Student Transfer Abroad: How It Works and Why It’s Worth It

Transferring to a foreign university — or student transfer — is a common practice in many countries. It’s often used by students who dream of earning a degree from a prestigious institution but lack the knowledge or financial resources to apply right after high school.

In this article, we’ll explain how the transfer process works, why it’s an effective pathway, what transfer options exist, and which documents you’ll need.

Contents:

• What a student transfer is and how it works
• What the credit system means
• Benefits of transferring abroad
• Required documents for transfer
• Popular destinations and universities

What Is a Student Transfer and How Does It Work?

A transfer is the process of moving from one university to another while keeping and validating the academic credits you’ve already earned. This means that some of the courses you’ve completed can be recognized by your new university, so you don’t have to start over from scratch. Transfers can happen both within the same country and between different countries.

Types of student transfer:

1. Domestic transfer — moving between universities within the same country. In this case, credit recognition is usually simpler because academic standards are more aligned.
2. International transfer — transferring to a university abroad. Here, factors such as recognition of foreign study programs, course equivalency, accreditation, language proficiency, and visa requirements play an important role.

Typically, a transfer becomes possible after 1–2 years of study at your current university — that is, after completing the initial part of the program that corresponds to the foundation courses of the new institution.

What Is the Credit System?

A credit (or credit point) is a unit used to measure a student’s academic workload. In other words, it’s a record of achievement awarded after successfully completing a university course.

Credits are calculated based on the total time a student spends studying a subject — including lectures, seminars, independent study, exam preparation, and other learning activities. Credits are granted only after a student completes all course requirements and passes assessments and exams. If the course is not successfully completed, the credit is not awarded.

Most European universities use the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).

One ECTS credit equals roughly 25–30 hours of student work. A full academic year typically equals 60 ECTS credits, or about 1,500–1,800 hours of study.

Typical credit requirements for degrees:

• Bachelor’s degree: 180–240 ECTS (usually 3–4 years of study)
• Master’s degree: 60–120 ECTS

Why does the credit system matter?

Program compatibility.

When transferring to another university, it’s crucial that your previous courses align with those at your new institution. Credits help universities assess how well your past studies match the new program — in terms of content, complexity, workload, and grading format.

Saving time and money.

If you’ve already earned credits for certain subjects, you won’t need to retake them — saving both time and tuition fees.

Better planning and workload balance.

Knowing how many credits you’ve already completed and how many you still need makes it easier to plan your course load and manage your study schedule.

International mobility.

Systems like ECTS act as a universal “language” that universities around the world understand, making student mobility much smoother and more transparent.

Benefits of Transferring to a Foreign University

Transferring to a university abroad isn’t just about changing where you study. It’s a smart strategic move that can significantly improve the quality of your education and open up new career opportunities. Here are the key advantages:

1. Сhance to get into a more prestigious university

Getting accepted into a top-ranked university straight after high school can be extremely difficult. The transfer pathway allows you to prove yourself during your first one or two years of study, improve your academic record, and then move to a stronger institution. This approach is especially common in countries with flexible transfer systems, such as the United States.

2. Higher quality of education

Naturally, this benefit follows from the previous point. Transferring to a university with stronger research resources, modern facilities, excellent faculty, and advanced academic programs gives you access to higher educational standards.

3. Cost savings in the early stage

Many students choose to start their studies at a more affordable university — for example, in their home country or at a lower-cost institution abroad. This helps save a substantial amount during the first two years, before transferring to a more prestigious program. This approach is particularly popular in the U.S., where students often begin at a community college and later transfer into a bachelor’s program.

4. International recognition of your degree

If you transfer to a reputable foreign university, you can expect your degree to carry international weight and recognition. This is especially important for students planning a global career. Such degrees are well-regarded by employers and also make it easier to continue your education in a master’s or doctoral program.

5. Improved language environment

Studying in a new country means full linguistic immersion. You’ll attend lectures, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and write papers in another language. This accelerates language progress and helps you develop strong academic communication skills — valuable both for your final thesis and for your future career.

6. Career opportunities, internships, and integration into the job market

Many universities maintain partnerships with companies that offer internships and placements, helping international students gain real-world experience. Statistics show that graduates with study-abroad experience tend to find employment faster after graduation. It’s no surprise — skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and the ability to work in diverse teams are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Documents Required for Transferring Abroad

Below is a general list of documents you’ll need when applying for a transfer to a foreign university. Keep in mind that each institution has its own requirements, so it’s best to check them in advance.

• Academic transcript from your current university
• Course syllabus or module descriptions
• High school diploma (or equivalent secondary education certificate)
• Passport (valid ID)
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certificates)
• Statement of Purpose / Motivation letter
• Application or registration fee receipt (if required)
• Official translations of all documents (usually notarized)
• Additional supporting documents — such as research papers, certificates, recommendation letters, or other achievements

Popular Destinations and Universities

An increasing number of international students see transferring as an effective way to earn a foreign degree. Below are some of the most popular destinations and examples of universities that accept transfer students.

United States

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — accepts transfer students from other accredited U.S. and international universities. Credits are evaluated based on course content and academic workload.
• Northeastern University (Boston) — also allows transfer applications with partial credit recognition.

Canada

• University of Toronto — offers a transfer policy that evaluates previous coursework for potential credit toward a bachelor’s degree.
• University of British Columbia (UBC) — allows transfer of up to 50–60% of credits from other programs, including international institutions.

United Kingdom and Europe

• Middlesex University London — students from the university’s overseas campuses (for example, the one in Dubai) can transfer to the main London campus with recognition of completed courses.
• University of East Anglia (UEA) — recognizes up to 33% of a bachelor’s program for transfer students from other universities, provided their courses meet academic standards.
• Erasmus University Rotterdam — supports international transfer students with credit recognition from other accredited universities.

United Arab Emirates (as a starting point)

• Dubai hosts campuses of many international universities with English-taught programs — for example, UOW Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
• Students who start their studies in the UAE can later transfer to the university’s main campus abroad — in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe. This makes Dubai a convenient launchpad for international education.

Assistance with Studying Abroad

We’re here to help make your dream of studying abroad a reality. At ED-EX, our experts will guide you through every step of the process — from choosing the right university and preparing your application to settling into life in a new country.

You can request an individual consultation anytime:

— directly in your personal account,

— on the page of your chosen university,

— or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com.