Introduction

You have already started college somewhere — maybe in your home country, maybe in another country — and now you want to transfer to a university in the United States. Maybe you want better opportunities. Maybe you want a degree that opens doors worldwide. Whatever your reason, I want you to know this: it is absolutely possible, and you can do it with a full scholarship.

My name is William Kaseu, also known as William Le Beau. I transferred to the University of Rochester in New York on a full scholarship. I know what it feels like to want something better and not know how to get there. This guide exists because I wish someone had given me all this information in one place when I was in your shoes.

What Is an International Transfer Student?#

An international transfer student is someone who has already started an undergraduate degree at a college or university — in their home country or elsewhere — and wants to move to a US school to finish their bachelor's degree. You are different from a freshman applicant. Freshman applicants are coming straight from high school. You have college experience.

This is important: if you have completed ANY college or university coursework after high school, most US universities require you to apply as a transfer student, not as a freshman. This includes Higher National Diplomas (HND), associate degrees, or even one semester of college classes. Even if you did not finish your program, that coursework counts. You are a transfer student.

How Schools Evaluate You#

When you apply as a transfer student, schools look at BOTH your records:

• Your high school academic record — grades, courses, any test scores
• Your college academic record — your GPA, the courses you took, what you studied, and how you performed

This means your college grades matter a lot. If you are still in school right now, keep your grades as high as possible. Schools want to see that you are a serious student who performs well.

The Good News#

Here is what most people do not know: there are 30+ schools in America that offer full-need financial aid to international transfer students. These schools promise to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need. That means if you get accepted and your family cannot afford to pay, the school covers everything — tuition, housing, food, books, and sometimes even your travel costs. This is not a loan. This is free money.

You do not need to be rich. You do not need connections. You need the right information and the willingness to put in the work. That is what this guide gives you.

What This Guide Covers#

This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish. Here are the chapters:

1. Introduction — You are here. Understanding what a transfer student is and why this matters.
2. 30+ Schools with Full Scholarships for Transfer Students — The complete list of schools that meet 100% of financial need, organized by deadline.
3. Applying Through the Common App (Transfer) — How to use the Common App transfer application step by step.
4. The CSS Profile — Getting Your Financial Aid — How to apply for financial aid so schools know how much money you need.
5. Getting Accepted — What schools look for in transfer applicants and how to stand out.
6. The Visa Process — From your acceptance letter to your I-20 to arriving in America.
7. FAQ — Answers to the most common questions transfer students ask.
8. Final Words — A personal message from me to you.

Stay Connected#

I regularly share tips, walkthroughs, and updates for international students. Make sure you are part of the community:

• Subscribe to @williamlebeau on YouTube for video guides and walkthroughs
• Join my free community to connect with other students and ask questions

Are You a Freshman Applicant Instead?#

If you have NOT started any college coursework yet and you are applying straight from high school, this guide is not for you. Instead, check out my other course: Study for FREE in the USA — Bachelor's. That guide covers the freshman application process.

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I know the process can feel overwhelming. There are deadlines, forms, essays, and financial documents. But I promise you — if I could do it, you can too. Take it one step at a time, follow this guide, and you will get there.

Let's get started.