Transfer Credit for Self-Directed Courses Abroad Commonly Asked Questions
Can I get credit for courses I take outside of the U.S.? Can I get credit for courses taken in my home country?
The UW allows transfer credit based on the status of the school that issues the official transcript. The school issuing the official transcript must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the country where the school is located.
How do I know if the university where I will take courses is recognized?
The UW does not recognize or have agreements with third-party study abroad organizations such as ACE, SIE, LION, CEA, or ONPS. The University allows transfer credit based on the status of the university that issues the official transcript. Find out if the institution is recognized by checking with the Ministry of Education (or the equivalent authoritative body) in the country where the school is located. This information is often online.
Beijing Jiaotong University
Beijing Normal University
East China Normal University
Korea University
National Taipei University of Technology
Qingdao University
Seoul National University
Sichuan University
Southwest Jiaotong University
Southwestern Univ. of Finance & Economics
Sun Yat-Sen University
University of Int’l Business and Economics
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Yonsei University
If your school is not listed above, it does not mean that UW will not accept transfer credit. Check with the Ministry of Education in the appropriate country to find out if the school you plan to attend is recognized. If so, the UW may consider awarding transfer credit.
How do I get the credit transferred?
Have an official transcript sent to the Office of Admissions after you complete the
Which courses may receive transfer credit?
Academic subjects only – no vocational, technical, or professional courses are accepted. English courses do not receive credit if completed outside of the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. See our general transfer credit policy online: admit.uw.edu/Admission/International/CreditPolicies
How will the credit transfer? What courses will I get at UW?
Courses patterned after U.S. college curriculum may receive direct equivalents of UW courses. For example, Introduction to Psychology or Macroeconomics, if taught with U.S. curriculum and instruction, are often given PSYCH 101 and ECON 201. However, the Office of Admissions will determine equivalent courses only after we receive the official transcript. Preliminary evaluations or pre-approvals cannot be provided by the Office of Admissions.
Courses not patterned after U.S. college curriculum may receive generic equivalents, such as Psych 1XX or Econ 2XX. Students may later consult with an academic adviser in the relevant department(s) to explore whether direct UW equivalents may be approved.
How much credit will I get?
This depends on the credits/hours assigned at the original institution and can vary. Semester credits outside the U.S. are not always equivalent to U.S. semester credits. Each summer course is often awarded 4-5 quarter credits, but the Office of Admissions will determine actual credits based on the official transcript and course information.
Do the grades I earn matter? May I transfer just some of the courses?
All transferable courses shown on transcripts received from another institution will be added to your unofficial UW transcript; you cannot choose which courses to transfer. The transfer GPA is shown on your unofficial UW transcript, which is accessible by UW advisers/departments. The transfer GPA is not listed on an official UW transcript and will not be included in your UW GPA.
What if I am doing a UW Study Abroad program?
Contact the Study Abroad office – they will process your transfer credit if you completed a program through their office.
Where do I mail my official transcript once my courses are completed and recorded?
Mail all official transcripts to the following address:
Regular Postal Mail
University of Washington
Office of Admissions
Box 355852
Seattle, WA 98195-5852
Express Mail Service
University of Washington
Office of Admissions
1410 NE Campus Parkway – 225 Schmitz Hall
Seattle, WA 98195
Transfer credit is never guaranteed and cannot be evaluated until after you complete the courses and submit an official transcript.