As a student in any Canadian university, you may want to transfer university after the first semester, if you find a better academic fit in another university.
Maybe the program in another university aligns better with your academic and career goals or the university offers a specialized course (that you are interested in) which is not available in your current university.
For some students, it could be to stay close to home or to have access to specific resources or facilities that their current university lacks.
Some may want to transfer to another university for a change in campus culture or to witness a social environment that better suits their preferences and needs.
Others are for financial reasons, maybe they found a university that is more affordable and has less financial demand.
Also, read: Can I get a work permit after completing a diploma in Canada?
Some universities in Canada are costly and most students find it hard to cope financially, after the first semester, so, a change is their best option.
Can you transfer universities after one semester in Canada?
Yes, you can transfer to universities after one semester in Canada by applying for admission into the new university while still a student at your current university. Once your application is accepted and admission is offered to you, accept the offer and complete other admission requirements and registration.
Your current university will also be involved in the transfer, upon completing the process, you will update your information with IRCC to perfect your transfer.
Also, read: Can you apply for a student visa while in Australia?
How to transfer from one university to another in Canada
You only get one transfer, so ensure you aren’t making a mistake. To transfer to another university, make sure that the university offers your desired program.
Go through the university programs and syllabus and ensure that they are a good fit for your academic and personal goals.
Check the university’s reputation (you should be transferring to a more reputable university than your current university), and consider their facilities and available resources.
Once you find the right university, visit its official website to check its transfer policies and admission requirements for transfer students.
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Check the new university transfer requirements
Check the CGPA requirements, transfer deadline and any procedure they have for transfer students.
Ensure that you meet all of their transfer requirements – that is the only way a transfer will be possible.
You can reach out to the university’s admission office if you need any clarification or want to ask questions about the transfer.
When you reach out, inquire about their transfer policies, transferable courses and all the documents you need to complete the transfer.
Let them know the university you are transferring from and why you want to transfer to their institution.
Documents required to transfer from one university to another in Canada
Even though some universities have specific requirements, you will need the following documents:
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- Your transcript from your current university.
- Course syllabi and descriptions.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement or letter of intent explaining your reasons for transferring.
- Current student permit/visa
- Current university admission offer letter
You may also be required to submit your valid passport or other means of citizenship identification
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Submit a transfer application
To start the transfer process, fill out the transfer application form that will be provided to you by the new university.
Ensure that the information you are providing in the form corresponds with your details with your current university.
In addition, start the process early. Submit the application form together with other required documents listed above after filling out the form.
In some universities, you are required to submit a request for a course equivalency evaluation to determine which credits from your current university will transfer.
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Wait for the new university to offer you admission
After submitting your transfer application, wait for the new university to offer you admission to your chosen course of study.
While waiting, check your email regularly, they’ll send a reply to you after going through your application details.
If you receive an offer of admission from the new university, read the offer letter carefully and check if there is any requirement attached for you to fulfil.
Accept the offer and follow the insurrection they will give you in the offer letter.
Upon accepting the offer, you will receive a confirmation of enrollment.
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Inform your current University about your intention to transfer
Once your admission to the new university is confirmed, inform your current university of your decision to withdraw.
They will provide you with a withdrawal process for you to follow to complete your withdrawal as a student.
Usually, you will be required to fill out a withdrawal form and write a letter of withdrawal to the student administrative office.
Complete every step required of you including updating your information with IRCC.
Upon completing your transfer to your new university, you need to update your information with IRCC.
As an international student in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must be aware of any change to your stay in Canada.
Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and log into your account to update your information.
That’s not all, you also need to visit the student services office or registrar’s office at your new university to inform them about your transfer.
On the same note, if you receive financial aid, scholarships, or student loans, notify the financial aid office at your new university about your transfer.
In addition, update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes (if you work part-time).
If your new university has an international student advisor or office, schedule a meeting to find out any additional steps you need to take as an international student who transferred from another university.
Why do students transfer from one university to another in Canada?
There are many reasons why students choose to transfer universities after finishing their first semester:
- Some find a better academic fit: Sometimes, after the first semester, some students find that the course/program or teaching styles in the current university do not align with their learning preferences or career goals so they look elsewhere.
- To be closer to where they live: Sometimes, it could just be personal reasons like, the need to study in a university that is closer to where they live.
- Better program in another university: Most of the time, students transfer from one university to another if they find their dream program in another university.
- To pursue better career opportunities: They can also choose to transfer to another university if they get a better career opportunity at the university. It could be networking opportunities, internships, or industry connections related to their field of study.
- It can also be due to finance: Financial demand is also another major factor, most students transfer to another university because the new university is more affordable.
Which university accepts the most transfer students in Canada?
There is no single university that accepts the most transfer students in Canada because the acceptance rate for every university varies each year however, the University of Toronto and York University are among the universities in Canada that accept a good number of transfer students every year.
Final words
Students seek to transfer to another university in Canada for different reasons. If as a student, you wish to transfer from your current university to another, you can follow the steps above.
Once your transfer is complete, ensure that you update your information with IRCC.