Transfer Students

Admission for Transfer Students

Admission to all undergraduate programs at the U of A is competitive and subject to availability of space. We recommend applying early for the best possible shot at admission.

Applications open: Oct. 1, 2024
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Document deadline: June 15, 2025

Find your Transfer Program

Use this search tool to identify your eligible transfer programs based upon your previous coursework and academics, experiences and interests.

Continue your education journey at the U of A! You might be new here, but you’re not new to post-secondary. By transferring here, you’ll join a community of learners and leaders from across Canada and around the world who are discovering their purpose.

Eligibility Requirements

Course Requirements

Applying as a transfer student is similar to applying as a high school student. In fact, the online application for admission is the same! The main difference is how you report your academic information and history, and the steps involved in your evaluation. 

 You may be evaluated on both your high school and post-secondary coursework. 

  • Students with LESS than 24 units of transferable post-secondary coursework
    • Evaluated on high school admission requirements and performance in high school and post-secondary coursework could be considered. Learn more at uab.ca/calendar.
  • Students with 24 units or MORE of transferable post-secondary coursework
    • Evaluated on high school admission requirements and performance in post-secondary coursework. 
  • Some programs may require specific Grade 12 prerequisites, which can potentially be substituted by post-secondary courses.

Competitive Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are typically calculated using the most recent 24 units of coursework available.

Click on your faculty of interest below to review specific program and course requirements.

Not sure which program you are interested in yet? No problem. Start by reviewing our general admission requirements.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

All undergraduate applicants must possess an adequate level of ELP. Most Canadian applicants will meet the ELP requirement automatically by having completed at least three years of full-time education in English in Canada. Otherwise, there are several ways to demonstrate ELP, including TOEFL and IELTS exam scores.

Residency Requirements

To earn your degree from the U of A, generally, up to 60 transfer credits or equivalent (e.g., 10 full courses or 20 half courses) are allowed in any program, subject to meeting faculty requirements. Therefore, transfer credit is generally limited to the first two years of an undergraduate degree program (i.e., 100- and 200-level courses). Credit at a more senior level is possible with the approval of the faculty.

Check residence requirements by faculty in the Colleges and Faculties section of the Academic Calendar.

Resources

Transfer Alberta

The Transfer Alberta website lists most Alberta post-secondary institutions and allows you to view which of the courses you have taken (or are planning to take) are transferable to the U of A.

Watch Transfer Alberta Tutorial

Transfer Credits

With at least a few transferable university level credits completed, let’s find out what your path looks like to reach your goals. Use our transfer credit tool to determine which courses are transferable to the U of A.

Launch Transfer Credit Search Tool

Transfer Student Scholarships

We understand the cost associated with post-secondary, which is why the U of A awards over $46 million in undergraduate scholarships each year.

Feeling a bit lost? No problem! As a student transferring from another post-secondary, fill out our single scholarship application form and, based on your background, experiences and interests, we’ll assess you for a match.

Examples of scholarships and awards available to transfer students through this competition are:

  • Pathway to Excellence Transfer Scholarship: Students who display outstanding academic achievement could receive up to $2,500.
  • Relocation Award: Alberta students who are relocating to Edmonton to continue their education could receive up to $1,500. 
  • Fly Home Transfer Award: Out-of-province Canadian students with a strong sense of community could receive up to $1,500 to help them stay connected to home.
  • Unlock Your Potential Award: Well-rounded students who display interest in work experience, research, and study abroad opportunities could receive up to $2,500.

You must apply for admission to the U of A before you can apply for scholarships.

Application opens: Feb. 1, 2025
Application closes: March 31, 2025

On-Demand Videos

We know your schedule is busy and that can make it challenging to attend events. That is why we are proud to offer on-demand videos to help you learn about our admissions process, academics and student life at your convenience.

Living on Campus

As a transfer student there are several options for living on campus. Check out the upper-year residences below to learn more:

Upcoming Events

Upper-year Residence Open House

Where are you living next year? Join us on North Campus on January 18 for a guided tour of upper year communities, puppy therapy, refreshments and a chance to win one month free rent. Learn more »

Need Help?

Visit the Student Service Centre or email transfer@ualberta.ca for assistance in finding your eligible transfer programs and courses.