Over time, it has been observed that most Nigerian students nurse the dream of studying abroad one day, but it seems to always remain dreams and aspirations that never come to reality.
However, some are more determined that even after they’ve gotten admitted into Nigerian universities, they start thinking of the possibilities of transferring to a foreign university.
Can I transfer from a university in Nigeria to a University abroad? If you are one of those undergraduate students in Nigeria asking this question, then your answer is yes! You can transfer from a University in Nigeria to a University abroad as long as you meet up with the necessary requirements.
What are those requirements might be another question going through your mind! But don’t worry, this article has got you covered.
While there are a lot of things involved in getting a transfer, giving up is not an option because a lot of students like you have attempted transfer and gotten admitted, hence, all you should say to yourself is “if they can do it, then you can as well do it”.
This article has some vital information that will make your transition go smoothly so you need to relax and carefully read till the end.
Where would you like to study abroad?
Choosing where you want to study is an important decision. There are approximately six continents with various countries, cities, and schools to which you can apply.
Although you can’t be in both the UK and the US at the same time, it doesn’t mean you can’t apply to both schools at the same time. All you have to do is decide what you really want, and make use of every resource at your disposal.
So before you start processing your transition, endeavor to check through various schools and choose the one that is perfect for you.
While you are making a decision on where to transition to, you also need to consider some factors like the weather condition of the country in which the University you are applying to is located.
Many people do not consider this factor when deciding where to attend school, and as a result, they end up in areas with unbelievably extreme weather conditions. If you live in Nigeria and suffer from pneumonia or other related conditions, it is not advisable for you to travel to the North Pole like Iceland.
Such areas are extremely cold and even people who do not have underlying cold-related health issues have a difficult time coping there. Allow the weather to be a major factor in your decision-making. Another factor you need to consider is the language.
Many students believe that everyone in Europe understands English and that they should not be concerned about the language barrier; however, this is not entirely true. In fact, every country in Europe has its language, though the most commonly spoken languages are English, French, and German.
When deciding where to go to school, you should definitely consider the language barrier. If you want to go to school in France, for example, prepare to learn some French, even though your study program is exclusively in English. You’d have to interact with locals, and not everyone can speak English.
If you intend to stay and work after your studies, you will undoubtedly need to learn the local language. This is one of the phases that must be completed in order for studying abroad to be both challenging and worthwhile.
Third, you don’t want to go to school in a war zone or region where there is political /government uproar, clashes, tribal wars, or other disturbances because your life is more important than any form of degree. Before applying to school, make certain that the area in which you intend to study is free of such disasters.
The cost of living is also an essential consideration when deciding where to attend school. You’d probably agree that some parts of the world are more expensive than others, and you’d be right. In Nigeria, for example, the cost of living in Port-Harcourt differs greatly from that of Sokoto.
You must be true to yourself at this point. Before deciding where to go to school, consider the resources at your disposal as well as the region’s living costs. Rent, transportation, food, and other necessary bills are all included in the living cost.
Another thing to consider is how accommodating the indigenous people are. Consider living in a country where you are not welcomed. That’s a serious problem to have unless you’re a nerd who spends all of his time in the dorm, library, and classes.
Nonetheless, you must thoroughly research the country in which you intend to study. You wouldn’t want to move from Nigeria where you had peace to a place where you are not accepted.
Another factor you need to consider is the economy of the country or region your institution will be located. Most people especially students and graduates complain about the economy of Nigeria already and moving from here to another country with a bad economy will be bad for you.
Most Nigerians who go to study abroad also work at the same time, hence, there’s no better place to be than a country with a stable economy. All of these factors should be put into consideration when you have decided to transfer to a foreign university abroad.
Now that you are aware of the necessary factors you need to consider, where should you start from?
What level will you start from?
When you have decided to transfer to a university abroad, it simply means you are already in school because you would have to start from either your second or third year.
This also depends on your level currently. If you are in your first year, then you will have to start with second-year when your transfer works out and it also depends on the school you are transferring to.
However, most universities in some countries have the same transfer requirements, for instance, the Universities in Canada and UK have the same requirements for transfer programs.
Having made a decision that a transfer is best for you, and having considered so many factors, the next thing to do is to choose the best University to study.
Do you want to transfer to a university in the UK, Norway, the US, South Korea, or any other country? The choice is yours to make and the factors mentioned above will help you make a better decision.
Have it in mind that if you intend to transfer to a university abroad, you will need transfer credits which happen to be your academic achievement.
This process can be very challenging therefore; you need to ensure that you supply as enough information as possible because that information will determine if you will begin from the second or third year.
However, in all of the challenges you may face, the best news is the fact that transferring to a university abroad is very possible.
Transfer requirement abroad
When it comes to transferring abroad, there are a lot of factors that will work in your favor. If you follow the tips in this article religiously, then your transfer process will be smooth.
The first and most important factor you need to consider is the fact that you are studying a full-time course because that is one of the qualifications to transfer to a University abroad.
You will also be asked to provide information on the following;
The grading system of your university
Every university and college has its various grading systems, although most of the grading systems are quite similar. There are some schools that have a point grading system, while some have a 4 point grading system. Depending on your school’s grading system, you will have to submit the grading system of your present university.
The grading system will be submitted to the university you intend to transfer to, and this includes your semester grades in the exact manner they arrived. Grading systems come in A, B, C, and D, but for a 5 point system, E will be included. For instance, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1.
So if at the end of your first year you came out with a 3.70 CGPA, you will be able to explain how they got to that CGPA using the grading system. This might seem too much to assimilate, but sincerely, it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Also, you need to also provide the unique way in which your current university calculates its grades because that is also very important. Then for every grade, you attained in your first year, it should be made ready; and if you have already completed your second year, then make all grades for both years 1 and 2 ready.
Another important requirement is the course curriculum or syllabus of your present university and you will get this from your course handbook. The course curriculum must include all the courses you were supposed to take in your current university and the ones you took as well.
Inform your University of your transfer intention abroad
If you decide not to inform your school about your transfer process, then you will be making a big mistake. This is because your current university will play a big role in your transfer process.
When you inform your school, they might decide to give you a certificate that will clearly state you have completed your first or second-year study in the said university.
You might think this isn’t necessary because you have submitted your result already, but some schools abroad specifically ask for such a certificate before your transfer application can be considered.
Factors that determine the level you will begin in your new school
- Your grades
Now if you are thinking of transferring from your current university to a foreign school, you need to have very good grades because your grades matter a lot. Your grades will also determine the level you get to start at your new university.
- Personal statement
A personal statement has to do with writing about yourself and why you want to study in a particular university and why you want to study your said course. It needs to be very impressive and convincing.
People who apply as a fresher to study abroad must write a personal statement and transfer is almost the same as applying as a fresher the only difference is the fact that you will use your result to continue in your second or third year. Write a good personal statement and you are good to go.
- Reference
Reference is also an important factor and you can get one of your lecturers or professors to give you a reference letter.
However, don’t make the mistake of applying for a course that is not related to your present academic field of study because your transfer may be rejected.
Also, if you are in your third year already, then you shouldn’t bother transferring because your application will be rejected. If you really want to study abroad, then maybe you can go for a second degree.
Furthermore, be certain that your field of study permits transfer abroad before you venture into the process of your transfer.
Now that you know that transferring to a school abroad is possible if you are in your first and second year, then it is time to start applying for your transfer to any foreign school of your choice.
However, have it in mind that applying does not guarantee you will be given admission, but if you follow the necessary steps judiciously, you can successfully transfer from your local university to a school abroad.
