The following information is intended to offer clarification of university academic policies related to transfer credit. For official wording of Stanford’s academic policies, refer to Stanford Bulletin: Academic Policies and Statements.
Overview
Students can transfer up to 45 units of credit from another institution toward their Stanford degree with approval. This applies to both transfer students and students seeking pre-approval for courses they anticipate taking during summer or a leave of absence.
Students who plan to participate in a non-Stanford overseas program should speak to the transfer credit officer in Overseas Programs (OSP) before they leave for their overseas program. It is important to clarify what materials to collect while abroad (syllabi, documents with signatures, etc.) so the credit transfer can be expedited when upon return.
Undergraduates who want to apply credit from courses taken at another university toward their Stanford degree should review the policies for doing so:
Office of the University Registrar: Transfer Credit
University Course Credit
- Undergraduates who want to apply credit from courses taken at another university toward their Stanford degree should review the policies for doing so at Registrar’s Transfer Credit website
- This applies to both transfer students and students seeking pre-approval for courses they anticipate taking during summer or a leave of absence.
Credit for Work Completed Abroad
Stanford undergraduates who plan to participate in a non-Stanford overseas program should visit the Bing Overseas Studies Program Non-Stanford Study Abroad Opportunities website to learn more about the policies and procedures for doing a Non-Stanford Study Abroad Program, how to get a study abroad approval form signed, request pre-approval of transfer credit, and request transfer credit evaluation for coursework already completed abroad.
While credit is guaranteed on Stanford-operated overseas programs, it is not guaranteed on Non-Stanford study abroad programs. There are no approved programs.
In general, the evaluation process, takes 3-4 weeks from the receipt of a complete application. You should plan to submit complete applications at least two months prior to the date by which you need to know the evaluation result.
AP / IB Credit
Students wishing to apply their AP or IB credit toward their Stanford degree should evaluate their college plans before transferring all their credit.
- Keep in mind that students can transfer a maximum of 45 units.
Students who anticipate taking classes during the summer at another university that might apply to their major may wish to wait to transfer their AP / IB credit. This insures that they do not reach their 45 unit maximum too early in their Stanford career.
Students with AP / IB credit should consult with a UAR Advisor before beginning the transfer process.
