Transfer FAQ

Typically, most credit-based courses taken at institutions that are members of Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutions Canada (CICan) are eligible for transfer credit. However, the usability of those courses will depend on the TRU Open Learning program requirements. Courses taken as part of a continuing education program are typically not accepted for transfer credit, although there are exceptions. Continuing education courses may be recognized through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process. If you do not see your institution as a member of Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutions Canada, you still may be eligible for transfer credit. Call 1-800-663-9711 or email student@tru.ca for more information.

Possibly, but the process for determining the amount of credit available is not the same as it is with a public post-secondary institution. Post-secondary institutions that are members of Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutions Canada (CICan) may recognize credit from each other through established provincial credit transfer systems, e.g., ACAT or BCCAT, or through formal articulation agreements. However, such credit recognition is not automatic and the evaluation and credit amounts will be subject to the policies and program requirements of each institution.

TRU Open Learning has an established history of working with private educational institutions and other organizations that provide training and are not members of Universities Canada or CICan. Credit for courses or programs taken from such institutions and organizations is determined in two primary ways. The first is through a formal evaluation completed through our department of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. The second form of evaluation is available if such courses or programs have undergone a formal evaluation by our PLAR department and are in our Credit Bank. Successful graduates of programs in our Credit Bank are eligible for credit in their TRU Open Learning programs. For more information, contact our PLAR department directly.

An individual who has completed a certificate or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution may receive a block of transfer credit towards an TRU Open Learning program. If only some of the courses within the certificate or diploma program were completed, those courses would be individually assessed for transfer credit.

Articulation agreements are formal agreements in which TRU Open Learning has partnered with other institutions across Canada to create pathways for students to ladder from one credential to another. These partnerships take formal post-secondary education, private, corporate or industry level training and assign a block of transfer or PLAR credits towards a higher-level credential with TRU Open Learning. The articulated agreement also identifies how much credit a graduate can normally expect to receive and what credits must still be completed to graduate from the TRU Open Learning program. To find out if your institution has an articulated agreement with TRU Open Learning, visit our transfer opportunities webpage or contact our TRU Open Learning Strategic Partnerships department via email at trupartners@tru.ca.

Normally there is no time limit on the transfer of courses. However, in some subject areas and for some programs courses taken more than seven years previously are not automatically awarded transfer credit. Currency of the subject matter may be taken into account.

TRU Open Learning (OL) accepts up to a maximum of 105 transfer credits towards a 120-credit TRU OL degree, provided these courses meet the program requirements specific to that TRU OL program. For all TRU OL credentials, students must meet the residency requirement.

In support of our mandate to offer the greatest flexibility to our students, TRU Open Learning has one of the most responsive residency requirements in Canada. The actual amount of coursework that must be taken through TRU (campus) or TRU Open Learning (online and distance) is specific to each TRU Open Learning program. For most of our programs the following residency requirements apply:

• TRU Open Learning certificate programs — residency requirement is 6 credits
• TRU Open Learning diploma programs — residency requirement is 9 credits
• TRU Open Learning degree programs — residency requirement is 15 credits

Students can satisfy our residency requirements by taking the required number of courses with TRU, taking courses with our consortium partner, The University of Victoria, or acquiring credit through our Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process.

After a student has applied to a TRU Open Learning program and has arranged for the submission of all official transcripts from past academic institutions, an official assessment of transfer credit will be completed. Generally, credits completed at other recognized institutions are eligible for transfer credit; however, the applicability of credits from other institutions is specific to the requirements of the TRU Open Learning program. Our advisors will review all the transfer credit available and create a program plan which outlines the amount of usable transfer credit and identify the remaining credits and course requirements needed to complete the program. Once students receive program plans, they are encouraged to contact their advisor with any course selection or program questions they might have.

Yes, with the approval of the dean (or designate) accountable for the program. In addition, the degree must be in a different subject area. The number of credits will vary by program and by type of courses previously taken.