International Transfer Requirements

The evaluation of transfer credit happens in two stages. First, the Office of Admissions reviews your courses to determine the transferable credits. Once complete, you can view your Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) in your Admissions MyAccount.

The second stage is completed by the college of your major, typically after your arrival. At this point, your college determines which credits fulfill the requirements for your specific program. To ensure a smooth review process:

1. Submit final transcripts: If you’re currently attending another university, arrange to have your final official academic records sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as they are available.
2. Attend orientation: Follow the international orientation schedule upon arrival. Orientation includes essential sessions on class selection and registration, and you’ll meet with your academic advisor to discuss credit evaluation.
3. Provide course syllabi: Bring official syllabi from all previous coursework. Each syllabus should bear the university’s original stamp or seal. If the syllabi aren’t in English, provide both the original and a professionally translated English copy. The English translation must be done either by your university or a professional translator.

Evaluating courses individually may take two to three weeks. You might also need to meet with faculty to discuss your prior coursework and share additional materials, such as reading lists, textbooks, reports, or exam results.

To graduate from Iowa State, students need 120 credits. This requirement guides our calculation for transfer credits:

• If a university requires 150 hours for a four-year degree, we use the ratio 120/150 = 0.80, multiplying each course's credits by 0.80 to determine transferable credits.
  • For example, a course with 3 credits would transfer as 2.5 credits (rounded from 2.4), while a 4-credit course would transfer as 3 credits (rounded from 3.2).
• For courses measured in hours instead of credits, we divide the number of hours by 15.
  • Example: A 45-hour course would transfer as 3 credits.
• For most Chinese institutions, we multiply credits by 0.70 and round up.
• Courses below 1 credit are generally not transferred (labs are an exception).

Courses are credited at the academic level they were taught:

• A second-year course transfers as 2000-level credit, even if Iowa State offers it at the 3000-level.
• In the U.K., where university programs are typically three years, first-year courses transfer as 2000-level, second-year as 3000-level, and so forth.

Departments are assigned based on course details such as name, description, syllabus, and comparison with the Iowa State course catalog.

We determine the grading scale for each university using resources like AACRO Edge, transcript details, and university websites.

We award credit only from institutions accredited by the educational authorities in their country and do not accept credits from:

• Military programs
• Moral or ethics courses
• Physical education and sports-specific courses
• English as a Second Language (ESL) or English composition from countries where English is not the sole official language (credit is awarded for speech or English literature)
• Developmental, remedial, vocational, or technical courses
• Programs in which the institution awarding credit is not directly involved
• Chinese international summer schools

A Form I-20, issued by U.S. schools to international students, indicates you’ve met all admission requirements to attend. If you’re outside the U.S., bring your Form I-20 to your nearest U.S. Consulate, along with your passport, TOEFL score, financial documents, and transcripts, to apply for an F-1 student visa. Be sure to sign your I-20 before entering the U.S.

If you’re already in the U.S., your I-20 can only be issued after the release date from your previous school, typically your last date of attendance. 

To avoid delays, apply for your visa well in advance, as visas cannot be issued more than 120 days before the registration date on your I-20.

To apply for a student visa, please provide the following:

• Form I-20: Once admitted to Iowa State and upon demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your expenses, we will send you the Certificate of Eligibility for a Student Visa (Form I-20). Upon receiving it, verify that all information is accurate, read it carefully, and sign in the designated space.
• Non-immigrant visa application (DS-160): Complete the online DS-160 form, which includes a photo, available at no charge on the embassy’s website.
• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your intended U.S. entry date.
• Visa processing fee receipt
• SEVIS fee payment proof (I-901 receipt)

Additionally, have these documents on hand:

• Academic records: Transcripts and diplomas from all previously attended institutions.
• Standardized test scores: Include results from any relevant exams like the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, or IELTS.
• Financial documentation: Evidence showing that you or your sponsor can cover your tuition and living costs. You may include a copy of your Undergraduate Financial Statement along with supporting documents. For instance, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, provide income tax records and original bank statements. If self-employed or a business owner, include business registration, licenses, tax documents, and original bank statements.

For further guidance, consult the U.S. Department of State website.

After receiving your visa, you can begin making travel arrangements. Be sure to book early, as flights tend to fill up quickly during peak student travel periods. Keep in mind that visa regulations prevent students from arriving more than 30 days before the date listed on their Form I-20.

If you are currently in the U.S., you will need to have your visa status verified by your current school. To do this, request that they complete the Transfer I-20 Request Form. Please note that this form should only be submitted after you have accepted your offer of admission to Iowa State University.