University Transfer Guide for International Students Already in the US

Not every student finds the right fit at their first university. Maybe you started at a community college and now want to transfer to a four-year university. Maybe your current university doesn't offer the program you really want. Or perhaps you've realized you'd thrive better in a different city or academic environment.

This guide is for international students already studying in the US who want to transfer to another American university. Learn about credit transfer policies, GPA requirements, application deadlines (which often differ from freshman admissions), and how to get new I-20s. We also cover special transfer pathways from community colleges to top universities, how to maintain your F-1 status during the transfer process, and success stories of students who transferred to better universities and transformed their academic careers.