Published January 07, 2025

International Transfer 101 Guide

Carolina Hurtado Castro

Class of 2025

Admitted Students Application Tips

A farewell message from my best friends, days before moving to New York City for the first time!

Are you thinking about transferring to NYU from an institution outside the United States but aren’t exactly sure how the process works? Transferring is already quite daunting, and being an international applicant adds an additional layer of stress—especially since there is not a lot of information catering specifically to international transfer students. But don’t you worry! As a former international transfer student who would have loved more specific guidance, I am here to share my International Transfer 101 Guide. I hope this will alleviate some of the pressure, clarify the process, and show that it is very much possible!

Part 1: Application Process

As an international transfer, your application will be a mixture of requirements for both transfer and international applicants. So, you need to make sure you are fulfilling the requirements of both these categories.

You will apply through the Common Application for transfer applicants. Although it’s technically through the same website as first-year applicants, the portal is different! So, make sure you create an account and do everything specifically for transfer students. Then, within the Common App, you will select NYU as the recipient of your application.

Transfer Applicant Requirements

Transcripts: for both high school and university.
Recommendation letter(s): minimum of one academic recommendation and maximum of three. These come from a person of authority (professor, counselor, boss) who can vouch for you and your abilities.
Personal statement and optional essay: my biggest advice is to put a lot of effort into this part of your application. This is the section that really allows you to showcase not only who you are but what you can bring to the table. You can explain your decision to transfer and why NYU is the right school for you. You can also demonstrate that you’ve done your research by mentioning classes, professors, specific programs, etc.

International Applicant Requirements

English proficiency exam (if applicable): IELTS, TOEFL, or Duo Lingo.
Transcripts need to be sent directly through a third-party service to be converted and authenticated for the US system. You can use any of the following services:
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- World Educational Services (WES)
- SpanTran

Note: If transcripts/documents are in a different language, they need to be translated and authenticated.

Part 2: Visa

You got into NYU! Now, it’s time to figure out all the legal processes you need to complete in order to get your student visa. Fortunately, NYU has the Office of Global Services (OGS), which will become your biggest resource for everything international student–related. Every step of the visa process can be found on OGS’ page for newly admitted international students. They will guide you and provide you with all the necessary documents you need from NYU, including the I-20 form.

For your part, make sure to have your transcripts (in English), a copy of your passport photo page, your NYU email activated, and all your financial documents ready (also in English) to make the process easier.

You do the actual visa application through the US government website for your country. It includes completing the DS-160 application and attending an interview. Find all the details for applying for your student visa here.

Feel free to contact OGS at any time during this process; they are more than happy to help and further guide you through it! Contact OGS here.

I understand this is a very stressful process, but you already did the hardest part: making the decision to transfer out of your current institution and deciding to apply. Everything will work out; you will get through this and end up where you are meant to be!

Carolina Hurtado Castro

Class of 2025

Carolina Hurtado Castro (she/her) is a senior in Gallatin concentrating in the Business of Entertainment, Production of Theatre and Film, and Latin American Cultural Representation. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia she came to NYU with an interest in unifying the business and creative sides of the Entertainment Industry. Her main goal is providing more opportunities for Latin American artists, in order to give light to their stories outside of the single narrative stereotypes they have been forced to fight against. At NYU, besides being an Admissions Ambassador, she has been able to be a performing arts producer at the Gallatin Arts Festival, as well as this year be a part of Gallatin’s Dean’s Honors Society. Outside of NYU she enjoys Formula 1, pilates and attending Broadway shows.