Transfer to Kent

Three University of Kent students on the Canterbury campus.

Transfer to Kent

It's not uncommon to rethink your university choice.

If it's not quite working out at your current university and you would like to transfer to Kent, here's our quick step guide on what to do. 

Step 1

Search our courses and check eligibility

Start by carrying out some research into the financial support available to you for your studies and the course(s) entry requirements.

  • You may be entitled to financial support when transferring to another university. Check with student finance what support you can access, especially if you want to repeat a year of study. 
  • Check the course(s) entry requirements for the course here at Kent. These are listed within each of our undergraduate course pages. 
Two university of Kent students in conversation.

Step 2

Your personal statement and reference

A personal statement is your opportunity to tell us why you want to study on the course and to detail any relevant experience you have. It's also the perfect place to explain your reason(s) for transferring:

  • You will be asked to include a personal statement in your application, both when applying via UCAS and directly on our website.
  • You must also include a reference on your application form (both on UCAS and when applying directly). Usually this would be provided by someone at your current institution. Contact your referee in advance to speed up the process when they are sent a reference request. 
  • When applying directly to Kent you can also upload a scan of a reference letter on your application. 
Two Kent students writing at a laptop

Step 3

Apply on our website

When you are ready you can apply in two ways:

  • If you only want to apply to Kent - Apply directly to us via the relevant undergraduate course page on our website. If you have previously applied to Kent you will already have a KentVision account that you can use to apply.
  • If you want to apply to multiple institutions - Complete the UCAS application form and add Kent as one of your choices. If you have recently started at university, you may be able to use the same UCAS form to apply to us if your current university can release you into Clearing. If your previous UCAS application was from a previous academic year, you may need to complete a new one.
A student working at a laptop.

Step 4

Transfer credits

If you’re looking to transfer credits you'll need to provide the following:

  • Copies of your official transcripts for the modules which you have already studied.
  • As much detail about the modules as possible, for example module descriptions from your course handbook.
  • A reference from your current institution.
A University of Kent student talking to a member of staff.

Accreditation Prior Learning (APL)

Prospective students who have previously gained credits at another institution may apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

The two different types of Accreditation of Prior Learning are:

  • Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) - the process through which previously assessed and certificated learning is considered and, if appropriate, recognised for academic purposes.
    • i.e. an applicant with a Foundation Degree who wants to use its credit value towards a BSc at Kent in a similar subject area.
  • Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - the process through which learning achieved outside education or training systems is assessed and, if appropriate, recognised for academic purposes.
    • To gain credit for APEL, a portfolio of evidence is developed, (an APEL Portfolio) which includes evidence reflecting on how learning from experience is relevant to the university programme to be taken.

  To learn more about the APL process, visit our webpage here: APECL - University of Kent

Helpful links

Two University of Kent students in bed.

Accommodation

Find the best room for you with a range of meal plans and locations.

A student and member of staff in conversation.

Courses

The right course for you and where you want to go.

University of Kent students in a lab.

Scholarships

Search our scholarships to see if you're eligible.

Visitors at a University of Kent open day.

Visit us

We have a number of campus tours and open days throughout the year.