Note: Due to the current court order, student-athletes transferring from a four-year school to a Division I school are not subject to the transfer year in residence requirement in Bylaw 14.5.5.1 for the remainder of the 2023-24 academic year. The information on this page may not apply to your situation. Please reach out to the athletic compliance staff at your current school or the school you plan to attend for information on your specific circumstances.
This link will connect you to a document with specific information on the December 18 preliminary injunction:
NCAA Division I Bylaw 14.5.5.1 Preliminary Injunction – Application FAQ
The remainder of this page includes general information on transferring.
The decision to transfer to another school is an important and often difficult one in your college career. Before you act, do your homework. Make sure you understand how transferring will affect you, so you don’t negatively impact your education or your chances to play college sports.
We would like to help make the transition to your next school a smooth one so you may continue your education and, at the same time, continue to participate in your sport. But you have a responsibility in this process as well. You need to learn as much as you can to protect your own eligibility.
Steps to Take Before You Transfer
- Decide which school is right for you. Your new school should help you satisfy both your academic and athletic goals. Not sure where you want to go?  Click here to explore all NCAA schools by division, sport and conference.
- Learn the transfer and eligibility rules for the NCAA and the new conference and school you plan to join. When you begin to think about going to a new school, understand that the rules are different depending on whether you want to transfer to an NCAA Division I, II or III school, and whether you are currently enrolled at a two-year or a four-year school. In some cases, conference rules can be more restrictive than NCAA rules.
- Apply to be admitted to the school you want to attend.
Information for student athletes transferring from a 2-year school:
Information for student-athletes transferring from a 4-year school:
When Can I Compete?
There are several aspects of your college experience that determine when you may compete after transferring. Depending on your college experience, you may be able to compete as soon as you transfer or you might have to be enrolled full time for one academic year at your new school before competing. This time is called an academic year in residence and is designed to allow you to become comfortable in your new environment. You will need to work with the compliance office at your new institution to determine when you will be eligible to compete.
Talk the Talk
Throughout the transfer process, it is likely that you will be introduced to a number of terms that you have not yet heard in your college experience. Both your current and future schools will use terminology specific to the process as it relates to you, the student, the school, initial eligibility and timelines related to eligibility, the transfer process, and any exceptions, including whether or not you can compete right away at your new school. This is a process that will take a lot of your time, so make sure you take the time to understand important transfer terms that will help you find your new home. Learn More…
Questions?
If you have general questions about transferring, please call 317-917-6008. Questions about your specific transfer situation should be directed to the athletics compliance office at your current school or the school you hope to attend.
