University Canada West Credit Transfer Guide

University Canada West (UCW), with the assistance of New Steps Immigration, allows students to transfer academic credits from other recognized post-secondary institutions to UCW courses and programs.

Undergraduate Courses

• A minimum course grade of C (2.00 on a 4.33 scale) or equivalent is required.
• The maximum number of credit hours that can be awarded toward degree requirements, combining transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), is 30 credit hours for an Associate degree and 60 credit hours for a Bachelor’s degree.
• For more details, see the full transfer credit policy here.

Graduate Courses

• A minimum grade of B (3.00 on a 4.33 scale) or equivalent is required.
• A maximum of 50% of degree requirements may be granted through a combination of transfer credit and PLAR, with no more than two courses granted through PLAR.
• For more details, see the full transfer credit policy here.

British Columbia Transfer System

University Canada West participates in the British Columbia post-secondary system, which facilitates student transfer between educational institutions. The British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) oversees this system, coordinating agreements between institutions regarding the transfer of course credits.

• For transfers from British Columbia institutions, contact us!
• For transfers from Ontario institutions, click here.
• For transfers from Alberta institutions, click here.

Procedure for Transfer Credits

1. Acceptance: Once a student has been accepted or conditionally accepted to University Canada West, they may be considered for transfer credit.
2. Request Form: Submit a completed Request for Transfer Credit form with your Application for Admission.
3. Documentation: Students must provide necessary documents for course evaluation. For international institutions, this includes course descriptions, outlines, syllabi, and other supporting documentation. UCW may also request documentation for domestic institutions not previously articulated or as needed by Admissions.

Considerations for Transfer Credit

• Type of institution attended
• Comparability of course content and level of study at the previous institution to UCW programs
• Grades achieved

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

University Canada West supports the concept of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for all its programs and courses. UCW grants credit for knowledge and skills acquired through academic courses, professional development, or experience.

PLAR Process

• Verification of transcripts
• Evaluation and verification of credentials
• Demonstration of competencies
• Credit challenge through examinations
• Completion of research or other papers
• Interviews
• References from persons familiar with the applicant’s skill set

Students are eligible to apply for PLAR once admitted to the university. The fee for each course for which PLAR is applied is $500 per portfolio. The PLAR application form is available on the MyUCW Student Portal.