Prospective Transfer Students
Transfer students bring valuable experience and distinct academic goals to our campus, and we recognize that your transition differs from that of traditional first‑year students. Academic advisors can serve as an important resource for navigating academic requirements, credit transfers, and supporting your overall transition to campus.
Who is considered a transfer student?
A transfer student has completed college coursework at another institution after high school and now plans to pursue an undergraduate degree at UW–Madison. To apply as a transfer student, you must have at least 24 transferable semester hours of college‑level work. Credits earned by exam or during high school do not count. Because UW–Madison requires a minimum of 24 transferable credits, students cannot transfer in at the freshman level.
Connect with an Academic Advisor
Many schools and colleges offer academic advising to prospective transfer students prior to enrollment. If you have already been admitted as a transfer student, you will have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).
School & college academic advising information
Each school and college at UW–Madison offers its own unique resources and levels of support for prospective transfer students. For those who are still exploring their options or deciding on an intended major, Cross-College Advising Service provides support and advising.
Prospective transfer students interested in the College of Engineering can find detailed information about the transfer process and admission expectations on our transfer information page.
In addition, the College of Engineering Transfer Manager is available to meet with students virtually or in person to discuss the transfer pathway and answer pre-transfer academic advising questions. Students are encouraged to reach out with questions or to request a meeting by emailing ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu. When contacting, it is helpful to include an unofficial college transcript and intended engineering major.
Please note: All questions related to the application or admission process should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment as the College of Engineering is not directly involved in admissions decisions for off-campus transfer applications.
Prospective off-campus transfer students interested in the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) can receive advising for both the residential and online degree programs. For the residential program, students may schedule an appointment through the advising team’s Calendly or contact prebusadvising@wsb.wisc.edu. Those interested in the online program should complete the interest form on the online.wisc.edu website or email uwmadison@online.wisc.edu.
Advisors can provide an overview of the admissions process tailored to each student’s situation and offer an estimated time to degree based on an unofficial transcript. WSB also hosts monthly information sessions for prospective transfer students through Visit Bucky.
Admission to the Wisconsin School of Business requires a separate, competitive application. Students transferring from public higher education institutions within Wisconsin may apply directly if they meet eligibility requirements. Those transferring from out-of-state or private institutions must first enroll at UW–Madison and apply as on-campus pre-business students. It is important to note that access to business courses is not guaranteed prior to admission to WSB.
Prospective transfer students interested in the School of Education can find information on our Frequently Asked Questions page. Prospective students can also request to connect with an academic advisor by filling out this interest form. Please note that appointment availability may be limited during peak advising periods, including mid-October through the first week of December and the month of April.
Admission to School of Education programs is not a competitive process; instead, students declare their program once they meet the established eligibility requirements.
The Pre-Nursing (PRN) advising team does not offer advising appointments for prospective transfer students. Instead, students should connect directly with the School of Nursing’s admissions team by requesting an appointment at admissions@nursing.wisc.edu. During these appointments, students can learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, and timelines for the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN) and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs.
Students may also submit a prerequisite course equivalency form to determine whether previously completed coursework fulfills nursing prerequisite requirements. Please note that these evaluations apply only to School of Nursing prerequisites and may not be recognized by other programs or schools.
For additional guidance, students can consult the BSN course equivalencies website, which includes information for coursework completed at UW System schools and Wisconsin technical colleges.
Prospective transfer students interested in the School of Pharmacy are welcome to connect with the advising team for guidance on their academic pathway. Students can arrange a virtual or in-person advising appointment by contacting the Office of Student Services at 608-262-6234. Advising is available for those exploring either the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology or the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
The School of Pharmacy’s academic programs have a selective and competitive admissions process that is separate from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to meet with a School of Pharmacy advisor to review their college transcripts and gain a clear understanding of admissions requirements, policies, and timelines. These conversations can help students assess their readiness and plan appropriately. Students interested in the PharmD program can also review our prerequisite coursework requirements.
Additional Campus Advising Resources
PEOPLE Program
Students who completed Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) or Information Technology Academy (ITA) during their precollege experience can receive one-on-one advising support as they prepare to transfer by filling out our interest form.
Advising includes help with the application process, transfer agreements, course selection, and next steps. Students can review the program website to stay informed about scholarship timelines, prorated award information, and other program policies.
Division of Continuing Studies
University Special Student Services (USSS) supports nondegree-seeking students and provides referrals to campus resources as needed.
Prospective transfer students can connect through the Badger Ready program, while Odyssey students may work with an Odyssey Navigator to explore transfer options.
Students can reach out to badger.ready@wisc.edu with questions about the application process, timeline, and transferability.
International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS) offers in-person and virtual drop-in advising for those with questions about immigration documents and related policies. For non-immigration topics, ISS serves as a resource hub, connecting students with the appropriate campus offices, such as housing or the bursar.
Prospective transfer students are encouraged to review the ISS website early to understand the immigration document process and deadlines.
Prospective Transfer Student Resources
Transfer Engagement Center
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Transfer Visit Days
Join us on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus to learn more about our transfer admissions process, university community, and academic programs. You’ll get to explore our campus, experience the energy of student life, and see exactly what it feels like to be a Badger.
Transfer Student Information Sessions
Many of our schools, colleges, and programs offer virtual and in-person information sessions where you can learn about specific programs you may be interested in and the resources available for transfer students. Find upcoming information sessions and other events on the Visit Bucky website.
Transfer Admissions Counseling
Schedule a 30‑minute virtual meeting to ask questions about transfer admission, understand next steps, and learn more about UW‑Madison. Admissions counselors cannot advise on course selection or pre‑evaluate credit.
Transfer Transition Program
The Transfer Transition Program was created to support and improve the experience of transfer students at UW–Madison. We want every transfer student to have access to the resources they need for personal and academic success!
UW-Madison Guide
Explore the many majors and certificates available at UW–Madison by browsing Guide or filtering by interest area. You can also learn how to get into your intended major and review specific course requirements.
Credit Transfer Information & Resources
Looking for an overview of how credits transfer?
Learn how transfer credit is awarded for course credit, test credit, and military credit once students are offered admission to UW-Madison on our Transfer Credit Overview page.
Transferology
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Course Credit Evaluation Process
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Transfer Agreements
UW-Madison has transfer admission agreements between the Universities of Wisconsin and many Wisconsin Technical and Tribal Colleges. Find information on the specific requirements for each school’s agreement including GPA, breadth, and other degree requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to move forward?
Take the next step toward becoming a Badger by starting your application or visiting campus today.