How to Transfer Your PhD to Another University

Transferring a PhD to another university isn’t completely unheard of. Students usually move with their primary supervisor, but you could also transfer if you’ve found another project that’s better aligned with your goals or simply if you’ve not been able to settle in your current university.

Whatever your reason to transfer your PhD, it is not impossible to do so. Usually, a PhD transfer to another university involves a completely new application. However, there is no nationally agreed system and universities are often free to define their own rules and requirements.

We’ve looked at some of the things you might need in the process of transferring your PhD to another university and how it may affect other aspects of your research.

A transfer to another university usually means you’ll be making a new application to your new university. You’ll find that universities usually have a separate section on their application for transfers.

You’ll find that this application is slightly different to the one you made the first time around. You’ll still need to complete a basic application form, but the supporting documents you’ll be submitting are different. These show the progress of your research up to this point. Your supervisor and university’s student services will be able to give you more information. It’s most likely that you’ll need:

• A written statement from your previous university confirming that your progress has been satisfactory
• A written agreement from your sponsor for the transfer (if applicable)

You’ll probably have to clearly state your reasons. There will usually be a provision for this in the application form.

Your application will then be approved by an assessment panel. Only once your application has been reviewed and approved will you be allowed to register at your new university.

There are some additional things you need to consider before you jump into the process.

• There might need to be some minimum time left on your PhD for you to be able to transfer, depending on the rules of your new university.
• You will, in most cases, have to pay the remainder of your fee If you’re being funded, whether or not your funding gets transferred along with you depends on the terms laid by your provider.
• Your previous university might need to sign an official release of Intellectual Property before you can transfer any of your research.

Even though there is nothing wrong with wanting to change universities mid-PhD, a change like that can have an impact on other important factors like your visa and funding.

If you’re on a student visa, you need to be aware of how a transfer will affect your right to stay in the country. In most cases, you’ll probably not be allowed to change your education provider but check with your university’s international office.

Funding can also be dependant on your university. If you’re on a UK Research Council studentship, you might be able to transfer your funding if both universities and the Research Council agree. The final say is with the universities and the Council.

It is unlikely, however, that you’ll be allowed to take a UK Government PhD Loan with you. Since a transfer, in most cases, is treated as a new application, you might not be eligible for another loan. You might be able to appeal with extenuating circumstances but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

There are quite a few hoops to jump through if you’re thinking about transferring your PhD and it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be successful. There are some other options for you though which are less drastic and could still help.

• You can think about transferring supervisors within the same university. This might be a simpler solution if you’re happy with your institution but want to change supervisors.
• You can think of adding a supervisor from another university to your project rather than moving to them. This is made easier if your PhD is a joint research project with a couple of universities.

Transferring mid-PhD is a big step involving a lot of hurdles and it is important that you know you’re doing it for the right reasons. If you’re struggling with your PhD, remember to have an open conversation with your supervisor and take advantage of your university’s wellbeing support if you’re stressed or worried.

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