How to Transfer to UNILAG from Another University: Complete Guide
Summary
Complete guide to transferring from another university to UNILAG. Requirements, same-course restrictions, application process, and what you need to know about Medicine and Surgery transfers.
How to Transfer to UNILAG from Another University: Complete Guide
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) accepts inter-university transfer applications from students currently enrolled at other Nigerian universities. However, before you begin the application process, you must understand a critical restriction that affects all transfer applicants.
Critical Restriction: Same Course Only
You can ONLY transfer into the same course you are currently studying at your current university. UNILAG does not permit course changes during inter-university transfers.
This means:
- If you're studying Computer Science at another university, you can only transfer to Computer Science at UNILAG
- If you're studying Accounting, you can only transfer to Accounting at UNILAG
- If you're studying Medicine and Surgery, you can only transfer to Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG
Important Note for Medicine and Surgery
Many students ask whether they can transfer to Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG from a different course. The answer is no.
If you are currently studying Medicine and Surgery at another Nigerian university, you can apply to transfer to UNILAG's Medicine and Surgery program, subject to meeting all requirements.
If you are studying any other course, you cannot transfer into Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG through the inter-university transfer route. You would need to apply through the regular UTME or Direct Entry admission process instead.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for inter-university transfer to UNILAG, you must meet these requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Completed 200 Level: You must have successfully completed 200 Level at your current university before applying
- Strong CGPA: You need a minimum CGPA of upper 2.1 or higher (approximately 3.50 on a 5.00 scale). Competitive programs may require even higher
- Good Academic Standing: You must be in good academic standing at your current institution with no pending disciplinary issues
Entry Requirements
- O'Level Results: You must possess the required O'Level subjects for your course at UNILAG
- JAMB Requirements: You must meet UNILAG's JAMB cut-off and subject combination requirements for your course
- Moral Standing: You need evidence of good moral and disciplinary conduct from your current university
Understanding Level Restart
UNILAG typically requires transfer students to restart at 200 Level, regardless of the level they completed at their previous university. This means:
- If you completed 200 Level elsewhere, you restart at 200 Level at UNILAG
- If you completed 300 Level elsewhere, you still restart at 200 Level at UNILAG
- Your previous coursework may be evaluated for credit transfer, but level placement is at UNILAG's discretion
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for inter-university transfer to UNILAG:
- Visit UNILAG Website: Go to www.unilag.edu.ng
- Access Payment Portal: Click on the UNILAG Payment Portal link
- Complete Application Form: Fill in your personal information and select "Inter-University Transfer" as your category
- Generate RRR Number: The system will generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number. Print this payment slip
- Pay Application Fee: Visit any commercial bank in Nigeria and pay the ₦10,000 application fee using your RRR number
- Return to Portal: After payment confirmation, return to www.unilag.edu.ng to print your completed transfer application form
- Complete and Sign Form: Fill in all required sections of the printed form and obtain necessary signatures
- Submit Application: Submit your completed form along with all required documents to UNILAG's Academic Affairs Office
Required Documents
Prepare these documents for your transfer application:
- Official Academic Transcript: From your current university, certified by the Registrar and forwarded directly to UNILAG
- JAMB Admission Letter: Your original admission letter from your current university
- O'Level Results: WAEC, NECO, or equivalent certificates with result checker details
- Letter of Good Conduct: From your current university confirming you have no disciplinary issues
- Current Student ID: Photocopy of your student identification card
- Course Registration History: Documentation of courses you've completed at your current institution
- Birth Certificate or Age Declaration: For age verification
- Passport Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs
Important Considerations
Background Checks
UNILAG reserves the right to conduct thorough background checks on all transfer applicants. The university may contact your current institution to verify your academic records, conduct, and reasons for seeking transfer.
JAMB CAPS Processing
If your transfer application is successful, final admission will be processed through JAMB's Central Admission Processing System (CAPS). Ensure your JAMB profile is up to date and accessible.
No Guarantee of Admission
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Transfer admission is competitive and subject to space availability in your desired program.
Timeline
The transfer evaluation process can take several weeks to months. Apply early and be prepared for possible delays in communication. Follow up regularly with UNILAG's Admissions Office for status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer into Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG?
Only if you are already studying Medicine and Surgery at another Nigerian university. You cannot transfer into Medicine from a different course. For admission into Medicine from another course, you must apply through regular UTME or Direct Entry channels.
What if I haven't completed 200 Level yet?
You must complete 200 Level at your current university before you can apply for transfer to UNILAG. Applications from students who haven't reached this level will not be considered.
Can I transfer at 300 Level or 400 Level?
You can apply for transfer after completing any level from 200L onwards. However, UNILAG typically requires transfer students to restart at 200 Level regardless of their previous level. Your coursework will be evaluated, but level placement is at the university's discretion.
How long does the transfer process take?
The evaluation process varies depending on application volume and program-specific requirements. Expect the process to take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Regular follow-up with the Admissions Office is recommended.
What happens if my CGPA is below 3.50?
While the stated minimum is upper 2.1 (approximately 3.50), some sources indicate a minimum of 1.00 may be considered for certain programs. However, competitive programs will have much higher expectations. Contact UNILAG's Admissions Office directly to confirm requirements for your specific course.
Can I change my course after transferring to UNILAG?
After successfully transferring to UNILAG, you may be eligible to apply for inter-faculty or intra-faculty transfer within UNILAG, subject to the university's internal transfer policies and requirements. However, this is a separate process from inter-university transfer.
Contact Information
For specific questions about inter-university transfer to UNILAG:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.unilag.edu.ng
- Admissions Portal: admissions.unilag.edu.ng
- Location: University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria
Visit the Admissions Office in person for detailed guidance specific to your situation. Bring copies of your academic records and any questions you have about the transfer process.
Alternative Pathways
If you don't meet the inter-university transfer requirements or wish to change courses:
- Regular UTME Admission: Register for JAMB UTME and apply to UNILAG through the standard admission process
- Direct Entry: If you have advanced qualifications (NCE, ND, HND, A'Level), apply through Direct Entry
- Postgraduate Programs: Complete your undergraduate degree and apply to UNILAG's postgraduate programs in your desired field
For JAMB preparation and practice tests, visit Ulearngo for comprehensive study resources.
Key Takeaways
- Inter-university transfer to UNILAG is possible but restricted to same-course transfers only
- You cannot change courses during transfer (e.g., cannot transfer into Medicine from another course)
- Minimum requirements: Completed 200 Level with strong CGPA (upper 2.1 or approximately 3.50)
- Application fee is ₦10,000 paid through Remita at any commercial bank
- Transfer students typically restart at 200 Level regardless of previous level
- The process requires official transcripts, JAMB documentation, and good conduct verification
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to space limitations
Research your intended program thoroughly, confirm you meet all requirements, and prepare all documentation before beginning the application process. Contact UNILAG's Admissions Office directly for the most current information and program-specific requirements.