Programs and Requirements

Postsecondary Transfer

Students wishing to transfer to the University of Alberta from another postsecondary institution may do so using the general online application system. How to Apply »

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted to successful applicants who have completed University level course(s) at recognized universities or colleges. Credit may also be granted to applicants who have successfully completed International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Note: due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot offer preliminary advising. You will first need to complete and submit your application before we can assess your previous courses for transfer or admission requirements. Transfer credit assessments are completed as part of the application process.

Advanced Standing

Advanced placement and/or credit is given for some IB courses with grades of 6 or 7, or for AP courses with grades of 4 or 5. If you are writing any IB/AP exams, you must arrange for your official transcripts to be sent so we can evaluate your courses. Advanced placement or credit for an IB/AP course is automatically assessed and is not optional. Credit means that you are exempted from a program requirement and the length of your overall program is shortened. With Advanced Placement, you are exempted from the introductory course and may take a senior course instead; however, the length of your program does not change.

To be considered for Credit by Special Assessment for IB or AP Math, IB Chemistry (standard), or IB Japanese B (higher or standard) you need to write a University of Alberta exam, and your exam grade becomes part of your official UAlberta record. The exam is free. If you are interested in this option, please contact our Examinations Office at 780-492-5221 to make arrangements for the exam before September.

Postsecondary Transfer Courses

If you have completed postsecondary courses elsewhere, you may be eligible to receive credit which will reduce the length of your degree here. Most programs at the University of Alberta consist of 120 units of course weight (120) and take four years to complete. Provided the courses you have taken fit your program, you may receive credit up to a maximum of 60.

The amount of transfer credit you receive depends on whether the courses you have taken are transferable (university-level courses from a recognized postsecondary institution), how many courses you have taken, and whether all the courses you have taken fit in the program to which you are applying. If you are attending a postsecondary institution in Alberta, consult the Alberta Transfer Guide to find out course equivalents and transfer arrangements.

If we use any of your transferable postsecondary-level courses to meet high school subject requirements, we will also consider them for transfer credit. You will normally receive transfer credit in 100-level language courses as long as you did not complete a Grade 12 (30-level) course in the same language.

Transfer credit for programs with preprofessional requirements

Some Faculties, particularly our specialized professional programs in the health sciences and Law, have very restricted opportunities for transfer or transfer credit. If you are interested in our professional programs, we recommend that you apply to the University of Alberta at the beginning of the program.