholarship: This scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly maintenance grant of £1000 for up to 12 months to postgraduate students seeking asylum or with refugee status in the UK who are ineligible for postgraduate financial support.
• International Postgraduate Excellence Award: This award is designed to support high-achieving international postgraduate students, offering £3,000 towards full-time Master's tuition fees.
• International Sporting Excellence Award: This scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students who excel in sports, either by performing at an elite level or demonstrating strong future potential.

Transferring to a different course

The University of Westminster does allow students to transfer to a different course, although there are a few important steps to be aware of. Firstly, it is recommended that you discuss your options with your course leader, especially if you are considering changing between part-time and full-time studies. It is also important to note that any changes to your course or mode of study may have funding implications, so it is crucial to speak to the Student Advice team before making any decisions. This is especially important if you are studying on a visa, as your Visa Status may be affected.

If you decide to proceed with the transfer, you will need to complete an Internal Transfer Form, which requires the signature of your current course leader and the signature of the prospective course leader. It is important to note that all course transfers are subject to the requirements of the academic regulations and academic approval. The University of Westminster's admissions policy is based on merit and academic potential, and they aim to provide a transparent, consistent, fair, and equitable admissions process.

When transferring to a different course, you may also need to consider the impact on your accommodation or halls of residence. If you have signed a contract for a set period and decide to leave, you may still be liable to pay rent for the remainder of the contract. Additionally, transferring partway through the academic year may result in a reassessment of your funding entitlement, which could lead to a request to repay a portion of your Maintenance Loan and/or any Grants received.

It is worth noting that the University of Westminster does not consider transfers into their Business undergraduate courses. However, they do consider transfers for most other subjects, including Journalism, Psychology, Marketing, and International Relations and Development. For these courses, you can apply for direct entry into Year 2, provided you have studied similar modules with no resits or fails.

Student visa implications

Any applicant who requires a student visa to reside and study in the UK must declare this requirement and provide a copy of the visa upon request. International students must contact the Student Advice team as transferring (or withdrawing) from a course will affect their student visa. The University of Westminster's Visa Compliance team has a duty to notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if a student withdraws or transfers from the university before completing their course. This is part of the university's responsibilities as a sponsor.

If you are studying on a visa, you should speak to the Student Advice team to find out if your visa status will be affected by a change in your course or mode of study.

Frequently asked questions