How to Transfer to Another University Local or Abroad( Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Transferring universities is a common route when your course, location, or career goals change but it can be confusing. Whether you want to move from one Nigerian university to another, or transfer to a university overseas, this guide breaks the whole process into clear, actionable steps. You’ll learn the differences between inter-university transfers (within Nigeria), transfer via JAMB where required, and international transfers (credit evaluation, visa/SEVIS steps). The guide lists required documents, typical eligibility rules, how to request credit transfer, sample timelines, estimated costs, and a ready-to-use checklist. Follow the steps carefully and check the receiving university’s official policy before you begin requirements vary by school and program.

When you should consider transferring

• Your current program is the wrong fit (content, pedagogy or career prospects).
• You have a better admission offer (scholarship, higher-ranked program, placement).
• Safety, health, or family reasons require relocating.
• You want to study abroad and already have credits that may transfer.

If your only issue is a temporary problem (money, accommodation), consider solving that first transfers are permanent administrative moves that often cost time and money.

Two main transfer types: Local (Nigeria) vs International

Local transfers (within Nigeria) usually follow university and JAMB procedures: departmental approval, transcript, and sometimes JAMB/CAPS processes for UTME/Direct-Entry candidates. Many Nigerian universities publish internal transfer rules (examples: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka).

International transfers require admission from the foreign school, credential evaluation (WES/Ecctis or equivalent), visa/immigration steps (e.g., SEVIS/I-20 for the US), and often course-by-course evaluations for credit award. US universities commonly require WES course-by-course evaluations; UK/Europe may ask for Ecctis/ENIC reports.

Step-by-step: How to transfer within Nigeria (local transfer)

A. Check eligibility & policy

1. Read the receiving university’s transfer policy rules differ by school and faculty (minimum CGPA, number of allowed transfer students, available spaces). Search the school website’s Admissions or Academic Affairs pages. Example university policies are posted by UNILAG and UNN.
2. Confirm departmental approval — some faculties accept transfers only into specific programs or only at particular entry levels (e.g., after 100 or 200 level).

B. Prepare required documents (see checklist in Section 6)

Typically: transcript, statement of purpose, evidence of good conduct, course syllabus/outline for equivalence, passport photo, copy of admission letter, JAMB result slip (if needed).

C. Apply to the receiving university

1. Obtain and complete the transfer application form (online or from admissions office).
2. Pay application fee (varies by school).
3. Submit documents: official transcript from current university (sealed), course outlines, letters of recommendation (if required).

D. Departmental screening and approval

• The receiving department will compare your courses to their curriculum. They decide which courses are acceptable for credit.
• You may be invited for an interview or to sit an entrance test in some faculties.

E. Final administrative steps

• If approved, complete the receiving university’s registration, pay any first-term fees required, and obtain a new student ID.
• If your admission was originally via JAMB and the receiving school requires CAPS/JAMB update, follow the JAMB change procedures in Section 4.

Key point: Start early many Nigerian schools accept transfers only when vacancies exist and only at the start of an academic session.

JAMB, CAPS and “Change of Institution” (for UTME/Direct Entry students)

If your admission involves JAMB records (UTME/Direct Entry), some transfers require updating your admission record on JAMB’s systems:

• JAMB e-facility & CAPS: JAMB’s e-facility (efacility.jamb.gov.ng) and CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) are where institutions and candidates manage admission status. For some transfers or changes, you or the receiving university will interact with JAMB systems. Always confirm with the receiving admissions office whether JAMB steps are required.
• Change of Institution vs Inter-University Transfer: Change of Institution on JAMB typically refers to candidates who want to move their JAMB choice before admission is processed; inter-university transfer is an institutional matter handled mainly by the universities (with JAMB only involved if the admission record needs updating). Where JAMB involvement is needed, the receiving school’s admissions office will guide you.

Step-by-step: How to transfer to a university abroad

A. Decide target country and school

Different countries have different rules. Common destinations for Nigerian students are the UK, US, Canada and Europe. Read the receiving university’s transfer policy early.

B. Check eligibility and credit rules

• Many overseas universities accept transfer applicants, but require you to have completed a minimum number of credits (often 12–30 US credits, or one year of study) and meet GPA thresholds. Confirm program-specific requirements (some professional programs restrict transfers).

C. Get official transcripts and course documentation

• Order official transcripts from your home university (sealed).
• Collect detailed course outlines / syllabi (content, contact hours, assessment). Universities use those to decide credit equivalence.

D. Credential evaluation (common for the US and UK)

• US: Many universities ask for a World Education Services (WES) course-by-course evaluation (or their accepted equivalent) to convert your marks/credits into the US system. This evaluation helps the admissions and registrars award appropriate transfer credits.
• UK / Europe: UK universities often ask for Ecctis/ENIC statements or their own admissions review to determine comparability.

