College Transferee Guide: How to Transfer Universities in the Philippines

Quick Answer: To transfer colleges in the Philippines, you need an Honorable Dismissal (now called Transfer Credentials), your Transcript of Records (TOR), course descriptions or syllabi for credit evaluation, a Certificate of Good Moral Character, and your PSA birth certificate. Start the process at least 3-4 months before your target enrollment date — credit evaluation alone can take several weeks.

Introduction

Transferring universities in the Philippines is more common than you might think. Students switch schools for many reasons — a program that better fits their career goals, financial constraints, relocation, personal circumstances, or simply a realization that their current school is not the right environment for them. Whatever the reason, transferring colleges is a perfectly valid decision that thousands of Filipino students make every semester.

But unlike transferring in basic education, the college transfer process involves several layers of complexity: credit evaluation, potential loss of units, entrance exams, and navigating different academic calendars. Without proper preparation, a transfer can cost you an extra semester or even an entire year. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap so you can make the switch efficiently, preserve as many credits as possible, and stay on track to graduate.

Common Reasons Students Transfer

Understanding why students transfer helps you anticipate what to expect:

• Program mismatch — You enrolled in BS Accountancy but realized you want to pursue BS Computer Science. Your current school's CS program is weak, or they do not offer it at all.
• Financial reasons — Tuition at your current school is no longer sustainable. Moving from a private university to a state university (SUC) can dramatically reduce costs.
• Relocation — Your family is moving to a different city or province.
• Academic environment — You want a more rigorous program, better facilities, or a different campus culture.
• Personal or family reasons — Health issues, family obligations, or the need to be closer to home.
• Scholarship opportunities — Another school offers a scholarship that your current one does not.

Required Documents for College Transfer

Here is the complete list of documents you will need:

From Your Current University

• Transfer Credentials (formerly Honorable Dismissal) — This is the official document that releases you from your current school and certifies that you are in good standing. Under CHED Memorandum Order, schools now issue "Transfer Credentials" instead of the old "Honorable Dismissal."
• Transcript of Records (TOR) — Your official academic record showing all courses taken, units earned, and grades received. Request a certified true copy — most receiving schools require an original stamped and signed TOR.
• Certificate of Good Moral Character — From the Office of Student Affairs or Dean of Students.
• Course Descriptions or Syllabi — Detailed descriptions of subjects you have completed. This is critical for credit evaluation at the receiving school. Not all schools issue these automatically — you may need to request them from individual departments.
• Clearance — Proof that you have no outstanding financial obligations, library books, or equipment at your current school.

Personal Documents

• PSA Birth Certificate — Original or certified true copy.
• 2x2 and/or 1x1 ID Photos — Recent, colored, white background. Requirements vary by school.
• Valid ID — School ID, national ID, or any government-issued identification.

Additional Requirements (Varies by University)

• Entrance Exam Results — Most universities require transferees to take their admission test. Examples: University of the Philippines (UPCAT/Transfer Exam), Ateneo de Manila (ACAT), De La Salle University (Transfer Application).
• Interview — Some programs conduct interviews with transferees.
• Portfolio — Required for architecture, fine arts, and design programs.
• Letter of Intent or Application Essay — Explains your reason for transferring.
• Recommendation Letters — From professors at your current school.
• Residency or GPA Requirements — Some schools require a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.0 or better on a 5-point scale) and a minimum number of completed units (usually 30+).

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Research Your Target School

Before doing anything, confirm:

• Does the school accept transferees in your target program?
• What is the application deadline for transferees? (This is often different from freshmen deadlines.)
• What are the GPA and unit requirements?
• What entrance exam is required, and when is it offered?

Step 2: Take the Entrance Exam

Most universities have separate admission tracks for transferees. Common exams include:

Step 3: Apply and Submit Documents

Once you pass the entrance exam, submit all required documents to the receiving school's Office of the Registrar or Admissions Office. Follow their specific checklist — missing a single document can delay your application.

Step 4: Credit Evaluation

This is the most critical — and often most frustrating — part of the transfer process. Here is how it works:

What Is Credit Evaluation?

The receiving school evaluates each subject you completed at your previous school to determine which ones can be credited (accepted and counted toward your new degree program).

Factors That Determine Credit Transfer

• Subject content match — The course description and topics must be substantially similar (usually 70-80% overlap)
• Number of units — The credited course must have equal or more units than the receiving school's equivalent course
• Grade earned — Most schools only credit subjects where you earned a passing grade. Some require a minimum grade (e.g., 2.5 or better on a 5-point scale, or 80% or better)
• Curriculum compatibility — Subjects must align with the receiving school's current curriculum
• Time elapsed — Some schools do not credit courses taken more than 5 years ago, especially in fast-changing fields like IT, nursing, or engineering

What Typically Gets Credited

How Long Does Credit Evaluation Take?

Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on the school and the number of subjects being evaluated. During peak enrollment season, it can take longer.

Step 5: Receive Your Evaluation Results

The school will provide a list of:

• Credited subjects — These count toward your degree. You do not need to retake them.
• Non-credited subjects — You will need to take these at the new school, even if you already passed them at your old school.
• Subjects requiring validation exams — Some schools offer exams to prove competency in borderline cases.

Step 6: Enroll

Once credit evaluation is complete and you have been officially accepted, proceed with enrollment:

• Pay tuition and fees
• Get your class schedule
• Secure your new student ID
• Attend transferee orientation (if offered)

Impact on Your Graduation Timeline

This is the question every transferee dreads: How much longer will it take me to graduate?

