You can transfer.

Whether you’re a high school student looking at colleges, a current community college student exploring your next steps or a working adult building your career, earning a degree from UC is within your reach.
Smiling student in front of campus building

UC gives California community college students first priority over other transfer applicants.

Start with a plan.

These are the 3 things you need to do to get started on your transfer path:

1. Decide what and where you want to study.

You’ll have two important choices to make when you’re preparing to transfer: what you want to study (think: major) and where you want to study (think: campus). Don’t have a major or campus in mind yet? Browse through course catalogs, read course descriptions, visit a campus and find what sparks your interests.

2. Use the tools and resources available.

Figuring out what classes you need to take and when you need to take them can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of resources, from counselors to websites, to help you make sure you’re on target to meet your transfer goals.
Transfer resources Link to transfer resources

3. Follow your progress.

From preparing for your major to taking GE classes to meeting college eligibility requirements— monitoring your progress can help you stay on the transfer track.
Track progress Link to progress tracking tools
  • 75%
    of transfer applicants from California community colleges get in to UC.
  • 91%
    of UC transfer students come from a California community college.
  • 6
    UC campuses offer guaranteed admission for well-prepared transfer students.

Paying for college.

The University of California has some of the strongest financial aid programs in the country. Because we believe that every qualified California student should have the opportunity to get a UC education.
Two UC researchers looking at plants

You’re considered a transfer applicant if you’ve graduated from high school and taken college classes after graduation. That could mean a few classes or two full years of college courses.

Still worried about affordability?

Explore UC’s programs designed to support all kinds of students, including you.
UC financial aid UC financial aid
  • 75%
    of transfer students from California receive grants and scholarships.
  • >50%
    More than half of transfer students pay no tuition.
  • $0
    Most California residents whose families earn up to $100,000, and who qualify for financial aid, pay no tuition.
Picture of UC Davis student Vinh Ton
“I promise you, there is so much in place here to help you succeed. You don’t have to take on the burden alone.”
Vinh Ton
Transfer student from De Anza College to UC Davis
Picture of UC Riverside alumni Zabdi Velásquez
“I would say to other first-gen and transfer students, like we say in Spanish, sí, se puede, it is possible. It’s a hard journey, but it’s possible.”
Zabdi Velásquez,
Transfer student and UC Riverside alumni

Discover our resources.

We have tools and support programs designed to help transfer applicants become UC students.

UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) UC Transfer Admission Planner

An academic organizer to help you track your transfer progress.

UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

A program for students who have a specific UC campus in mind.

ASSIST Link to ASSIST

A website that helps you see what California community college classes will transfer to UC.

Your Transfer Journey

A tool on the UC Admissions website designed to help you take the first step on your UC transfer journey.

Visit a campus and see yourself at UC.

Visiting a campus is the best way to experience UC. Our campuses offer free tours led by current students who can answer your questions about what it’s really like to be a student at UC. Click on the map to find out more about a campus and schedule a tour.

an outline of California