Planning to change your current school or university to join a new one? Well, in that case, you must be aware of the importance of a Transfer Certificate. A Transfer Certificate or TC is like a School Leaving Certificate, which is issued when the student is planning to change his or her school or institution.
While school leaving certificates are mainly for those planning to change schools, they are also for those who wish to change universities or shift from a school to a college. To know more about the Transfer Certificate or TC certificate, its samples, application format and more, read this blog.
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Transfer Certificate?
- Why is a Transfer Certificate Important for Studying Abroad?
- Key Details Included in a Transfer Certificate
- Need for a Transfer or TC Certificate
- Transfer Certificate Format (sample for Study Abroad Student)
- Transfer Certificate Format
- Application Format
- Things to Include in a TC Certificate Application
- Documents Required Along with the Transfer Certificate for Abroad Studies
- Transfer Certificate Samples
- FAQs
What is a Transfer Certificate?
It is a document proving that is issued by the in-charge institution to a student when the student decides to leave that institution. It essentially includes personal details of the student like date of birth as per the record of the college, passing details, program studied at the in-charge institution, fees details, parents’ details and occupational records.
This certificate specifies that the student has no pending dues and has cleared all exams they appeared for. It also acts as a Conduct Certificate. It serves as proof of the fact that a student is enrolled in only one college/ school at a particular time.

Why is a Transfer Certificate Important for Studying Abroad?
A transfer certificate is crucial for studying abroad, as it verifies your academic history, confirms your good conduct, and ensures a smooth admission and visa process at foreign universities. Here we have mentioned why a transfer certificate is required for studying abroad:
- Evidence of Academic Continuity: It indicates that you were formally registered in your previous institution and finished the minimum academic year or course.
- Student Background Verification: Foreign universities must confirm that there is no disciplinary record or discrepancy in your background.
- Seamless Admission Process: Without a TC, your admission process is slowed down, as most institutions require it for admission.
- Necessary for Visa Documentation: Some consulates in certain countries request your TC while applying for student visas to legitimise your studies.
Key Details Included in a Transfer Certificate
A transfer certificate contains essential information about a student’s academic record, personal details, and conduct, which is necessary for smooth admission to another institution, especially abroad. Here are the key details included in a transfer certificate:
- Full Name of Students
- Date of Birth
- Admission and Leaving Date
- Name of Last Institution
- Academic Grade or Class Completed
- Character/ Conduct Remarks
- Reason for Leaving
- Principle/ Headmaster’s Signature & Official Seal
Note: For international admission, it is advisable to get your TC notarised and translated (if not English) to avoid issues during application review.
Need for a Transfer or TC Certificate
The primary purpose is to ensure that at a given time, a student is enrolled in one particular institution only. It ensures that the student has cleared all the dues of the institution they were formerly a part of. It also establishes the conduct of a student.
A Transfer Certificate or a TC certificate is needed, even if the student goes to the same university for a master’s degree. Many institutes charge a nominal fee for providing the transfer certificate. It is usually signed by the governing body’s registrar.
Also Read: Certificate Courses in Marketing: Colleges, Eligibility, Scope
Transfer Certificate Format (sample for Study Abroad Student)
A transfer certificate format helps students understand the standard details required for international admissions. Below is a sample format commonly accepted by universities abroad:
Institution’s Letterhead
- Student’s Name: [Your Full Name]
- Father’s/Mother’s Name: [Parent/Guardian’s Name]
- Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Admission Number: [Unique ID]
- Date of Admission: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Date of Leaving: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Class/Grade Completed: [e.g., Class 12 / Bachelor’s Degree]
- Reason for Leaving: Higher Education Abroad
- Conduct: Good/Excellent
- Signature of Principal with Seal
Transfer Certificate Format
It is an essential document issued by your school/university in case you wish to transfer or take admission to a new school or college. Here is the format of a TC certificate:

Application Format
The format for writing an application for the issuance must elucidate the reasons in a clear and concise way. The application must be written in a formal manner.

