Study in Canada: Transfer Programs

Last updated: 17 May 2022

Canadavisa Study Transfer Programs R

Transfer agreements exist between some colleges, technical schools and universities, whereby courses taken at one institution can be transferred to another program of study. This complete CanadaVisa page gives you an overview of what you need to know about transfer programs in Canada.

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Table of Contents


Overview of Transfer Programs in Canada

A university transfer program, broadly speaking, is when a student begins studying at one institution and finishes at another.

Certain colleges and technical schools have transfer agreements with universities, whereby courses taken at the college level may be transferred to a more advanced study program at the university level. Courses are typically offered in the environment of a college, which may be smaller and more intimate than a larger university. After completing the preliminary courses, the student may transfer to a university to undertake the more advanced courses required in order to graduate. There may be significant variation in the programs and courses on offer between institutions, so it is important to consult individual institutions for specifics.

Students choose these pathways for many reasons; some to save money or to stay close to home, while others because of university entrance requirements. Still others are looking for smaller class sizes or particular sports. Whichever reason students choose, transfer programs can provide unique opportunities for advancement.

College – University Programs

For many international students, beginning at a college and finishing at a university is a strategic choice, as most Canadian colleges offer:

  • more affordable tuition;
  • smaller class sizes;
  • more relaxed entrance requirements; and
  • flexible start dates.

Additionally, colleges focus on ‘hands-on’ learning, allowing students to gain practical experience and complement the academic program typically supplied by the university. For those that are looking for multiple degrees, certificates, or diplomas, this may be a practical choice.

Important: most receiving universities require the last two years of the program to complete on their campuses in order to be granted a degree.

University – University Programs

There may be cases where students need – or choose – to transfer between universities. These include moving between places, looking for a different program or a better fit, or because a direct admission into a competitive program at the first year level was not previously possible. In any case, the rules for transferring between universities vary, and it’s important to check exactly what’s involved.

Important: most receiving universities require the last two years of the program to complete on their campuses in order to be granted a degree.

Specific Provincial Programs

Some provinces have created very well-developed and cooperative transfer systems where students can move between schools easily. In British Columbia’s transfer system, for example, there are 40 participating schools. The system includes all the major research universities, most private degree granting institutions, and smaller colleges. There are other provinces that are trying to establish similar protocols, and those with existing programs including Alberta and Ontario.

2+2 Model

The common model, popularized by American and Canadian colleges in the 1960s, involves two years of full time study at a college, followed by two years at a university. Receiving schools will not take more than two years’ credit for transfer.

1+3 Model

This model involves one year of full time study at a college, followed by three years at a university. Receiving schools will not take less than one year’s credit for transfer.

Block Transfers

Many receiving institutions will accept course credit in the form of a completed diploma or degree. This gives the school less discretion in choosing which courses to give credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may. There are a number of residency programs that value the completion of a two-year degree from a college. In the past, students have completed a two-year Associate Degree or Diploma, begun working, and used the combination of that education and work experience to qualify for immigration. For students who then transfer to third year university as a permanent resident, they can get a significant reduction of fees.

Yes. Most receiving schools’ 2nd and 3rd year admissions’ requirements are significantly lower. Similarly, when transferring, you often do not need to submit language test results as the sending institution already admitted you on the basis of your academic and linguistic profile.


Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Do you need assistance studying in Canada? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please contact us to schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our lawyers.

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