It's common for students to realize they've made the incorrect program selection and want to transfer to a new University. In most cases, this is possible. Changing schools in the United Kingdom is a simple process. Nonetheless, the procedure may differ between classes and schools; therefore, you should investigate before making any changes.

Changing universities in the United Kingdom is typically a straightforward process. However, the process differs between courses and colleges, so it is essential to conduct research before committing.

However, some competitive programs do not permit mid-program transfers, and you will be required to reapply.

It's also important to remember that in the UK, you probably won't be able to switch schools in the middle of the academic year but will have to wait until the conclusion of the term.

Why do students transfer to other universities?

• They may drop out if the course doesn't live up to their standards or for other personal reasons like illness in the family or a desire to be nearer home.
• Some students dislike their classes or hope to "transfer" to a better institution.
• When the combined costs of college are too much to bear, some students want to switch schools.
• Many students change their old university because of factors outside the academic environment, such as relocating closer to home or deciding that the school's culture isn't a good fit.

List of UK Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters

Top 10 UK Universities Without Application Fees

100,000+ students achieved their study abroad dreams with us.  Start your journey today.   Talk to an Expert

Process of transferring universities in the UK

If you want to change universities in the UK, follow these steps:

Conduct research

Decide the university you wish to transfer to first. Ask them if you may apply the credits you earned previously to the program you wish to enrol in. Most colleges will permit this, but not always for all programs or levels of study.

After finishing a section of their studies at the current university, students might opt to apply either during the first year or directly for the second or third. Universities consider records like prior grade reports, course grades, and your entire program profile.

It's vital to ask yourself the following questions because some variables could affect your eligibility to transfer colleges, especially if you want to move into the second year.

• Why do you want to move?
• Whether your grades match your course requirements or not?
• When are you planning to transfer?

Identify Course

Before applying to a different school, you must decide what subject to study. You should contact the admissions office at your present or prospective university once you have decided on a major.

There is no standard transfer procedure between universities; it varies according to the school you wish to attend and your current academic standing. A student may apply for a transfer during either the first (in a 3-year program) or second (in a 4-year program) academic year. In the senior year, most colleges and institutions do not permit transfers.

Prepare necessary documents

The student must gather and submit all the necessary paperwork, such as a copy of the student's transcript from the prior year.  The prospective college may ask for a description of each subject the student intends to study. 

After receiving your complete application (including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.), some universities will conduct an academic interview.

Fill out and submit your UCAS application form.

• If any of the schools you approached say they want to take a closer look at your application after receiving the documents you sent them, you must do the following:
• Fill out a UCAS application or apply to schools independently.
• When submitting your course selection, specify the enrollment year and choose an entry point of 2 (or 3, if applicable).
• Students will still be responsible for the application fee. The same policies for adding or modifying preferences and determining the total cost of processing an application will apply to them as to everyone else.
• Send your transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, etc., to demonstrate that you meet the course prerequisites.

Plan your fund

Your present course, your year of study, and the course you transfer to will all play a role in how your student finances are affected. In most cases, your SFE funding will not be involved if you switch to a different program at a different university within the same academic year.

Since SFE provides its services for the duration of your course plus an additional year, you may be responsible for covering the cost of that extra year if you switch to a new programme in the middle of your second year.

Do not forget to inform the Student Financial Services office of the alteration in your financial situation. Depending on the specifics, this could mean filing a brand-new application for financing, which, if submitted late in the day, could necessitate resubmitting your financial data and any other documents they request. Your financial aid status should not change if you reapply to complete your degree at another institution without repeating or restarting a year.

Contact the universities

Your formal application will go through the UCAS system, which everyone applies to a university in the United Kingdom.

You should contact the appropriate institutions beforehand to discuss your position and find out whether they will accept your application. 

Inquire about your chances of being accepted to the program and explain your situation in an email to the university's admissions office.

Ask about the following details:

• Full name
• Course details for your current university program
• A course that you want to apply for
• Your academic history
• Information about the classes you have already taken

Submit a personal statement

As part of the application process, you will be asked to submit a personal statement following the same guidelines for other candidates. While some applicants choose to detail their reasons for transferring here in a separate account, admissions officers always ask about them.

To convince them that you are the kind of student they want to enrol in, you must demonstrate that you have made the most of this past academic year. Some students, especially those applying to only one school, will modify their essays to highlight the specific features of that program that they find appealing.

Eligibility: Transfering university

• A qualified transfer applicant must have obtained their high school degree.
• Transfer applicants must have finished all required courses for their chosen major before the course requirement deadline.
• All previous primary schools or universities must provide an original transcript.
• Applicants who attended a college or university outside the United States must also show a foreign credit evaluation and official college transcript.
• Every transfer candidate must submit evidence of their English language ability.

UK University accepting transfer students

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of Reading
• University of Geneva
• Keele University