Transfer Process
Transferring to a UW university is a big step and we are here to help you make the transition. Follow the steps below to keep your timeline, credits, and goals on track.
1. Determine What You Want to Study and When You Want to Transfer
Connect with a transfer (academic) advisor at your current school and explore your UW options early. The ‘right’ time to transfer is based on many factors that your transfer advisor can help you explore. Unsure of what you want to study? Use our Find Your Program tool. Still exploring? Try the MyMajors Assessment to see what fits.
2. Understand How Your Credits Will Transfer
To understand how your credit will transfer it is important to take a few steps as soon as you start considering a transfer.
- Connect with a transfer (academic) advisor at your current institution and work with them to research degree requirements and equivalencies at the UWs you are considering.
- Use Transferology to explore how your courses might transfer and apply.
- Explore transfer agreements and transfer guides between the institution you are currently attending and the UW where you want to enroll. NOTE: Students enrolled in a Wisconsin Technical College should familiarize themselves with the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
- Familiarize yourself with transfer admission requirements and make contact with a transfer admission counselor or advisor at the UW. Ask for an initial/unofficial transfer credit evaluation prior to applying. NOTE: An official evaluation requires submission of all college transcripts and official test scores (e.g., AP, IB, CLEP) and is typically not completed until you have been admitted.
3. Pick Your UW
Determining which UW is right for you depends on many factors, including the availability of your academic program, how your credits will transfer, distance from home or work, size of the campus, overall campus life, and more.
- Use our Find Your UW tool to compare all 13 universities.
- Visit in person if you can or take a virtual tour.
- Attend any transfer events or transfer fairs offered at your current institution.
Once you decide, familiarize yourself with the admission requirements and deadlines at that campus.
4. Apply and Submit Transcripts
Apply through the Universities of Wisconsin Admission Application. Official transcripts will be required from all higher education institutions you have attended. High school transcripts may also be required for some students. Final transcripts will be required at the time of enrollment.
5. Explore Financial Aid Options
Use our Pay for College page to learn about scholarships, grants, loans, military-connected benefits and other options to reduce the cost of attendance. Complete your FAFSA early and ask if your UW needs a Financial Aid Transcript (FAT). Make sure to get connected with the financial aid office at the UW you plan to attend.
6. Consider Housing Options
Interested in living on campus? Check out housing options and apply early to secure your spot. Pay attention to application deadlines and required deposits.
7. Watch for Your Offer of Admission
Most UW universities send offers of admission to the email you used when you applied. Make sure to watch your email and the admissions portal to check your admission status.
8. Get Ready to Enroll
Once admitted, your UW will email a lot of information about the next steps in your enrollment process. Make sure to check your email regularly, note important deadlines, and complete the steps they outline. Step-by-step instructions will likely include:
- Submitting final transcripts
- Taking placement tests if required by your UW
- Depending on which UW you plan to attend, how many credits you are transferring and whether you have earned satisfactory credits in composition and mathematics, you may have to take placement tests. Review your transfer admission requirements and connect with a transfer advisor at your UW to learn if you are required to do so. If you are, please complete the placement tests as soon as possible.
- Registering for new transfer student orientation
- Purchasing or applying for parking permits (if needed)
9. Attend Transfer Orientation
Meet fellow transfer students, review your credit evaluation, get advising, and register for classes. Make sure you submit your high school and college transcripts and take placement tests (if necessary) prior to attending orientation. It is a great opportunity to meet fellow transfer students, advisors and other staff and faculty on campus who are dedicated to supporting your success.
10. Pay Your Bill
Check your e-mail and the US postal mail at the address you provided when you applied to view your statement of account listing your balance due, payment schedule, and payment due date. Make sure you make note of and meet payment deadlines.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Transfer Admissions Office at the UW university you plan to attend.