Transfer from a Global Campus

In preparation for transferring to RIT Rochester, please review this important information.

Before You Apply

Global campus students wanting to apply for transfer should make an appointment with their home campus academic advisor to:

  1. Review your Academic Advisement Report (AAR) to verify remaining and completed degree requirements.
  2. Make sure that any co-op waivers, co-ops that you have completed or are currently completing are registered and graded on SIS by the time you submit your transfer application.*

Process

  1. Schedule an appointment with your home campus academic advisor to discuss transfer costs and implications. If you decide to move forward with the transfer process, your advisor will assist in filling out the Change of Program form and provide instructions on how to collect the required signatures (CoP).
  2. Once you get the CoP signed by your home campus, go to the Compass and fill out the transfer application (The name of the application on The Compass will show as Transfer to Rochester for students in RIT China, Croatia, Kosovo and Dubai). As part of your application, you will be required to upload the CoP signed by you and signed by your home campus.
  3. Note: If you are a student in one of the following majors - Computer Information Technologies, Web & Mobile Computing and Cybersecurity, make sure to read the application carefully as there is a written statement you must submit as part of your application. Your application is not complete until you have submitted the written statement.
  4. Email ritglobal@rit.edu to notify the RIT Global office that you have submitted your application. You will not receive an acknowledgement from our office for submitting your application. They will only reach out if there is something missing in your application. 
  5. Once you’ve submitted your transfer application, sit tight and wait to hear back from the RIT Global office with your department’s decision. Most departments review transfer applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time, and your department will evaluate your application shortly after submission. 

IMPORTANT: Throughout the transfer process, do not contact the RIT Rochester academic department directly or the RIT Rochester admissions office. All communication must go through the RIT Global Office (ritglobal@rit.edu).

Deadlines

Transfer applications are accepted on a rolling basis with the exception of the following:

Mechanical Engineering: The department will consider transfers that start in the fall semester only. That means you can only apply during the Spring Semester.

Computing & Information Technologies, Web & Mobile Computing and Cybersecurity:

  • Deadline to transfer for Fall Semester is May 10th, 2025
  • Deadline to transfer for Spring Semester is the last day of classes of the previous Fall Semester
  • NOTE: Applying to transfer for the Spring semester can be challenging. With limited time between when decisions are made and the semester start date, there may only be a couple of weeks to prepare. For this reason, we strongly discourage applying for a transfer to begin in the Spring semester.

 

Decision

You will receive an email from ritglobal@rit.edu with the department's decision.

If accepted:

  • The email will contain instructions for providing necessary documents for RIT to issue the I-20* certificate, which you will need to apply for your F-1 student visa.
  • You will have one week from receiving the email to confirm your acceptance.

*Depending on the time of the year, it can take up to 4 weeks from the time we receive the correct documents to issue your I-20.

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Students

The Global Campus Transfer Scholarship is the only scholarship you are eligible for. To apply, simply check the designated box labeled "Scholarship Request" on your application—no additional steps are required.

Scholarship Details:

  • This scholarship is awarded on a merit basis.
  • The award amount ranges between 15% and 30% of tuition.
  • For details about tuition costs, visit RIT Cost of Attendance.

Award Process:

  • Once you confirm your acceptance, the scholarship committee typically takes 3–4 weeks to review and finalize awards.
  • You will receive an email from the RIT Global office with your scholarship award letter.
  • The awarded amount will be directly credited to your RIT account.
  • To remain eligible, you must be enrolled as a full-time student.

Important Notes:

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, you are not eligible for federal student aid.
  • For alternative funding options, we recommend reviewing the Alternative Educational Loan program, which provides information on other ways to cover expenses at RIT Rochester.

Graduate Students

As a graduate student, you don’t qualify for the Global Campus Transfer Scholarship. For scholarship funding possibilities, you must reach out directly to your RIT Rochester academic department chair AFTER you have been accepted for transfer. Please note that if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible for any federal student aid. For alternative options, we recommend reading about the Alternative Educational Loan, which may provide other forms of financial assistance.

Onboarding Process

RIT Global will offer assistance in contacting your new academic department in Rochester, applying for housing, completing required health forms, and any other essential steps to ensure a seamless transition to the RIT Rochester campus.

After the Transfer Process

Once the transfer process has been completed and you arrive at RIT Rochester, RIT Global will no longer be your point of contact. You can directly reach out to your RIT Rochester academic department.