Things to Include in a TC Certificate Application
The purpose of the application is to get one so that the student from the current school/ university is eligible to join other institutes. The application is usually written by parents/guardians or students themselves.
However, while writing an application, certain points must be taken into consideration, which include:
- Application Reason: Students must clearly specify the genuine reason why they need a TC.
- Request for TC: Students must clearly specify why it’s very important to get the TC.
- Added documents for admission to other institutes: Students must attach the required documents demanded by another school/institute to get admission.
- Particularise the date on which certificates should be issued: Students can also specify a date to avoid delays.
And finally, a concluding line, thanking the concerned authority.
Documents Required Along with the Transfer Certificate for Abroad Studies
When submitting your TC to a foreign university, there are some other requirements and mandatory documents that you need to submit. Here is the list of documents required, along with the transfer certificate for abroad studies:
- Academic Transcripts (Class 10,12, or degree certificates)
- Migration certificate (especially for higher education abroad)
- Identify Proof (Passport copy)
- English Translation of TC
- Attestation from the Education Board or the Ministry of Education.
Also Read: Application for Provisional Certificate: Samples and Format
General Application Example
A general application example shows how students can request a transfer certificate in a formal and professional way, which can be adapted for study abroad purposes.
To,
The Principal,
(Name of the School)
(Location)
Date: _____
Subject: Application for Transfer Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
With due respect, I would like to state that I have completed my Class ____ from your school___ in [Date] with [Grade]. [Add pending issues, if any]
Therefore, I request you to kindly issue me my school transfer certificate Application. I will be really obliged to you.
Thanking You!
Yours sincerely,
[Name] [Number] [Location]Transfer Certificate Samples
Having understood the basic details related to writing an application, you may now have a look at some of the samples that will help you gain an overview:
Application to the School Principal Requesting to Issue a Transfer Certificate
To,
The Principal,
St. Xavier’s School,
Ranchi
Date: 1st January 2025
Subject: Application for Transfer Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
With due respect, I would like to state that I completed my Class 12th from your school, St. Xavier’s School, in March 2025 with First Division. I have no pending dues to clear, and furthermore, I have cleared my dues with the Library department as well
Therefore, I request you to kindly issue me my school transfer certificate Application. I will be really obliged to you.
Thanking You!
Yours sincerely,
Rhea Kapoor
94XXXXXXXX
Moore Avenue,
Ranchi
Application for School Transfer Certificate: Due to Father’s Job Transfer to Another Place
To,
The Principal,
St. Xavier’s School,
Ranchi.
Date:1st January 2021
Subject: Application for Transfer Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
With due respect, I would like to state that my father has been transferred to Bokaro. He has to join them for his job within 10 days. We are going to shift the coming Sunday, i.e. the 15th of this month. Therefore, I request you to kindly issue me my school transfer certificate, so that I would be able to join a new school there.
I have cleared all my pending dues and returned all the library books.
Thanking You!
Yours sincerely,
Rhea Kapoor
94XXXXXXXX
Moore Avenue,
Ranchi
Application Letter to the School Principal Requesting for School Leaving/Transfer Certificate from Parents
To,
The Principal,
Good Shepherd School,
Ranchi.
Date: 26th October 2025
Subject: Application for School Leaving Certificate
Dear Sir/Madam,
With all due respect, I, Anil Kumble, father of Rani Kumble, class 9th D, would like to request that you kindly provide the Transfer Certificate to my kid. We have relocated to Saranraj Serenity Near Maithili Apartment, which is 30 kilometres away from your prestigious school. My youngster is unable to manage her schedule correctly due to the commute distance. As a result, we’ve located a new school for her close to our home.
Kindly issue the transfer certificate for my child as soon as possible so that we can proceed with the admission process there. Your support will be highly appreciated.
Thanks for your consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Anil Kumble
Father of Rani Kumble
Class: 9th D
Roll Number: 32
A TC is evidence that a student has left the school. Every time you decide to transfer to a different high school or college, you must submit a TC application. Include a justification for your application, a request for the certificate, and the date of issuance in your TC. Keep the aforementioned advice in mind when you construct your application to get your TC without any problem!
In conclusion, a transfer certificate might look like a simple document, but it plays a critical role in your study abroad journey. It serves as proof of your academic history, discipline, and eligibility to join a new institution. Without it, your admission process can face unnecessary hurdles. For aspiring international students, managing documentation is as important as securing admission offers.
FAQs
The transfer certificate is the same as the school/college leaving certificate. This is also issued when a student wishes to go from one institution, either after completing studies or in between.
TC The full form transfer certificate is the school or college departure document that a student needs if he or she is moving schools/colleges or enrolling in another school/college for any unavoidable cause.
Provisional/Degree certificate of the last course you studied.
Current Marksheet or Final Marksheet.
Fees statement (proof that you’ve paid the fees).
Adhar Card.
The Transfer Certificate is issued by the school principal.
Yes, many colleges in India require a transfer certificate, especially when you plan to pursue your PG in a different institution.
The purpose of a TC is to ‘release’ a student from one institution so that they can join another.
To write an application Transfer Certificate (TC) from school or a Transfer Certificate from school and college, follow the steps below:
-Write the details of the person (School Principal) who will issue the TC, along with the institute name and address.
-Mention date
-Write the subject line
-Now, write the actual matter and reason for TC
-Write for pending dues
-Close the application with Thank you and your name, and details
Related Read
We hope you are now familiar with the basics of writing an application for a Transfer Certificate or TC certificate. If you need any help regarding admissions to college abroad or career counselling, get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu!
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