Transient Students
Quick Checklist: How to Go Transient at UGA
Step 1: Confirm transferability of the course before you register
For current UGA students only, use the Transfer Equivalency Search System to verify whether the course you plan to take at another institution will transfer to UGA. If the course is not listed or shows as TXX, contact the UGA department that teaches the course.
Provide the department with:
- Course description
- Syllabus
- Textbook details (title, author, publisher, copyright date)
Do not register at another institution until you confirm how the course will transfer back to UGA.
Step 2: Apply to the other institution
Apply directly to the accredited college or university where you plan to take the course as a transient student. Please see the FAQ section for notes about non-University System of Georgia and University System of Georgia schools.
Step 3: Request a UGA transient letter
- Log in to Athena → Student Services → Transcript & Enrollment Verification → Request Enrollment Verification
- Select the current term and Transient Letter as the “Verification Type”
- Choose your delivery method and submit
- You must be in good academic standing to receive a transient letter
Step 4: Complete your course
- Register and finish your course at the transient institution
- Keep syllabi and materials in case UGA requests them
Step 5: Send your transcript to UGA
Request that the other school send your official transcript from that institution to:
University of Georgia
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Terrell Hall Rm 212
210 S. Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602
Electronic transcripts may also be sent to the UGA Admissions electronic server. If an email is required, use admproc@uga.edu .
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean to be a transient student?
- If you are a current UGA student and plan to take courses at another college or university with the intent of transferring the credit back to UGA, you are considered a transient student.
- How will I know which classes will transfer to UGA?
- Many classes from in-state colleges will transfer back to UGA, but the final authority for transfer credit lies with the UGA department that teaches the course for which you are seeking academic credit. For example, the Department of Mathematics determines how MATH courses transfer.
The Transfer Equivalency Search System is available for all Georgia colleges and many out-of-state institutions. It is a guide only; equivalencies might change without notice and are subject to individual department decisions.
Courses designed for bachelor’s degree credit generally transfer. Courses that might not transfer include:
- Experience or institutional placement courses
- Non-academic courses (internships, workshops, practicums, etc.)
- Music performance courses beyond four credit hours
- PE courses beyond one credit hour (grades not used)
- What are the symbols used in the Transfer Equivalency System?
- MATH2TXX: Transfer elective (typically counts as general electives; to apply it toward a requirement, the course must be reviewed by the department that houses the prefix)
- MATH2GXX: General education core elective
- MATH2250: Direct equivalent course at UGA
- NTFR0TXX: Course does not transfer to UGA
- Will my HOPE Scholarship cover my transient classes?
- Yes. UGA HOPE students who attend another HOPE-eligible Georgia institution
as a transient student may receive HOPE funds there. You must complete the UGA HOPE Transient Request
through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
If you plan to take a course not listed in the equivalency search, contact the UGA department that teaches the equivalent course before you register and provide:
- Course description
- Syllabus
- Textbook details (title, author, publisher, copyright date)
The department will decide whether the course transfers and how it applies to your degree.
- What in-state colleges and universities are included?
- University System of Georgia (USG) institutions: If you are a current UGA student and you take courses at a USG institution, most will transfer back to UGA. However, the UGA department that teaches the course has the final decision-making authority for the course transferability.
- Private or non-USG institutions: If you take courses at a Georgia college or university outside of the USG system (for example, a private college), the courses might not automatically transfer. Transferability depends on content and departmental approval.
Important note: The Transfer Equivalency Search System is a useful guide, but the UGA teaching department makes the final decision.
- What are considered out-of-state colleges and universities?
- Out-of-state schools also appear in the Transfer Equivalency Search System. As with in-state courses, the department teaching the equivalent course at UGA has final authority, and equivalencies might change. Always confirm before registering.
- Will my academic advisor be able to assist me?
- Your academic advisor can:
- Explain the UGA transient process
- Help you plan UGA courses for your degree
- Demonstrate to you how transfer credit fits into your program after it is evaluated
Your advisor cannot:
- Tell you what courses are offered at other institutions
- Guarantee that a course will transfer to UGA
- Contact the other institution on your behalf
If you plan to take a course in your major, check with your UGA department first. Some departments will not allow major requirements to be met through application of transfer credit.
- Who should I contact with questions?
- Your assigned advisor in SAGE: For questions about UGA’s transient process and how transfer credit might fit into your degree.
- The transient institution: For questions about their admission, registration, grading, or receipt of your transient letter.