# Taif University internal transfer: read the rules and timing before you apply

> **The short answer**: Taif University internal transfer, whether between colleges or between majors inside a college, must be requested within your first four semesters from the day you enrol. It is allowed once, takes place at the end of the academic year, and needs a cumulative GPA on record. The Deanship of Admission and Registration receives and sorts requests electronically.[^1]

**Key takeaways**

- Request within your first four semesters from enrolment.
- One transfer between colleges and one between majors in a college.
- Transfers happen at the end of each academic year.
- A cumulative GPA must exist, and requests are electronic.

![Diagram: a calendar strip with four semester blocks and a year-end marker](https://tiswa.app/assets/blog/internal-transfer-taif-university/internal-transfer-taif-university-cover-en.webp)

A student joined Taif University in the first semester. Midway through her second year she decided to switch majors. She assumed the chance stayed open while she was at the university, then asked her advisor, who answered in one short sentence: the clock started the day you enrolled. She is an example, but that sentence is the heart of Taif’s transfer rule.

## What does internal transfer mean at Taif University?

Taif’s regulations give two kinds of internal transfer. One is moving from one college to another. The other is moving from one major to another inside the same college, which also needs the dean’s approval.[^1] Both differ from external transfer, where a student comes from another university under separate dates and announcements. For that comparison read [transferring between universities](https://tiswa.app/en/blog/university-transfer-guide/).

## What are the internal transfer conditions at Taif University?

The study regulations and executive rules for the bachelor’s level set the conditions below, which are nearly the same for both kinds.[^1]

| Condition | What the regulations say |
|---|---|
| Request window | Within your first four semesters from the day you enrol |
| Number of times | Once between colleges, and once between majors inside a college |
| Timing | The end of each academic year |
| GPA | A cumulative GPA must exist when you apply |
| New college or major | You must meet the conditions the university council sets for it |
| Sorting | The Deanship of Admission and Registration receives and sorts requests electronically |
| Exceptions | The university president or a delegate |

![Two once-only transfer paths (Taif University internal transfer)](https://tiswa.app/assets/blog/internal-transfer-taif-university/internal-transfer-taif-university-inline-2-en.webp)


The admission portal adds that the remaining time must be enough to finish graduation requirements, and that the department sets how many places are open.[^2] Many students overlook that: you can meet every condition and still find no seat.

## How do you count the four semesters correctly?

The regulation says “since the student joined the university”, so the clock starts from the first semester you were enrolled, not from entering your present major. A student who spent a preparatory year and then joined a college has that year counted from the start. Ask the Deanship of Admission and Registration how a summer term or a deferred semester on your record is counted, because the university decides. The preparatory year has its own guide: [the preparatory year](https://tiswa.app/en/blog/preparatory-year-guide/).

Because transfers only happen at the end of the academic year, the chance is narrower than it looks. Someone who enrolled in semester one and delayed the decision may have only the end of year two as an option, and if that passes the four semesters are gone. Put the end of years one and two in your calendar today.

1. **Find your enrolment date**: Open your record and find the first semester you were enrolled in. Count four semesters from there.
2. **Decide which kind of transfer**: Between two colleges, or between two majors in one college? The second needs the dean’s approval.
3. **Check your GPA**: A cumulative GPA must be on record when you apply.
4. **Ask about places in the new department**: The department sets the numbers, so ask your advisor before you build your decision on it.
5. **Apply electronically at year end**: Follow the status from your account, and do not register next semester in the new place before a decision arrives.

![Five steps for Taif internal transfer](https://tiswa.app/assets/blog/internal-transfer-taif-university/internal-transfer-taif-university-inline-1-en.webp)


> **tiswa's take**: We prefer that students decide in semester two, not four. The reasons are simple: by semester two you know enough about the major, three flexible semesters remain, and the clock is not pressing. A student who waits for semester four finds that the year-end window is the only chance. If you are unsure, try a course from the new plan as an elective, if your plan allows one.

## What mistakes do students make when asking for a transfer?

The first is ignoring the once-only rule. A student who moved between majors inside a college keeps, by the text, one transfer between colleges, but do not build on that before you ask the deanship directly, since the reading of the limit can differ by college. The second is thinking a transfer erases your GPA. Courses stay in your record, and you can work out their effect with [GPA calculation](https://tiswa.app/en/blog/gpa-calculation/).

The third is putting questions off until the moment of applying. Ask your academic advisor at least a month ahead: which courses will count, what is left of the plan, and can you finish it in time? If the decision rests on a wish you have not tested, read [how to choose a major](https://tiswa.app/en/blog/how-to-choose-a-major/) first. If one hard course is the real problem, [add and drop](https://tiswa.app/en/blog/drop-add-guide/) may be enough.

## Is there an exception at Taif University?

The regulations say the university president or a delegate may grant exceptions on transfer matters.[^1] An exception is not requested by wishing. It needs a written file: a clear reason, documents if the reason is health or family, and the preliminary support of your dean. Send it through the channels the deanship names, and do not expect a quick answer, since the decision waits for the competent body to meet.

A new major means new software and tools, and many have student pricing. Browse the [student deals](https://tiswa.app/en/deals/) and the [Student Discount Index](https://tiswa.app/en/deals/student-discount-index/) before you pay. [Browse student deals](https://tiswa.app/en/join/)

## Questions

### What does internal transfer mean?

It is a move inside your own university from one college to another, or from one major to another inside a college. At Taif it happens at the end of the academic year.

### How many semesters can pass before an internal transfer at Taif University?

The request must come within your first four semesters from the day you enrol. After that the door closes unless an exception is granted.

### Can you transfer internally more than once at Taif University?

No. It is once between colleges and once between majors inside a college. Ask the deanship before you plan both.

### When does internal transfer happen at Taif University?

At the end of each academic year, following the announced calendar, and the Deanship of Admission and Registration receives requests electronically.

### Do you need a cumulative GPA to transfer at Taif University?

Yes. A cumulative GPA must be on record when you apply, and you must meet the conditions of the new college or major.

### Who can grant an exception to the Taif transfer rules?

The university president or a delegate. The request needs a written file and the preliminary support of your dean.


## Sources

[^1]: Taif University: Undergraduate Study and Examinations Regulations and Executive Rules, https://www.tu.edu.sa/Attachments/ad0f4467-cadb-4245-b9bb-faff1e6b0baa_.pdf
[^2]: Taif University: Admission Portal, https://admission.tu.edu.sa/
[^3]: Saudi Ministry of Education, https://www.moe.gov.sa/