Welcome, transfer students!
At the University of Washington, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to broaden their horizons through study abroad programs. Whether you’re a newly admitted transfer student or still in the application process, there are exciting opportunities waiting for you.
Eligibility
Transfer students are eligible to participate in study abroad programs. For most programs, there is no minimum on‑campus enrollment requirement before embarking on your international adventure. This means it is even possible to study abroad during your first quarter at UW. However, many UW exchanges do require a minimum amount of on‑campus enrollment, as several partner institutions expect students to have completed at least two quarters of UW coursework at the time of application.
Planning your study abroad experience
Transfer students often have shorter timelines before graduation, so early planning is especially important. We encourage you to meet with your academic adviser soon after enrolling at UW to discuss how study abroad may fit into your degree plan. Most UW degrees include general education requirements and electives, which may be easier to incorporate into your schedule earlier in your academic timeline. Many students also study abroad outside of the regular academic year through Early Fall, Spring Break, or Summer programs.
Credits earned through UW Study Abroad programs are considered UW residence credits rather than transfer credits and count toward UW graduation residency requirements.
Depending on your degree plan and program type, it may even be possible to study abroad during your final quarter at UW. Discuss this option with your academic adviser.
Different program types may work better depending on your academic goals and timeline at UW. Our program type comparison chart can help you understand the differences between each program model.
Faculty-led and summer programs are often popular with transfer students because they can fit more easily within major requirements and graduation timelines.
Exchange programs typically offer longer immersion experiences, but many require students to complete additional UW coursework before applying or participating.
Program-specific eligibility requirements and prerequisites can be found within each program brochure under the Academics tab. Most programs do not require you to be in a specific major to apply.
Many forms of financial aid and scholarships can be applied toward study abroad programs.
Transfer students may be eligible for:
- UW Study Abroad Scholarships
- Gilman Scholarships for Pell Grant recipients
- Departmental or program-specific scholarships
Resources for scholarships can also be found at the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA). Check out their transfer guide, study abroad guide, and scholarship database. Many scholarships are due well before study abroad program deadlines, so we encourage students to begin researching funding opportunities early. You should also explore scholarships beyond study abroad-specific funding, including awards related to your major, academic achievement, identity, leadership, or class standing. Often, these scholarships can apply to study abroad fees.
We also encourage students to review the financial information on our website and plan ahead for program costs and payment timelines.
Application process
You can apply to a Faculty-led program even before you are accepted to UW.
If you are accepted to a Faculty-led program but not admitted to UW:
- You can still participate in the program as a non-matriculated student.
- You can withdraw from the program with no charge if you haven’t signed the Payment Contract.
Note: Only UW Faculty-led programs are open to non-UW students. Visit the Study Abroad Program Types page to learn more about our program types. You will not be eligible for financial aid or scholarships as a non-matriculated student.
I have been accepted to a provider program through my current institution. Can I participate in the program after I transfer to UW?
If you have been accepted by one of our approved program providers through your current (or previous) institution, please contact us. Once you are admitted to UW and have accepted your offer of admission, you should be able to study abroad with the approved provider as a UW student.
How do I start my application?
When you apply to a program, you will create an account using your personal email as a non-UW user. If you are admitted to UW, please let us know so we can switch you to a UW user. Once switched, you can start logging in with your UW NetID.
Once admitted to UW, you can start applying to study abroad programs using your UW NetID. You can apply to all types of study abroad programs and most programs are open to all students. UW exchanges require students to be enrolled at UW for a certain amount of time. Program-specific eligibility requirements, if any, are stated within each program brochure, and you can check the academics tab of the brochure for prerequisites.