E. Apply as a transfer student

1. Complete the university’s transfer application and upload required documents (transcripts, syllabi, references).
2. Write a clear personal statement explaining why you want to transfer and how your prior coursework fits the new program.
3. Provide proof of language ability (IELTS, TOEFL) unless exempted.
4. Pay application fees and watch deadlines carefully.

F. If admitted: immigration & SEVIS (USA) or CAS/I-20 (UK/US)

• USA: If you hold F-1 status you must coordinate with the Designated School Official (DSO) to transfer your SEVIS record. The new school issues an I-20 for visa or SEVIS transfer. Interstride’s guide shows the usual steps for F-1 transfers.
• UK/Canada/EU: Follow country-specific visa issuance after acceptance (CAS in the UK).

G. Credit evaluation at the receiving school

• Once admitted you’ll get an official credit evaluation from the receiving school’s registrar. Expect some courses not to transfer if they don’t match content or level.

Documents you will always need (transfer checklist)

• Official academic transcript(s) (sealed).
• Course outlines / syllabi (detailed).
• Admission letter or proof of current enrollment.
• Government ID / international passport (photocopy).
• Passport photographs.
• Letter of good conduct / disciplinary status (from current school).
• JAMB result slip / admission letter (for Nigeria transfers, where applicable).
• Personal statement / reason for transfer.
• Letters of recommendation (1–2).
• Language test certificates (IELTS/TOEFL) for international moves.
• Evaluation requests (WES/Ecctis) if required by the receiving country/university.

Credit transfer what counts and how to improve your chances

How universities decide credit: content overlap, level (100/200/300), assessment type, and learning outcomes. Professors and the department compare syllabi.

Tips to increase acceptance:

• Provide detailed syllabi (week-by-week topics, textbooks, assessment rubrics).
• Submit course transcripts showing credit hours and marks.
• Highlight practical/lab hours for science/engineering courses.
• If possible, get a departmental letter from your current course coordinator explaining topics covered.

Note: Different institutions have different caps on how many external credits they accept some accept up to a year of study; others accept less.

Timeline and costs (typical)

Timeline (local): 4–12 weeks from application → departmental review → approval → registration. Start 2–3 months before semester start.

Timeline (international): 2–6 months (application, evaluation, visa). Some countries (US/UK) require extra SEVIS/CAS time.

Typical costs:

• Application fees: ₦5,000–₦30,000 (Nigeria) or US$50–US$100 (foreign).
• Transcript fees: nominal fees to process.
• Credential evaluation (WES/Ecctis): US$100–US$250 (varies by service and document options).
• Visa costs and travel: country dependent.

Common problems & fixes

Problem: Receiving school rejects credits.
Fix: Provide fuller syllabi, assessment samples, or ask for an appeal to the faculty board.

Problem: JAMB/CAPS mismatch for Nigerian transfers.
Fix: Work with receiving school’s admissions office they know whether JAMB update is necessary and can guide you on efacility steps.

Problem: Visa delay after acceptance.
Fix: Apply early, keep communication records, and check scholarship/deferral policies.

Expert tips / Editor’s advice

• Start early. Transfers take administrative time.
• Document everything. Keep PDFs of all forms, emails, and receipts.
• Be honest and precise in your personal statement explain curriculum matches.
• Maintain good academic standing a stronger CGPA makes transfer approval easier.
• Talk to registrars directly. The receiving school’s registrar or international student office is your best source for the exact steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I transfer with failed courses?
A1: Usually universities will review failed courses case-by-case. Failed courses rarely transfer as credit; you may have to repeat them.

Q2: Will my CGPA transfer?
A2: Most schools recalculate your CGPA only on accepted transfer credits; policies differ ask the receiving registrar for details.

Q3: Can I transfer after one semester?
A3: Some universities accept early transfers, but many require at least one year of study. Check the target school’s policy.

Q4: Do I need WES/Ecctis before applying?
A4: Some schools require it before application; others request it after conditional admission. Check the school’s application instructions

Q5: Do Nigerian universities charge extra for transfer students?
A5: There may be application fees and higher registration fees depending on the school; confirm costs early with the admissions office.

Conclusion

Transferring universities whether inside Nigeria or abroad is entirely achievable with good planning. The keys are: confirm the receiving university’s policy early, gather detailed course documentation, expect credit evaluations, allow time for administrative steps, and budget for evaluation and visa costs if moving abroad. When in doubt, communicate directly with the receiving school’s admissions or registrar office; they will provide the authoritative steps you must follow. Good luck and start preparing your documents now.