How to Transfer to a University in Cagayan de Oro: Requirements and Process

Transferring to a university in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a common path for students seeking better programs, improved campus facilities, or a school environment that better fits their academic goals. Whether you are moving from another city, another region, or shifting from a private to a public institution (or vice versa), CDO offers a variety of reputable universities that accept transferees each semester.

This guide explains the complete process—requirements, timelines, admission steps, and practical tips—to help you understand exactly how to transfer to a university in Cagayan de Oro smoothly.

Understanding How Transfers Work in Cagayan de Oro

Transferring means you are shifting from your current college or university to another school where you intend to continue your degree program. In CDO, the process is generally straightforward, but requirements vary depending on the institution.

Common reasons students transfer:

• Better academic programs (Engineering, Criminology, Nursing, IT, etc.)

• Lower tuition or more affordable living conditions

• Closer location to home or workplace

• Better campus environment or facilities

• Shift to a preferred course/major

Regardless of your reason, the transfer process requires careful planning to avoid delays in enrollment or issues with your academic records.

Major Universities in Cagayan de Oro That Accept Transferees

Most major institutions in the city accept transferees, including:

• University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)

• Liceo de Cagayan University

• Capitol University

• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

• Cagayan de Oro College – PHINMA Education

• Pilgrim Christian College

• Southern Philippines College

• Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) for certain programs

Each school has its own screening criteria, particularly for programs with quotas such as Nursing, Engineering, and Medical-related courses.

General Requirements for Transferring

Though requirements differ per university, most CDO schools require the following:

1. Honorable Dismissal or Transfer Credential

This document certifies that you left your previous school in good standing. Universities will not accept transferees without it.

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

A TOR is usually required, but some schools accept a certified true copy temporarily while your TOR is being processed.

3. Certificate of Good Moral Character

Issued by your previous college, this verifies that you met behavioral standards and had no disciplinary cases.

4. PSA Birth Certificate

Most schools require an official PSA copy for identification and record purposes.

5. Passport-sized ID Pictures

Usually 2–4 copies, depending on the school.

6. Application Form

You may be asked to fill out an admission or transfer application form—either online or at the campus.

7. Entrance/ Qualifying Exam (If Required)

Some universities require transferees to take:

• General entrance exams

• Program-specific assessments (e.g., Engineering, Nursing, Criminology)

8. Interview (Depending on Program)

Courses like Education, Nursing, Business, and Liberal Arts often require interviews with department heads.

9. Additional Requirements for Specific Programs

For example:

• Nursing: board exam-style qualifying exam

• Engineering: math proficiency test

• Criminology: medical certificate, NBI clearance in some cases

• Education: personality assessment

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

Step 1: Research Schools Offering Your Program

Start by checking:

• Tuition fees

• Admission deadlines

• Program reputation

• Campus location and facilities

• Whether they accept transferees in your course

Some programs in CDO universities have limited slots, so it’s best to inquire early.

Step 2: Request Your Transfer Credentials from Your Current School

At a minimum, request:

• Honorable Dismissal

• Transcript of Records (TOR)

• Certificate of Good Moral

• Course description or syllabus (some schools require this for credit evaluation)

Processing time may take 1–4 weeks depending on your current institution.

Step 3: Prepare All Admission Requirements

Organize all documents and make photocopies. Some schools require authenticated copies, especially for TOR or birth certificates.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents for Evaluation

Schools will assess:

• Completeness of requirements

• Your grades

• Accreditation equivalency (which subjects can be credited)

Programs like Nursing or Engineering may impose grade requirements (e.g., no failing grades in major subjects).

Step 5: Take Entrance or Qualifying Exams (If Required)

These exams evaluate whether you meet the academic standards of your new school.

Not all universities require exams for transferees. For example, some private colleges in CDO have open admissions.

Step 6: Attend the Interview

If required, attend interviews with:

• Department chairs

• Program heads

• Academic deans

They may ask about:

• Your reason for transferring

• Academic performance

• Career goals

• Challenges at your previous school

Step 7: Wait for Admission Results

Schools will notify you via:

• Email

• SMS

• Online admission portal

• Posted list at school

Once accepted, you will be given instructions for enrollment.

Step 8: Subject Credit Evaluation

This is a crucial step.

Your new school will check which subjects from your previous university can be credited. Items considered:

• Course descriptions

• Number of units

• Grades obtained

• Program curriculum differences

Expect that not all your subjects may be credited, especially if you are shifting courses or transferring from a very different curriculum.

Step 9: Enroll and Pay Tuition/Down Payment

Once your subjects are evaluated:

• You will receive your class schedule

• You can begin enrollment payments

• Some schools require a down payment to reserve your slot

Step 10: Attend Orientation and Begin Classes

New students—including transferees—are typically required to attend orientation to learn:

• Campus guidelines

• Academic policies

• Student services

• Library and laboratory rules

Common Issues Transferees Face (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Delayed TOR Processing

Solution: Request your TOR weeks before the enrollment period.

2. Losing Subject Credits

Solution: Submit course descriptions and syllabi for evaluation.

3. Not Meeting Grade Requirements

Some programs require minimum grades for transferees.

Solution: Apply early to schools with flexible policies if needed.

4. Late Submission of Requirements

Solution: Track each university’s schedule; some stop accepting transferees after a certain date.

5. Entrance Exam Scheduling Conflicts

Solution: Contact the admissions office to ask for alternative schedules.

Tips for a Successful Transfer

Choose a School That Aligns with Your Goals

CDO universities have different strengths. For example:

• USTP: engineering, tech, and science

• Xavier University: medicine, nursing, liberal arts, business

• Liceo de Cagayan University: nursing, music, criminology

• Capitol University: maritime, criminology, business

Apply Early

Slots may fill quickly, especially in high-demand programs.

