What Can Be Evaluated for Transfer Credit?
Every partner university sets its own credit transfer policy, but most fall into three broad categories. Our advisory team performs a free, no-obligation evaluation to estimate what may apply to you before you commit to anything.
- Prior college or university credit — Completed coursework from a previous institution, whether or not you finished a full degree.
- Professional certifications — Industry-recognized certifications (e.g., in IT, project management, or finance) that align with a university's program requirements.
- Prior learning assessment (PLA) — Some universities allow relevant, documented work experience to be assessed for equivalent academic credit, subject to that university's own review process.
Not every credit, certification, or experience will transfer, and outcomes are always at the discretion of the receiving university's registrar or admissions committee. We present a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
Illustrative Example: How Much Time and Money It Can Save
To make this concrete, here's a simplified, illustrative example scenario — actual results vary by student and university:
| Scenario | Estimated Credits Needed | Estimated Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a bachelor's degree with no prior credit | ~120 credits | ~4 years, full course load |
| Same student, with ~30 transferable credits evaluated | ~90 credits remaining | ~3 years, full course load |
*Example is illustrative only and not a guaranteed outcome. Actual transfer credit and time savings depend on the university's evaluation of your specific transcripts and documentation.
Our Free Evaluation Process
Submit Documents
Share transcripts, certificates, or a work history summary
Advisor Review
Our academic advisory team reviews your documentation
University Evaluation
The partner university's registrar assesses formal transferability
Credit Summary
You receive a clear breakdown before you enroll
Credit Transfer FAQs
Yes. Global Degrees's advisory service, including the initial credit evaluation, is free for students. There is no cost or obligation to enroll simply for reviewing your transcripts.
Not necessarily. Each partner university reviews transcripts individually, and transferability depends on factors like course content, accreditation of the originating institution, and how recently the coursework was completed.
At some universities, yes, through a formal prior learning assessment process. This typically requires documentation of your role, responsibilities, and duration of experience, and is evaluated at the university's discretion.
Our initial advisory review is typically completed within 48 hours of receiving your documents. Final, official credit decisions are made by the partner university once you formally apply.