How to Transfer to a University in Iloilo: Requirements and Process

Transferring to a university in Iloilo is a major step for students seeking better programs, improved learning environments, or a fresh start in one of the Philippines’ top academic hubs. Iloilo City is home to respected institutions such as the University of San Agustin (USA), Central Philippine University (CPU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), and several private colleges that regularly welcome transferees from across the country.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about transferring to a university in Iloilo, including requirements, the admissions process, document preparation, timelines, and tips for a successful transfer.

Understanding How University Transfers Work in Iloilo

The transfer process allows students currently enrolled in another college or university to continue their studies in a different institution. Some students transfer to access stronger programs, lower tuition fees, better university culture, or simply to move closer to family.

In Iloilo, universities follow CHED guidelines but each institution sets its own policies. This means requirements and timelines vary slightly, so it’s important to check the specific instructions of your target school.

Most universities in Iloilo accept transferees for the first semester, and some for the second semester or midyear term.

General Qualifications for Transfer Students

Before starting the transfer process, make sure you meet the basic qualifications:

1. You must have completed at least one semester in your current school

Universities usually require a record of completed subjects to evaluate your academic standing.

2. You must not have major disciplinary violations

A good moral character certificate and a clean disciplinary record are standard requirements.

3. You must have passing grades in most of your subjects

While failing grades are not always a disqualification, universities may:

• deny entry to competitive programs (e.g., Engineering, Nursing)

• require bridging courses

• place you under probation

4. You must meet the specific college requirements

Highly competitive programs such as Nursing, Pharmacy, and Engineering may have stricter criteria, including higher GWA (general weighted average) or additional exams/interviews.

Common Requirements for Transferring to a University in Iloilo

Below are the most frequently required documents across major Iloilo universities:

1. Official Transcript of Records (TOR) or Certified True Copy of Grades

Used for evaluating your academic performance and for crediting subjects.

2. Honorable Dismissal / Transfer Credential Certificate

Official document from your previous school stating that you are cleared to enroll in another institution.

3. Good Moral Character Certificate

Verifies your behavior and discipline.

4. Course Description / Syllabus

Important for accurate subject crediting. Some universities will not credit subjects without complete syllabi.

5. PSA Birth Certificate

Required for university records.

6. ID Photos

Usually 2×2 or passport-size photos.

7. Medical Examination Results

Some universities require medical tests, especially for health-related programs.

8. Entrance Examination (if required)

Not all schools require transferees to take entrance exams, but competitive programs may.

9. Application Fee

Processing fees vary by university.

Step-by-Step Process of Transferring to a University in Iloilo

While the exact process differs from school to school, the overall steps follow a similar pattern:

Step 1: Research the Best University and Program in Iloilo

Before transferring, compare:

• quality of your chosen program

• tuition fees

• admission competitiveness

• location and campus culture

• crediting policy for transferees

Some universities, such as UPV, have stricter transfer requirements. Others, such as CPU or USA, are more flexible and accept transferees year-round.

Step 2: Contact the Admissions Office

Send an email or message to the admissions office to confirm:

• required documents

• deadlines

• availability of slots for your desired program

• crediting rules

Some programs only accept transferees if there are available slots.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Request documents early from your previous school because:

• TOR processing can take 1–3 weeks

• some schools take time to release syllabi or course descriptions

• clearance procedures may require multiple signatures

Tip: Request multiple copies of your TOR and syllabi.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have the required documents:

• fill out the online or in-person application form

• upload or submit your documents

• pay the application fee

• wait for evaluation

Some universities require an interview or an academic evaluation panel.

Step 5: Attend Entrance Exams or Interviews (if applicable)

Not all universities require exams, but many competitive programs do.

Examples of programs that may require exams or interviews:

• Nursing

• Pharmacy

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Engineering

• Architecture

• Education majors

Interviews may focus on:

• motivation for transferring

• academic performance

• readiness for the program’s workload

Step 6: Wait for the Admission Result

Evaluation may take 1–3 weeks depending on:

• volume of transferee applicants

• availability of slots

• completeness of your documents

If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter or enrollment slip.

Step 7: Have Your Subjects Credited

This step determines which of your previous subjects will be accepted.

How subject crediting works:

• Department heads review your TOR and course descriptions

• Equivalent subjects are credited

• Some subjects may be rejected due to missing syllabi or insufficient content match

• You may be required to take bridging subjects

Tip: Keep digital copies of all syllabi for easy submission.

Step 8: Proceed to Enrollment

Once your subjects are evaluated, you can proceed to:

• pay tuition and fees

• get your student ID

• attend the orientation

• join student groups or departments

Congratulations—you’re now officially part of your new university in Iloilo!

Transfer Policies of Major Universities in Iloilo (Overview)

University of San Agustin (USA)

• Accepts transferees for most programs

• Some competitive majors require higher GWA

• Course crediting is strict for professional programs

Central Philippine University (CPU)

• Very transferee-friendly

• Credits many general education subjects

• Some programs require an exam or interview

University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)

• Very strict transfer policy

• Requires high GWA (usually 2.0 or higher)

• Slots are limited

• Often requires an interview or qualifying exam

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U)

• Accepts transferees depending on slot availability

• Known for competitive Engineering and Technology programs

• Requires a thorough evaluation of technical subjects

West Visayas State University (WVSU)

• Highly competitive for Nursing and Education

• Limited transferee slots for health-related programs

Tips for a Smooth and Successful Transfer Application

1. Start Early

Begin processing your documents months before the semester starts.