Keep Copies of Everything

Universities may ask for additional photocopies during enrollment.

Ask About Credit Evaluation Policies

This will help you plan your academic load more efficiently.

Check Tuition Fee Structures

Private universities charge per unit, while state colleges may charge minimal tuition.

Contact the Admission Office

For the most accurate, updated requirements.

When Is the Best Time to Transfer?

Most universities in CDO accept transferees during:

• First Semester (June–July)

• Second Semester (November–December)

• Summer Term (limited programs only)

However, competitive programs may only accept transferees once per year.

Can You Shift Courses While Transferring?

Yes. You can transfer and shift courses at the same time as long as:

• The university accepts transferees in that program

• You meet grade requirements

• You pass program-specific exams or interviews

This is common for students shifting from:

• BSBA → Accountancy

• Nursing → MedTech

• General Engineering → Specific Engineering fields

• IT → Computer Science or vice versa

Final Thoughts

Transferring to a university in Cagayan de Oro can help you find better opportunities, new academic environments, and programs that align with your long-term goals. The key is to plan early, prepare the required documents, and communicate with the admissions office of your target school.

Whether you choose USTP, Xavier University, Liceo, Capitol University, or any other institution, the transfer process is manageable as long as you follow the steps carefully.

What does it mean to transfer to a university in Cagayan de Oro?

Transferring means you are moving from your current college or university to a new institution in Cagayan de Oro where you will continue your degree. Your previous subjects may be evaluated and credited, and you will enroll under the curriculum of the new school. You are not starting from zero, but your academic standing and credited units will depend on the evaluation of your new university.

Which universities in Cagayan de Oro accept transferees?

Most major universities and colleges in Cagayan de Oro accept transferees, including public and private institutions. Examples include universities known for engineering, nursing, business, liberal arts, IT, and criminology programs. However, acceptance policies, grade requirements, and credit evaluation procedures vary by school and by program, so it is important to check the specific admission guidelines of your target institution.

What are the basic requirements for transferring to a CDO university?

Common requirements include an Honorable Dismissal or Transfer Credential from your previous school, your Transcript of Records (or certified true copy of grades), a Certificate of Good Moral Character, PSA birth certificate, ID photos, and a completed application form. Some universities may also require entrance or qualifying exams, medical clearance, or additional documents for specific programs such as Nursing or Criminology.

Do I always need an Honorable Dismissal to transfer?

Yes, in most cases an Honorable Dismissal or Transfer Credential is required. This document confirms that you are officially separated from your previous institution and eligible to enroll somewhere else. Without it, universities may refuse to process your application or delay your enrollment. It is best to request this early from your previous school, as processing can take several days or weeks depending on their policies.

Will all my previously taken subjects be credited?

Not necessarily. The new university will compare your course descriptions, unit values, and grades against their own curriculum. If the content and units are similar and your grade meets their minimum requirement, the subject is more likely to be credited. However, if you shift to a very different program or if your previous school’s curriculum differs significantly, some subjects may not be credited and you may have to retake certain courses.

Is there a minimum grade requirement for transferees?

Many universities have minimum grade requirements, especially for major subjects and competitive programs. For example, they may require no failing grades in key subjects or a minimum grade (such as 2.5 or its equivalent) in math, science, or core courses. Some programs may still accept you but require you to repeat specific subjects where your grade is below their standard. Always ask the admissions or department office about their exact policies.

Do transferees need to take an entrance or qualifying exam?

It depends on the school and program. Some universities require all transferees to take a general entrance exam, while others only test applicants to specific programs like Nursing, Engineering, or Education. There are also schools with more open-admission policies that may skip entrance exams and focus on your grades and interview. Check the admission guidelines of your target program so you can prepare accordingly.

Can I transfer and shift to a different course at the same time?

Yes, you can usually transfer and shift courses simultaneously, as long as the new program accepts transferees and you meet their requirements. For example, you may move from a BSBA program in your old school to Accountancy, IT, or Education in your new university. However, expect that credit evaluation may be stricter and that fewer subjects may be credited when the new course is very different from your previous one.

When is the best time to apply as a transferee?

The best time is a few months before the start of the semester in which you plan to enroll. Many universities accept transferees for the first and second semesters, but deadlines can be earlier than regular enrollment. Applying early gives you time to request your TOR and Honorable Dismissal, take exams, attend interviews, and complete credit evaluation without rushing or missing cut-off dates.

What should I do if my TOR is delayed?

If your Transcript of Records is delayed, ask your previous school for a certified true copy of grades that you can use temporarily. Some universities will start evaluating your application using this, with the condition that you submit the official TOR later. Still, you should regularly follow up with your old school and secure the official TOR as soon as possible, because final enrollment or crediting may depend on it.

Can I still transfer if I have failing or incomplete grades?

Yes, it is often still possible to transfer even if you have failing or incomplete grades, but your options may be more limited. Some universities may accept you but refuse to credit failed subjects, requiring you to retake them. More competitive programs may deny your application if your academic record does not meet their standards. It is important to be honest about your grades and look for schools and programs whose policies can accommodate your situation.

How can I increase my chances of being accepted as a transferee?

You can improve your chances by maintaining good grades, keeping your records complete and organized, and applying early. Prepare course descriptions and syllabi for credit evaluation, and be ready for interviews by clearly explaining your reasons for transferring and your academic goals. Research the strengths and expectations of your target university so you can show that you understand their environment and are serious about completing your degree there.

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