Transfer Programs
If you are thinking about changing your institution or your program, you need to make sure that you meet the conditions of your study permit on an ongoing basis. This includes the requirements to be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) and to be actively pursuing your studies while you are in Canada.
- You may change your school, program, field of study or level of study (e.g. from the Bachelor level to the Masters level) without applying for a new study permit. You do not need to apply for a change to the condition of your study permit, either. You may continue to use your study permit as long as it is valid. Get step-by-step instructions on how to notify CIC that you have changed DLI’s using your My CIC account.
You need to let us know every time you change post-secondary schools. You will need:
- an online account. If you applied for your study permit on paper, you need to create an account and then link your application.
- the number of your study permit (it begins with the letter “S” and is at the top right of the permit). For security reasons we may ask you to provide a few details from your application, so have it handy.
- the DLI number of your new school. You can find it on the list of designated learning institutions.
- your new Student Identification Number (Student ID) You can find it on the acceptance letter from your new school.
- the start date at your new school.
Change DLIs
Follow these steps to change your school:
- sign in to your account
- under the section Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer, click on Transfer from DLI number
- enter your study permit application number
- click on Search for my application. You may need to enter more details about your original study permit application.
- enter the DLI number, your Student ID and the Start Date
- click on Submit transfer
While many people interested in earning a degree head straight for university, more students are finding out that university is not their only choice of where to start a Bachelor's degree program.
In Canada, many students are deciding on a flexible option called a University Transfer program. This gives students the convenience of taking the first two years of a typical four-year university degree at a college, before transferring to complete the final two years of the degree at university.
University Transfer programs are offered through Canadian colleges and technical institutes that have agreements or relationships with universities. These determine which of the college's programs are transferable to a degree program, where a student may transfer to, and which courses will apply towards the degree. Students can choose from a wide selection of University Transfer programs across Canada, including Business, Commerce, Journalism, Arts, Education, Engineering, Science, and Computer Science. The choice of programs, as well as the universities a student may transfer to, will vary by college.
Students find University Transfers appealing because they offer a chance to enjoy the advantages of a college education: smaller class sizes, greater access to instructors, competitive tuition fees, and a more personal atmosphere.
This may be particularly attractive to international students away from home for the first time, or those for whom English is a second language. Students have a chance to adapt to university-level academics in an intimate environment, before going to university to take the more advanced courses required by their degree. Upon successful completion of the program, they are recognized university graduates.
A recent study reveals that students who arrive at university through a college transfer are equally as successful as those coming straight from high school. The 2003 report, conducted by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfers, found that that there were no major differences between those who entered university directly and those who transferred from college in terms of satisfaction with university experience, continuation of studies, low unemployment rates, salaries and social engagement. A college transfer is an increasingly viable option for students interested in earning a baccalaureate degree.
Students attending a University Transfer program at a college should be sure to confirm in advance all requirements and conditions of transferring to a degree program. In some cases, university admission may not be guaranteed through a University Transfer Program -- students must still apply to the university and fulfill admission requirements.
Offering quality education, affordable tuition and a friendly setting, Canadian colleges can open up a wide range of options for students pursuing an undergraduate degree