Advanced standing

What is advanced standing?

If you have recently completed more than one term of study at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution in a similar program to the one you are applying for, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing: receive bulk transfer credit and start in an upper semester (semester 2 or higher).

You are a good candidate for advanced standing if:

• You have successfully completed at least one term of post-secondary study in a similar program at a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Your courses were completed in the last seven years.
• You have access to your official transcript.
• You have access to detailed course outlines (must include the institution’s name, course code, year taken, and learning objectives).

When should you not apply for advanced standing?

• If you have completed post-secondary courses which are unrelated to the program you want to apply for.
• Your post-secondary courses were completed more than seven years ago.
• You have completed less than one term of post-secondary study.

Advanced standing assessment process

1. Request an Advanced Standing Eligibility Assessment: Submit the request form so we can review your eligibility. You do not need to submit an application through Ontario Colleges for the program you want to start at this time.
2. Request an Advanced Standing Credit Transfer Evaluation: If you are a good candidate for Advanced Standing, you will move forward to the credit transfer evaluation. You must provide all your documentation and pay the non-refundable $125 fee. If you completed your previous education outside of Canada, you’ll need additional documentation.
3. Receive your Evaluation Outcome: If approved for Advanced Standing, you’ll be referred to Admissions and admitted into an upper semester. Credit transfer will be applied to your academic record. You may be referred to a Student Advisor for a custom course load or completion plan.

Important information

• Advanced standing applications should be submitted as early as possible. Applications must be submitted by August 1 for Fall, December 1 for Winter, and March 1 for Spring. Late applications may be cancelled.
• If you are approved for Advanced Standing, you may need to follow a customized completion plan and possibly study part-time in some semesters due to course availability.
• Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, you may need to start the program in a future term, when the upper semester is available.
• If the outcome of the evaluation is that you are not approved for Advanced Standing but you are eligible for some individual transfer credits, you will not need to pay the credit transfer application fee.