Undergraduate degree exemption

University graduates who have completed a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution within the last 10 years may qualify to receive an exemption for one introductory communication course and up to two general education elective courses towards a Loyalist College certificate, diploma or advanced diploma program.

Please note: this process cannot be used for students enrolled in Loyalist College degree programs or post-graduate certificate programs.

Prepare to apply

• Review your program map to confirm the number of courses for which you may receive credit.
• Most programs have a communications course in semester one.
• Diploma and advanced diploma programs require two general education (GNED) electives.
• GNED 1100 is a prescribed general education course in most programs and is not eligible for transfer credit or exemptions.
• Ensure that Loyalist College has a copy of your official transcript. Decisions cannot be made with unofficial transcripts.
• Course outlines are not required.

Timelines

You can apply for a transfer credit or exemption during the transfer credit application window. Transfer credit and exemption application dates are as follows:

• Spring: April 1 to May 12, 2025
• Fall: Aug. 1 to Sept. 16, 2025
• Winter: Dec. 1, 2025, to Jan. 19, 2026

Transfer credits will not be accepted outside this period.

• It can take four to six weeks to process your application and have your credit transfer request assessed, starting from the time all required documentation is received. Timelines may be longer during the summer months.
• It is recommended that you stay registered and attend classes while waiting for the decision on your transfer credit application.
• If a transfer credit application is approved and you are dropped from the course, this may impact your status as a full-time student.
• Once a transfer credit has been accepted for one course, that course cannot be used again towards another course in the same program.
• Courses approved for transfer credit are listed on your transcript but are not calculated in your GPA.
• You cannot receive external credit transfer for more than 75 percent of a program’s requirements (50 percent for a degree program).

Important notes

• Typically, transfer credits and exemptions are only granted for courses completed within the past seven years (ten years for general education courses).
• A non-refundable $25 administrative fee is charged per application.
• Undergraduate degree exemption applications can be submitted four weeks before the semester starts and no later than the 10th day of classes.
• Applications can take two to four weeks to be processed.
• Courses that are approved for exemptions and dropped from your timetable may impact your status as a full-time student. This may impact fees, funding (OSAP), eligibility for scholarships and bursaries, and future immigration processes.
• Approved exemptions will show on your transcript with an “EX” notation.
• Denied exemption applications are not subject to appeals. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the denial reason.
• A single course or combination of courses can be used to match at least 80 percent of the learning outcomes of the course for which you are seeking credit.
• If you are looking to apply for course-by-course transfer credit, please visit the Transfer Credit Application page.