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Transfer Credit FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions about Transfer Credit and Non-Stanford Study Abroad

  1. What if the courses I plan to take overseas do not match any specific Stanford courses at the undergraduate level? Will I still be eligible for transfer credit if I meet all of the other requirements?
  2. What if course descriptions and/or syllabi for classes are only available in the local language?
  3. Can I meet major requirements through transfer work?
  4. What is the maximum number of units that can be transferred in?
  5. Are the grades from transfer work calculated into my GPA?
  6. How will the overseas course work appear on my Stanford transcript?
  7. Can I get a copy of my non-Stanford Study Abroad Program transcript from the Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP)?
  8. Can I meet a Ways of Thinking, Ways of Doing (Ways) requirement with a transfer course?

What if the courses I plan to take overseas do not match any specific Stanford courses at the undergraduate level?

Will I still be eligible for transfer credit if I meet all of the other requirements? Yes, a maximum of 20 quarter units may represent courses that do not parallel specific undergraduate courses at Stanford, subject to the approval of the credit evaluator as to quality and suitability. Credit from another institution may be transferred for courses that are substantially equivalent to those offered at Stanford University on the undergraduate level, subject to the approval of the credit evaluator.

What if course descriptions and/or syllabi for classes are only available in the local language?

All documentation must be in the English language (or all documentation must have a certified English translation). As a result, if documents are not in English, students are encouraged to purchase a third-party, course-by-course international transcript translation and evaluation service which includes a translation of course descriptions/syllabi. Some examples of these services are:

Can I meet major requirements through transfer work?

You must check with your major department for approval before going overseas. The transfer work must be accepted for general University credit through the Bing Overseas Studies Program in order to be considered by your department. To send a copy of your transcript to your department, check the box on the Request for Non-Stanford Study Abroad Transfer Credit Evaluation Form that indicates you want to have a copy of your transcript and transfer credit form forwarded to your department and list the department and contact name.

What is the maximum number of units that can be transferred in?

No more than 45 (90 for transfer students) quarter units of credit for work done elsewhere may be counted toward a bachelor's degree at Stanford (including advanced placement test credit).

Are the grades from transfer work calculated into my GPA?

Grades from other colleges and universities are not included in the GPA and will not appear on Stanford transcripts. Only the grades for courses taken at Stanford are included in your GPA.

How will the overseas coursework appear on my Stanford transcript?

Only the name of the institution, and the units will appear. For example: “London School of Economics, 6.0. units”. Courses and grades from the host institution will not appear on the Stanford transcript. If you plan to apply to graduate schools or for fellowships/scholarships in the future, those organizations will usually ask you to submit transcripts from all institutions attended. You must request transcripts from those institutions directly.

Can I get a copy of my non-Stanford Study Abroad Program transcript from the Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP)?

BOSP cannot release a copy of your transfer transcript to you or to any outside agency. You will need to request a copy directly from the program. If a transcript gets sent directly to you, BOSP cannot accept that transcript. You must request that an official transcript be sent directly from the program or institution to BOSP.

Can I meet a Ways of Thinking, Ways of Doing (Ways) requirement with a transfer course?

Courses taken at an accredited non-Stanford institution must be pre-approved for Ways credit prior to enrollment in the course. Please refer to the Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing website for additional information regarding Ways Transfer Credit policies.