The Ultimate Guide to University Transfer: Navigating a Smooth Course Change

The process of transferring universities or changing majors can vary depending on the institution and individual circumstances. The following article will outline the conditions and required procedures to facilitate a smooth transition.

1. Conditions for University and Major Transfers

University Transfer Procedures for Students

The following circumstances allow students to transfer universities

According to Circular No. 08/2021/TT-BGDĐT, issued on March 18, 2021, regarding the issuance of university-level training regulations, students can transfer to a different university if their family relocates or faces financial difficulties, making it challenging to continue studying at the current institution. To be eligible, students must meet the following condition:

Students must apply to transfer to a university that offers the same or a similar major to their current one.

For instance, if you are currently studying Business Administration at University A and wish to transfer to University B, you would need to continue with the same major or choose a related field, such as Accounting or Economics, at University B.

Additionally, transferring students must obtain the approval of the principals of both the current and the desired universities, as per legal regulations.

The following circumstances do not permit students to transfer universities

Students who previously took the entrance exam for the desired university but did not pass or had a lower score than the admission threshold are not eligible to transfer.

Students with a permanent residence outside the recruitment area of the desired university are also ineligible for transfer.

First-year and final-year students are typically not allowed to transfer to avoid disrupting the quality of education and foundational knowledge required for subsequent courses.

Students facing disciplinary action of a warning or higher are not eligible for university transfer.

Reference: September 1st: History and Significance

2. Procedures for University and Major Transfers

University Students’ Desire to Transfer Institutions or Majors

When considering a university transfer, students should follow the regulations and procedures outlined by their current institution. However, it is also essential to independently research the specific conditions and procedures for transferring to ensure eligibility.

As transfer policies can vary between universities, it is advisable to contact the student affairs or academic affairs office for detailed guidance and accurate information. Typically, students will need to prepare the following documents:

Required Documents

• Transfer application form (provided by the university)
• Original academic transcript from the previous level of education
• Certified true copy of the graduation certificate from the previous level of education
• Copy of birth certificate
• Admission letter for the current university, as per specific regulations for public or private institutions
• Transfer recommendation letter approved by the principal of the current university
• Valid identification documents and supporting documents for preferential treatment or admission incentives, if applicable

Major Transfer Process

Step 1: Students write and submit a major transfer request form.

Step 2: Students submit the form to the Admissions Office or Academic Affairs Office, along with their academic transcript, at least two weeks before the start of the first semester of the second academic year.

The Academic Affairs Office will review the application, and if the student meets the requirements, they will present the request to the Board of Directors for approval. The student will then be informed of the decision.

Step 3: Students receive the major transfer decision from the Academic Affairs Office.

Step 4: After receiving the approval, students must contact the new department or class to continue their studies according to the academic plan.

University Transfer Process

Step 1: Students write a transfer request form and obtain their academic transcript.

Step 2: Students obtain approval from the principal of the desired university (the one they wish to transfer to).

Step 3: Students submit the transfer request form and supporting documents to the Admissions Office or Academic Affairs Office of their current university.

• The Academic Affairs Office will review the application based on the specified conditions and prepare a decision for presentation to the Board of Directors if the student meets the requirements.
• The Academic Affairs Office will inform the student of the outcome.

Step 4: Students receive the university transfer decision from the Academic Affairs Office, collect their records from the Student Affairs Office, and contact the new university to complete the enrollment process.

3. Important Considerations for University and Major Transfers

When transferring universities

• Students must settle all outstanding tuition fees at their current university before transferring.
• Students facing disciplinary action of a warning or higher are not eligible to transfer, as per regulations.

When changing majors

• Students can be considered for a change of major or transfer to a different campus of the same university if they are not in their first or final year of studies.
• To be eligible, students must not be subject to consideration for compulsory leave of absence and must have sufficient remaining study time as per the regulations.
• It is important to carefully consider personal passions, interests, and career goals before deciding to change majors.

In conclusion, this article has provided an overview of the conditions and procedures for transferring universities or changing majors. We hope that this information will be useful as you navigate your academic journey.