Transferring Credits from Abroad

Credits earned abroad transfer differently depending on the type of program.

Purchase College faculty-led program

For students participating in a Purchase College faculty-led program, credits and grades earned abroad transfer directly to their transcript and are factored into their grade point average (GPA). These are not transfer credits, they are regular Purchase credits.

Purchase exchange program

Students who complete a Purchase exchange program receive a transcript directly from their host university. These are considered transfer credits and the grades are not factored into a student’s GPA. In order for the credits to be  degree applicable, the student needs to obtain pre-approval from their advisor, the registrar, and the Office of International Programs prior to the start of the program.

Non-Purchase SUNY program

Students who do a non-Purchase SUNY program, receive a “transcript supplement” from the SUNY campus administering the program that indicates the courses the student completed and their grades. These are considered transfer credits and the grades are not factored into a student’s GPA. In order for the credits to be degree applicable, the student needs to obtain pre-approval from their advisor, the registrar, and the Office of International Programs prior to the start of the program.

Non-SUNY or third party provider

Before committing to a program through a non-SUNY or third party provider, a student must be certain that they can obtain a U.S. transcript, or a transcript from a U.S. accredited institution or organization. Credits earned abroad are considered transfer credits and the grades are not factored into a student’s GPA. In order for the credits to be degree applicable, the student needs to obtain pre-approval from their advisor, the registrar, and the Office of International Programs prior to the start of the program.