Can international students transfer to a US university?
Yes. Almost every US university accepts transfer students, though the difficulty varies widely from school to school. Large public universities tend to be the most welcoming, and many publish a minimum GPA that guarantees admission. Highly selective private universities admit very few transfers each year.
What admissions offices look for
- 01
Strong college grades. Competitive schools usually expect a 3.5 GPA or higher.
- 02
A clear reason for transferring, tied to something specific the new school offers.
- 03
Coursework that will carry over for credit. Each university decides which credits it accepts.
- 04
Recommendations from college professors, along with high school records and, at some schools, test scores.
Most transfer deadlines for fall entry fall between February and April, and some schools also admit transfers for spring.
Universities that admit transfers on a published GPA
These public universities list a minimum GPA for general admission. Meet it, and the 3.5 bar above doesn't apply.
| University | Minimum for international transfers | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 2.5 cumulative transfer GPA | Business and engineering require 3.0 |
| University of Arizona | 2.5 recalculated GPA (general-admission majors) | Some colleges set higher requirements |
| University of Iowa | 2.5 GPA on 24+ semester credits | Guarantee covers Liberal Arts and Sciences only |
| Iowa State University | 2.25 GPA on 24+ semester credits | Higher standards may apply to non-residents |
| Oregon State University | 2.5 GPA, or 2.25 to 2.49 with college math completed | Its Undergraduate Transfer Program accepts 2.25 with 12+ semester credits |
| University of Kansas | 2.5 cumulative transferable GPA | With 24 or fewer credits, high school proof is also required |
| Kansas State University | 2.0 college GPA | Under 24 credits also requires a 2.5 high school GPA |
Arizona State University
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.5 cumulative transfer GPA
- Watch for
- Business and engineering require 3.0
University of Arizona
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.5 recalculated GPA (general-admission majors)
- Watch for
- Some colleges set higher requirements
University of Iowa
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.5 GPA on 24+ semester credits
- Watch for
- Guarantee covers Liberal Arts and Sciences only
Iowa State University
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.25 GPA on 24+ semester credits
- Watch for
- Higher standards may apply to non-residents
Oregon State University
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.5 GPA, or 2.25 to 2.49 with college math completed
- Watch for
- Its Undergraduate Transfer Program accepts 2.25 with 12+ semester credits
University of Kansas
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.5 cumulative transferable GPA
- Watch for
- With 24 or fewer credits, high school proof is also required
Kansas State University
- Minimum for international transfers
- 2.0 college GPA
- Watch for
- Under 24 credits also requires a 2.5 high school GPA
Guaranteed through a community college
Some universities guarantee admission to international students who finish an associate degree at a partner community college. Through Green River College in Washington, for example, Washington State University guarantees admission with an associate degree and a 2.5 GPA, and Arizona State, the University of Arizona and the University of Iowa offer similar guarantees.
Published minimums, but competitive
The University of South Florida lists a 2.5 transfer GPA for international students with 12 to 59 credits and a 2.3 for those with 60 or more, but says meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Nursing requires a 3.6.
Requirements change. Always confirm on the university's admissions site for your intended major and term.
Advice from our counselors
Plan your GPA by major
Business, engineering and computer science often require 3.0 to 3.5, even at transfer-friendly public universities. Open majors can sit at 2.25 to 2.5.
Give a reason readers can verify
Point to a program, research lab or major your current school lacks. A better ranking or a bigger city won't count. If you're finishing at a community college, completing your bachelor's degree is a fully accepted reason.
Protect your credits from day one
Community college students should follow a written transfer pathway or guarantee agreement from the first term. It's the surest way to avoid repeating courses.
Start international paperwork early
Expect to submit English proficiency scores and a financial statement. Some schools also require a credential evaluation of foreign transcripts. Each can take several weeks.
Check each school's deadline
February to April covers many schools, with exceptions. The University of California takes transfer applications in November for the following fall, and Arizona State admits on a rolling basis. After admission, leave time for your new I-20 and SEVIS transfer.