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Transfer credit is academic credit that may be awarded to an admitted degree-seeking undergraduate student and applied toward a degree at UW–Madison. We recognize various types of transfer credits, including course credit, test credit, and military credit.
Course credits are generally awarded for college-level coursework completed at institutions accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country. Courses must be similar in nature, level, and content to a course in our undergraduate curriculum and applicable to one of our academic programs. Continuing education courses, graduate-level courses, and courses that are remedial, technical, vocational, or doctrinal in nature are not transferable.
Types of Credit
Course Credit
Earned from other accredited colleges and universities, including dual enrollment credit earned through college courses taken at your high school.
Test Credit
Earned through standardized tests for the successful completion of college-level course work from a third-party testing agency approved by UW-Madison faculty governance, such as: Advanced Placement (AP), GCE Advanced Level (A-Level), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Tests accepted for transfer, along with the required qualifying scores, are detailed in the Guide.
Military Credit
Earned for coursework and training completed during military service. You are not required to submit your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or accept the transfer credit.
Credit Evaluation Services
The Office of the Registrar’s Credit Evaluation Services team specializes in evaluating transfer credits for undergraduate degree-seeking students.
How We Can Help
- Evaluating transfer credit (course credit, test credit, and military credit) based on established university and departmental curriculum guidelines
- Explaining how credit is reviewed and the process through which that takes place
- Collaborating with departmental faculty and staff reviewers to develop evaluation guidelines and review course syllabi
How Others Can Help
- Admissions counseling and checking receipt of transcripts: Office of Admissions and Recruitment
- Questions about course selection and how transfer credit applies to academic requirements: Your advisor(s)
- Course registration: New students will enroll at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR); current students will enroll online via Course Search and Enroll