2. Contact Departments, Not Just Admissions

Departments decide subject crediting and program slots.

3. Keep Your Grades Strong

A higher GWA increases your chances of acceptance.

4. Prepare a Clear Reason for Transferring

Interviewers may ask why you want to transfer.

5. Expect That Not All Subjects Will Be Credited

Especially for specialized programs.

6. Apply to Multiple Universities

In case your first choice has no available slots.

7. Stay Updated on Deadlines

Some universities open transfer applications only once a year.

8. Prepare for Possible Bridging Classes

These help align your previous education with your new curriculum.

9. Organize Your Documents Digitally

Keep scanned copies to avoid delays.

10. Check Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Some universities offer financial aid to transferees.

Benefits of Transferring to a University in Iloilo

1. Academic Excellence

Iloilo is known as the “City of Love” and one of the Philippines’ top education hubs.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees

Compared to Manila and Cebu, Iloilo offers quality education at more accessible costs.

3. Safe and Student-Friendly

The city is clean, walkable, and safe—ideal for both local and international students.

4. Modern Facilities

Many universities have modern buildings, libraries, laboratories, and sports areas.

5. Vibrant Student Life

Iloilo offers a balance of city convenience and provincial charm.

Conclusion

Transferring to a university in Iloilo is a rewarding move for students seeking better opportunities, stronger programs, and a high-quality academic environment. While the requirements vary slightly by institution, the process is straightforward if you prepare early, stay organized, and communicate clearly with the admissions office.

With the right documents, planning, and persistence, you can successfully continue your academic journey in one of Iloilo’s excellent universities.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I transfer to a university in Iloilo even if I only finished one semester?

Yes, most universities in Iloilo accept transfer students who have completed at least one semester in their current school. However, they will still require your official transcript of records (or certified true copy of grades) and a certificate of good moral character. If you have taken very few units, the school may treat you almost like a new freshman and may credit only a limited number of subjects.

What are the basic requirements for transferees in Iloilo universities?

Common requirements include an official transcript of records, honorable dismissal or transfer credentials, certificate of good moral character, course descriptions or syllabi of completed subjects, PSA birth certificate, ID photos, and sometimes medical examination results. Some universities may also require an entrance exam, program-specific screening, or an interview. It is important to check the exact list on the official website or admissions office page of your target university.

Do I need to take an entrance exam as a transferee?

It depends on the university and the program. Some schools waive entrance exams for transferees with strong academic performance, while others require all applicants to undergo testing. Competitive programs such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, and certain Engineering courses often have qualifying exams or additional assessment. Always confirm directly with the admissions office or college department before assuming the exam is not required.

How are my previous subjects credited when I transfer?

Subject crediting is usually done by the dean, program head, or departmental committee. They will compare your previous subjects using your transcript of records and official course descriptions or syllabi. If the content, units, and hours are similar to their existing courses, they are likely to credit them. Subjects with insufficient documentation or very different content may not be credited. Some programs may also require bridging or remedial classes.

What if I have failing grades in my transcript?

Having a few failing grades does not automatically disqualify you, but it can affect the evaluation. Some universities may still accept you but might restrict your program choices or place you under academic probation for the first semester. Highly competitive programs may reject applications with multiple failing grades or require a higher general weighted average. Be honest about your record and ask the admissions office how this might influence your chances.

When is the best time to apply as a transferee to an Iloilo university?

The best time is at least a few months before the start of the semester you plan to enroll in, typically around late March to May for the first semester. This gives you enough time to secure your transcript, honorable dismissal, and course descriptions from your previous school. Some universities have strict application windows and stop accepting transferees once slots are filled, so applying early is a major advantage.

Can international students transfer to universities in Iloilo?

Yes, many Iloilo universities welcome international transferees, but the process includes additional steps such as visa documentation, English language proficiency requirements, and authentication of foreign school records. International students usually work with both the admissions office and an international students’ office or liaison. It is important to start the process earlier than local students to allow time for visa processing and document legalization.

How long does the transfer evaluation process usually take?

The evaluation period can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your documents. Academic departments need time to review your transcript and syllabi for subject equivalence. Delays often occur when documents are incomplete or when course descriptions are missing. To avoid problems, submit all required papers in one batch and follow up politely with the admissions or department staff when necessary.

Will transferring to a new university delay my graduation?

It is possible that your graduation may be delayed, especially if many of your previous subjects are not credited or if the new curriculum is significantly different. Some transferees also need to take prerequisite or bridging courses before they can proceed to higher-level subjects. However, careful planning with the department adviser can minimize delays. Ask for a clear study plan or curriculum map after your subjects are evaluated so you know your projected graduation timeline.

Can I transfer to a different degree program at the same time I transfer schools?

Yes, many students use the transfer opportunity to shift to a course that better fits their interests or career goals. However, shifting while transferring may make subject crediting more complicated because your previous subjects may not align well with the new program. This can result in more uncredited units and an extended stay in university. It is wise to consult the receiving department about how many subjects can be credited before finalizing your decision.

What can I do to increase my chances of being accepted as a transferee?

You can improve your chances by maintaining a strong academic record, avoiding disciplinary issues, and preparing complete and well-organized documents. Writing clear emails, following application instructions carefully, and respecting deadlines all create a good impression. If interviews are required, be ready to explain why you want to transfer and how you plan to succeed in your new environment. Applying to more than one university in Iloilo also gives you alternative options if your first choice cannot accommodate you.

Iloilo University Guide: Best Schools, Admissions, Tuition Fees, and Student Life