Taking Classes at Another College or University (Transient Student Information)
A transient student takes courses at another college or university (host institution) while completing their degree at their primary school (home institution). This option is perfect for:
- Taking summer classes near home
- Accessing courses not available at FSW (or your home institution)
- Participating in study abroad programs
- Completing specialized programs
Transient students may seamlessly take courses at any Florida public college or university through FloridaShines. FSW students may also take courses at private and out-of-state institutions, depending on the policies of the host institution.
Quick Guide to FloridaShines
- Search & Apply: Use FloridaShines to find and apply for courses at Florida public institutions
- Verify Status: Ensure you're an active, degree-seeking student in good academic standing
- Get Approval: Have all courses pre-approved by your Academic Advisor
- Watch Deadlines: Submit applications early to meet the deadlines at your home and host institution
- Manage Aid: Coordinate financial aid with both schools and pay tuition to your host institution
- Submit Transcripts: Ensure your host institution sends official transcripts to your home institution
Using FloridaShines
FloridaShines is your free gateway to:
- Search for courses across Florida's public colleges and universities
- Submit transient applications
- Learn about degree programs and requirements at public institutions across Florida
Eligibility Requirements
✓ Active student pursuing a degree at your home institution
✓ Good academic standing (typically 2.0+ GPA)
✓ Course selections are approved by an advisor at your home institution to fit your degree program
✓ Minimum enrollment requirements for financial aid (usually 6 credit hours)
Application Process
For Florida Public Institutions:
- Meet with an Academic Advisor at your home institution
- Submit your Transient Student Application through FloridaShines
- Wait for approval notifications
- Register for courses at host institution
For Out-of-State/Private Institutions:
- Meet with an Academic Advisor at your home institution
- Contact host institution's Admissions Office to understand their transient requirements for out-of-state and private school students.
- Complete required transient forms
- Submit consortium agreement for financial aid if needed (your home institution advisor will explain this)
- Register for courses at host institution, once approved
Important Considerations
Financial Aid and Tuition
- Aid only covers pre-approved courses that meet degree requirements at your home institution
- You must maintain required enrollment hours
- You are responsible for paying tuition and fees directly to the host institution. Financial aid will be processed and disbursed by your home institution, but it will not be sent directly to the host school.
- Coordinate Florida Prepaid at the host institution, if applicable
- If you plan to take summer classes as a transient student, confirm that you are eligible for aid at your host institution
- Verify residency requirements to understand how they affect any in-state tuition discounts you receive
Deadlines and Requirements
- Submit applications early. Transient applications take time to process.
- Understand the deadlines at both your home and host institution
- Maintain communication with both schools
- Request official transcripts after completion and have them sent to your home institution.
Tips for Success
- Verify course equivalencies before applying to ensure that transient courses will transfer back to your home institution
- Keep copies of all approvals and documents
- Monitor both home and host institution email accounts
- Track all payment and aid deadlines
Special Circumstances
For FSW students having technical difficulties with the FloridaShines platform, please contact the Office of Academic Advising. Students at other institutions should contact the office of academic advising at their home school for assistance.
Additional Policies
Transient students should note the following:
- For FSW students, at least 25% of the required degree or certificate coursework must be completed at FSW to earn your credential.
- English for Non-Native Speakers (ESL, ENS), physical education, and college preparatory courses do not count toward the 25% threshold; however, 12 credits of college-level English for Academic Purposes (EAP) coursework taken at FSW do apply.