Secretariat Policies

Transfer Credit Policy

Posted on 2 December 2025
Topic: Admissions, Transfer Credit, Fees
Approval Authority: Senate
Approval Date: 27 November 2025
Effective Date: 27 November 2025

1. Purpose

1.1 This policy establishes principles for assessing and awarding transfer credits at York University. It supports student mobility by recognizing prior learning from accredited institutions, for consideration of transfer credit where there is academic equivalency in content and rigour.

2. Scope and Application

2.1 This policy applies to all undergraduate applicants and students seeking transfer credit for prior learning completed at accredited or university approved postsecondary institutions, including international institutions and advanced secondary programs.

2.2 This Policy does not apply to academic programs in the York University School of Medicine (“YUSOM”). YUSOM does not accept transfer credits.

3. Policy

3.1 The Senate of York University endorses the following principles:

3.1.1 Acceptance of transfer credits among Ontario universities shall be based on the recognition that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be virtually equivalent in terms of their content and rigour. Insofar as possible, acceptance of transfer credits should allow for the maximum allowable recognition of previous learning experience in university-level courses;

3.1.2 Any course offered for credit by one Ontario university shall be accepted for credit consideration by another Ontario university when there is virtual equivalency in course content.

3.1.3 Courses completed toward a credential from an Ontario public college can be assessed for credit consideration where there is virtual equivalency in course content. Bachelor degree programs with Ministerial consent offered by Ontario public colleges will be evaluated for transfer credit equivalent to a University transfer student.

3.2 Accredited & Approved Institutions

3.2.1 If an educational institution is a member of, or is recognized by, the accrediting body for the highest level of (post-secondary) education in its home country, credits from that institution may be considered for transfer to York. Institutions which are not so recognized must be approved on a case-by-case basis through the Office of the University Registrar before credit can be granted to transferring students.

3.3 Transfer Credit Limits for Advanced Secondary Studies

3.3.1 Students who are admitted to the University and who have completed courses during high school in programs listed below (3.4), may be eligible for transfer credit. Transfer credits are assessed after admission and after the University has received the official final results directly from the respective examining board.

3.3.2 Faculties at the university may have varying transfer credit criteria. This means that the number and type of transfer credits awarded may differ depending on the Faculty or on the specific program.

3.4 Eligible programs or courses include:

  • Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE)
  • College Board Advanced Placement (AP)
  • Diplome d’études collegiale (CEGEP)
  • French Baccalaureate
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) A levels
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

3.4.1 The maximum number of transfer credits and minimum achievement level for each program is set out in Appendix A.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 It is the responsibility of the Office of the University Registrar to implement this Policy and to inform students accordingly.

4.2 It is the responsibility of the Faculties to inform instructors and staff about this Policy.

5. Review

5.1 This Policy will be reviewed at least every five years.

Legislative History: Approved by Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy Committee (ASCP) 5 November 2025; Approved by Senate 27 November 2025
Date of Next Review: 2030
Policies Superseded by this Policy: Transfer Credit Limits for Advanced Secondary Studies Transfer Credit Policy, Accredited and Approved Institutions Transfer Credit, Council of Ontario Universities (Policy)

Appendix

Advanced Secondary Studies and Required Grade Levels Maximum Number of Transfer Credits Senate Approved
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations

  • CAPE diploma with a total of at least 6 units, including the prerequisites for their intended program, and with grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit and a minimum overall average of 3 out of 7.
 Eligible for admission to York May 2004
  • courses passed at the two‑unit level with grades of 1, 2 or 3.
 18 credits
  • With both the GCE ‘A’ level or the IB credentials in combination with the CAPE diploma.
 18 credits
College Board Advanced Placement (AP)

Courses with a final result of 4 or 5.

 30 credits September 2008
Diplome d’études collegiale (CEGEP)

Upon completion of the Diplome with a minimum 70% overall GPA.
If the DEC has not been completed, credit may be awarded for courses taken beyond the first 12 academic courses with grades of 60% or better when an overall average is 70% or better.

 30 credits
French Baccalaureate

le Baccalauréat français général (Série Littéraire, Scientifique, or Sciences économiques et sociales) - Terminale level passed with a grade of twelve or higher.

 30 credits May 2001
General Certificate of Education (CGE)

For most Advanced Level courses with final grades of "C" or better.

 18 credits October 1996
International Baccalaureate (IB)

For most Higher Level IB courses with grades of 5 or better.

 30 credits June 2012