Frequently Asked Questions#

I get a lot of the same questions from international students thinking about transferring. Let me answer the most common ones here so you have everything in one place.

Can I transfer with an HND (Higher National Diploma)?#

Yes. If you have an HND, you will apply as a transfer student. Schools will evaluate your HND credits individually — some credits may transfer, some may not. It depends on the school and how your courses match up with their curriculum.

Contact the admissions office of each school you are interested in and ask them specifically about HND credit evaluation. Some schools are more familiar with HND programs than others.

How many credits will transfer?#

This varies a lot by school. Most universities will accept a maximum of 60-70 transfer credits. That means even if you have completed a full degree elsewhere, you will likely need to spend at least 2 years at the new school.

You may also need to retake some courses if the school determines your previous coursework does not match their requirements. The best thing to do is contact the admissions office of each school and ask about their credit transfer policies before you apply.

Can I transfer from a university outside the US?#

Absolutely. The schools I listed in this course accept international transfers from universities worldwide — not just from US schools. Whether you are studying in Nigeria, India, Germany, or anywhere else, you can apply as a transfer student.

Your transcripts will be evaluated to determine which credits can transfer. You may need to get your transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service (more on that below).

Do I need SAT or ACT scores?#

It depends on the school. Many schools are now test-optional for transfer students, which means you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. But some schools still require them, especially if you have fewer than 30 college credits.

Check each school's transfer admissions page for their specific requirements. If a school is test-optional and you have a strong score, submitting it can still help your application. If your score is average or below, it is better to skip it.

Can I transfer after just one semester?#

Some schools allow it, but most prefer more. Most universities require at least 1 year of college coursework (24+ credits) before you can transfer. A few schools will accept students after just one semester.

The more college credits you have, the stronger your application will be. Schools want to see that you can succeed in a college environment, and one semester does not give them a lot of evidence.

What if my transcripts are not in English?#

You will need to get them translated by a certified translator. Many schools also require you to have your transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service like:

• WES (World Education Services) — wes.org
• ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) — ece.org

These services will evaluate your international transcripts and convert them to the US equivalent. This helps admissions officers understand your academic record. Start this process early — it can take several weeks.

Can I apply to schools not on the list?#

Yes, of course. The schools I listed in this course are specifically ones that guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for international transfer students. That is what makes them special.

But there are many other schools that offer scholarships to international transfer students — they just might not cover 100% of your need. You should absolutely research other schools too. Just make sure you check their financial aid policies for international students before you apply.

How many schools should I apply to?#

I recommend 8-12 schools. Here is how to split them:

• 3-4 reach schools — top schools where admission is a stretch but possible
• 4-5 target schools — schools where your profile is a strong match
• 2-3 safety schools — schools where you are very likely to get accepted

Applying to just 2 or 3 schools is risky. The more applications you send, the better your chances. But make sure each application is strong — do not sacrifice quality for quantity.

Is it harder to get a scholarship as a transfer than as a freshman?#

Generally, yes. There are fewer spots available for transfer students, and there is less financial aid to go around. Schools allocate most of their scholarship budgets to incoming freshmen.

That is exactly why you need to be strategic. Apply to schools that specifically offer full aid to international transfers. Write outstanding essays. Have a strong GPA. Do your research. The opportunities are there — you just have to work harder to find and secure them.

When should I start preparing?#

6-12 months before the earliest deadline. If you are aiming for March deadlines (which is common for transfer students), that means you should start preparing the previous spring or summer.

If you are reading this and the deadlines are coming up soon — start today. Do not wait. Every day you delay is a day you could be working on your essays, researching schools, or requesting recommendation letters.

Can I work while studying on an F-1 visa?#

Yes, with some rules:

• You can work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year
• During breaks (summer, winter), you can work full-time on campus
• After graduation, you can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) — that gives you 1 year of work authorization in the US, or 3 years if your degree is in a STEM field
• You cannot work off campus without special authorization

What is the difference between a transfer and freshman application?#

There are a few key differences:

• Transfer applications require college transcripts — your college grades are the most important factor
• You need a transfer-specific essay — explaining why you want to transfer and what you will contribute
• Recommendation letters come from college professors, not high school teachers
• Deadlines are different — transfer deadlines are usually in March or April, not November/January
• There are fewer spots — schools accept fewer transfer students than freshmen

The good news is that as a transfer student, you have more experience and more to talk about in your application. Use that to your advantage.

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Still have questions? I am always sharing tips and answering questions on my social media. And if you want personalized help, you can always book a 1-on-1 call with me.