The honest answer: it depends.

• Best case: All major subjects are credited, and you only need to take a few additional courses. You graduate on time or with just one extra semester.
• Typical case: You lose 6-12 units (2-4 subjects), especially in major/professional courses. This translates to 1-2 extra semesters.
• Worst case: You are changing programs entirely (e.g., from Engineering to Nursing). Very few subjects transfer. You may need to start almost from scratch, adding 2-4 semesters.

How to Minimize Delays

• Transfer early in your college career (after 1st or 2nd year). The later you transfer, the more specialized subjects you risk losing.
• Transfer to a school with a similar curriculum. CHED-regulated programs (like Nursing, Engineering, Accountancy) have more standardized curricula, which improves credit transfer.
• Prepare complete and detailed course descriptions. The more information the evaluator has, the more likely they are to credit your subjects.
• Ask about summer classes and overloading. Taking extra units per semester can help you catch up.

Special Cases

Transferring from a State University (SUC) to a Private University

This is usually straightforward. Private universities tend to be more flexible with admissions and credit evaluation for transferees. The main consideration is tuition — moving from a subsidized SUC to a private school will significantly increase your costs. Check if the private school offers scholarships or financial aid for transferees.

Transferring from a Private University to a State University

This can be more competitive. SUCs like UP Diliman and PUP have limited slots for transferees and strict GPA requirements. The UP Transfer Exam, for example, is program-specific and highly competitive.

Changing Courses While Transferring

If you are switching programs (e.g., from BS Civil Engineering to BS Architecture), expect:

• Fewer credited subjects, since major courses will not match
• GE and minor courses will likely still be credited
• The receiving department may require prerequisite courses before enrolling in major subjects
• A longer time to graduation

Transferring Between Campuses of the Same University

Some university systems (like the UP System or PLM) have inter-campus transfer processes that are simpler than transferring between different institutions. Credits transfer more easily since the curriculum is standardized. Check with the registrar of both campuses.

Transferees from Abroad

Filipino students returning from foreign universities need:

• Transcript of Records authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate
• Course descriptions in English
• CHED evaluation — CHED may need to assess the foreign institution's accreditation
• Additional validation exams may be required

Tips for a Smooth College Transfer

• Start early. Begin gathering documents 3-4 months before your target enrollment date. TOR processing alone can take 2-4 weeks.
• Get multiple certified copies of your TOR. You may be applying to more than one school. Each will require an original or certified true copy.
• Compile course descriptions yourself. Do not wait for your school to prepare these — get copies of syllabi from your professors or department. Organize them by subject code and title.
• Maintain a good GPA. Your grades at your current school directly affect both your admission chances and credit evaluation outcomes at the receiving school.
• Talk to current transferees. Find students who have transferred into your target school and program. They can share firsthand insights about the process, which subjects got credited, and pitfalls to avoid.
• Consider the academic calendar. If your current school runs on a semester system and your target school uses a trimester system (or vice versa), the transition may affect scheduling. Plan accordingly.
• Understand the residency requirement. Most universities require you to complete a minimum number of units at their institution before graduating — typically the last 25-30 units of your program. This means even with full credit transfer, you cannot graduate immediately.
• Keep communication open. Maintain regular contact with the admissions office and registrar of both your current and target schools. Follow up on document transfers and evaluation timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units do I need before I can transfer?

Most universities require a minimum of 30-33 completed units (approximately one year of college) before accepting transferees. Some programs may require more. Check the specific requirements of your target school.

Can a school refuse to issue my Transfer Credentials?

No. Under CHED regulations, schools cannot withhold Transfer Credentials (formerly Honorable Dismissal) due to unpaid financial obligations. They may withhold the TOR until accounts are settled, but the Transfer Credentials must be issued upon request.

Will all my subjects be credited?

Unlikely. GE subjects have the highest credit transfer rate. Major and professional subjects are evaluated more strictly. Expect to lose some units, especially if you are changing programs or moving between schools with very different curricula.

Can I transfer mid-semester?

Generally, no. Most universities only accept transferees at the start of a semester or trimester. Some schools accept mid-year transferees for the second semester, but this is less common.

How does transferring affect my Latin honors eligibility?

Most universities require you to have completed a minimum number of units at their institution (residency requirement) to be eligible for Latin honors. Transferred units typically do not count toward the honors computation. Check the specific policy of your target school.

Is it harder to transfer into UP or other top universities?

Yes. UP, Ateneo, La Salle, and other top-tier universities have competitive transfer admission processes. UP requires a separate transfer exam per college, and slots are limited. Your GPA at your current school, entrance exam scores, and available slots in the program all factor in.

What is the difference between a Transferee and a Second Courser?

A transferee is a student moving from one school to another to continue the same program or switch to a new one. A second courser is someone who has already earned a bachelor's degree and is enrolling in a new degree program. Second coursers often receive more credit for completed GE courses.

Can I transfer to a different school and keep my scholarship?

Scholarships are school-specific and generally do not transfer. However, you may be eligible for scholarships at your new school. Apply for financial aid as part of your transfer application.

Find the Right University for Your Transfer

Ready to make the move? Browse universities across the Philippines on SchoolFinderPH. Compare programs, tuition fees, and student reviews for schools in Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, and beyond. Whether you are transferring for a better program, lower tuition, or a fresh start, SchoolFinderPH helps you find the right fit.