‘转学’ (zhuǎn xué) literally combines ‘转’ (to transfer, to shift) and ‘学’ (school/study), meaning the act of moving from one school to another—typically within the same education system, such as switching from one primary or secondary school to another, or transferring between universities. It is commonly used for students changing institutions due to relocation, academic needs, or personal circumstances.

This term applies specifically to formal educational institutions and implies official enrollment changes—not casual attendance shifts or informal learning. It is neutral in register and widely used in daily conversation, school administration, and official documents. While ‘转学’ can refer to transfers at any level, it most frequently appears in K–12 contexts. The action usually involves administrative procedures like submitting applications, obtaining approval from both schools, and transferring academic records.