Undergraduate Degrees

How to Apply

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Undergraduate Degrees

How to Apply

Transfer Credit + Prior Learning

If you’ve completed courses or programs elsewhere, you may be able to receive transfer credit toward your degree at Emily Carr University. Transfer credit is reviewed after you apply and is granted at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office, based on faculty advice.

This section explains our transfer credit guidelines and options for prior learning recognition.

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Transfer Credit Guidelines

Transfer credit is granted solely at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office on the advice of the relevant faculty. Refer to the BC Transfer Guide for information about course transfers with British Columbia and several other Canadian institutions.

For more information on applying to Emily Carr University after you’ve earned credit at another post-secondary institution, visit our Post-secondary Transfer Admission Requirements. The university does not pre-assess prospective students for transfer standing.

ECU determines year level and transfer credit after a complete application for admission is received. A maximum of one-half (50%) of an Emily Carr University degree can be completed through transfer credit, meaning a maximum of 60 credits transferred for a 120 credit bachelor’s degree.

ECU’s Standards for Transfer Credit:

  • A minimum grade of ‘C-’ (55%) in a course is required to be considered for transfer credit.
  • Only courses which satisfy a requirement of the ECU degree will be transferred.
  • An official transcript from each relevant institution is required to finalize transfer credit. Year level and transfer standing are conditional and subject to change prior to ECU’s receipt and verification of the official transcript.
  • ECU does not grant transfer credit for practicums, field placements, work placements, internships, or co-operative education (co-op) credits.
  • Not all university, college, polytechnic, or institute studies are recognized for transfer to an Emily Carr University degree. It may be limited by the school’s recognition + accreditation or on the age (currency) of the courses.  
  • The discretion of the registrar (or designate) shall be final in determining transfer credit.

Important Information

International Baccalaureate (IB) Studies

Transfer credit will be awarded to students who achieve a minimum grade of “5” in Higher Level subjects which are equivalent to an Emily Carr University undergraduate course.

Advanced Placement (AP) Studies

Transfer credit will be awarded to students who achieve a minimum grade of “4” in courses which are equivalent to an Emily Carr University undergraduate course.

CEGEP (collège d’enseignement général et professionnel)

Graduates from a two (2) year CEGEP academic diploma will be considered for Foundation Year transfer credit. The one (1) year certificate and the skilled trades (professional) program are not eligible for transfer credit.

Prior Learning Assessment + Recognition (PLAR)

Emily Carr University’s prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) policy is under review. Please email Academic Advising at aadvising@ecuad.ca if you have questions.