Canada and the United States both have outstanding post-secondary education systems. One aspect that many international students may not be aware of is the credit transfer.
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials defines transfer credit as “the credit received when an educational institution assesses and recognizes a student’s prior studies as being equivalent to a course, part of a course, a block of courses, or a program.” Credit can be transferred from college to college, college to university, or university to university.
How does the transfer credit process work?
After a student submits an application, some institutions will automatically assess the applicant’s credits or invite them to apply for transfer credit after they are admitted to the institution.
To begin the transfer credit assessment, students take their transcripts and course outlines to the appropriate office. Staff will evaluate whether the previously completed courses meet the requirements of the program of institution. Receiving credit for completed coursework may reduce the number of courses a student needs to complete a program.
Why apply for transfer credit
Being awarded transfer credit has a few key benefits. First, students will receive recognition for work already completed in another program and they will not need to repeat courses, possibly saving them time.
Second, the course load for a program may be reduced for a semester or even up to a year of study, helping students save money on textbooks, tuition, and other educational materials.
Types of transfer credit
Outlined below are the three most common types of transfer credit, but individual institutions may have other options. It’s important to contact the admissions or transfer credit office early to learn what is available.
- Direct Equivalency: A course at one institution is equivalent to a specific course at another, so students can receive credit without retaking it to receive credit for the completed course.
- Block Transfer: Articulation agreements between institutions can allow for a group of courses taken at one institution to be equivalent to a group of courses required at another institution.
- Credits from Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: Advanced credit may be given to students who have completed AP or IB courses.
Using a credential evaluation for transfer credit
As part of the application process, some schools may ask you to submit a credential evaluation from a provider like WES. A credential evaluation compares your education to Canadian or U.S. standards. This allows staff in the admissions or transfer office to understand your credits, grades and grade point average (GPA), and see if they meet these to the requirements of the program you’re applying to.
Summary
If you are thinking of applying—or you have already applied—to a university or college in Canada or the U.S. and have previously earned a credential or completed coursework elsewhere, you may want to explore transfer credit options at the institutions you’ve applied to. This can help you avoid repeating courses and save both time and money. WES is ready to help you continue your academic journey! Learn more about our credential evaluations and what you need to get started.
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