International transfer planning
Plan your transfer to a U.S. college with fewer surprises.
Use Will My Credits Transfer to explore how your coursework may count, then store your documents in a private Student Passport so you are ready when schools request them.
This guide helps international students stay organized and prepared.
Transferring internationally involves transcripts, evaluations, and documentation. Below are the questions students ask most when preparing to transfer into a U.S. college or university.
- Compare options. Explore programs, schools, and courses that match your goals.
- Prepare documents. Organize transcripts, syllabi, and evaluations ahead of time.
- Move confidently. Understand requirements like English proficiency and admissions policies.
When you’re ready: explore transfer options, then save your documents for schools.
FAQ for international transfer students
Questions often asked by international transfer students
Expand any question to read more.
What choice is right for me?
Every college has its own rules for accepting transfer students, and it is a good idea to contact the admissions office directly to check for any additional requirements specifically for international students. Use our Transfer Profile, Program, and Course searches to compare and choose those that might be right for you.
What do I need to know about transcripts?
You will need official copies of your transcripts. If you live in a country supporting the European Union’s Diploma Supplement, you can request it be prepared for you. Many schools require that your official transcripts be processed by an evaluation service. This service will typically handle language translation and generalized curriculum mapping.
The acceptance of credit will be up to the college where you enroll. However, some institutions will accept recommendations from a course by course evaluation if it has been prepared by an approved agency.
How can I find a foreign transcript evaluation agency?
The following agencies are approved to provide credit recommendations:
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
- World Educational Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- Educational Perspectives (EP)
What if English is not my native language?
It is okay, and very common. Most colleges will ask you to show that you can read, write, and understand English well enough to succeed in class. This is usually done by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
Am I considered an international student if my parents or I have applied for a green card?
Yes. You are usually considered an international student until you officially receive a green card. Once you have it, you will need to provide a copy to the college you are applying to so they can update your student status.
As an international student, do I need to take the SAT or ACT?
It depends on the college and the program you are applying to. Some schools require one or the other for admission, while others only require them for certain majors or scholarship consideration.
Are financial aid and scholarships available to international students?
Yes, there are scholarships and other funding sources available for international students, but they can vary by school. Many colleges offer their own scholarships, and there are also outside organizations that provide financial support.
Well known resources include Education USA, EduPass, and international scholarship search websites.
What documents do I need to apply as a transfer student to a college in the United States?
It helps to have detailed information about the classes you have taken before. This can include course catalogs, class descriptions, and syllabi, which advisors use to decide how your credits may transfer. You should also have a copy of your transcript from your previous school.
Saving these documents in one place, such as in our Student Passport, makes everything easier to share with colleges during the application and transfer review process.