What does transfer mean?
Transfer is when one post-secondary institution recognizes education completed at another. This allows you to apply your earned credits toward a degree, diploma, or certificate at another institution, which can save you time and money.
There are many reasons why students transfer between post-secondary institutions, and B.C. supports you in exploring how your credits may transfer. You may be wondering why think about transfer - the path to your education is not always direct. Regardless of whether you planned to transfer from the beginning, or because of a change in circumstances, it is helpful to be aware of your transfer opportunities so you can continue to move toward your education goals.
Why transfer?
There are a variety of reasons why transferring may become an option for you:
- Flexible learning environment – you can start your studies where you want, providing options for smaller class sizes or closer-to-home options, then finish at a different institution.
- Explore a new program – it's hard to know if you will like a program until you try it. The good news is your courses may transfer into different programs.
- A change in circumstances – sometimes it is not possible to complete your program where you started. Transferring allows you to continue your education elsewhere.
- Waitlisted or full courses – sometimes required courses fill up fast and you cannot take the courses needed. It may be possible for you to take the course at another nearby institution. Once you have completed the course you can transfer it back to your home institution.
- Returning after a break – if you are thinking about returning to post-secondary, it's possible that some of your past courses may transfer to a new program.
Transfer from outside B.C.
Students who are currently attending post-secondary in another province often look to transfer to a post-secondary institution in B.C. The decision to award transfer credit resides with the post-secondary institution to which the student has applied.
You can find out more information about how transfer from outside of B.C. works on the BC Transfer Guide.