GPRC University Transfer Programs are the first steps to degree completion. Our transfer programs give you the opportunity to begin university studies with the advantage of highly qualified faculty, low student-instructor ratio, a friendly supportive environment and affordable tuition fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a university transfer program?
- How do I know which GPRC courses will transfer?
- Will I get the credit noted in the Transfer Guide?
- Am I guaranteed university admission?
- What university transfer courses should I take?
- Who should I ask if I have questions?
What is a university transfer program?
University Transfer programs are special programs offered at colleges in Alberta. A university transfer program allows you to begin university studies at the college and then transfer to a university or a private university college to complete the degree.
Grande Prairie Regional College offers one to two years of university transfer course work toward a variety of degree programs. Many students in our University Transfer programs complete their programs at degree-granting institutions within Alberta. Others transfer successfully to degree-granting institutions elsewhere in Canada.
How do I know which GPRC courses will transfer?
GPRC courses with approved transfer arrangements are identified in the Course Description section of the calendar. “UT” denotes that the course transfers to at least one degree granting institution in the province. The Alberta Transfer Guide lists all the specific details on approved course and program transfer agreements that the College has with post-secondary institutions in Alberta.
The information in the Transfer Guide changes annually with additions, deletions and amendments. You should consult the edition of the Transfer Guide that corresponds to the academic year in which you plan to take the course.
The Alberta Transfer Guide is accessible on the World-Wide Web at www.transferalberta.ca. If you have questions about transfer agreements call the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) toll free at 310-0000 and ask for 780-422-9021 or send ACAT an email at acat@gov.ab.ca.
Will I get the credit noted in the Transfer Guide?
Yes. If the university course listed as “equivalent” to the GPRC course is appropriate to the degree program you want to enter, you will be guaranteed the transfer credit shown in the Guide. However, if you change to an unrelated program there may not be room in your new program for all previously completed courses. In addition, some universities specify a minimum grade for transfer credit. This information can be found in the university’s calendar. To ensure full transferability to a specific university degree program, the course work completed must meet the stated program requirements of the university program to which you plan to apply.
Am I guaranteed university admission?
Completion of university transfer courses does not guarantee admission to programs at degree-granting institutions. Admission to degree programs is normally competitive and there may be limitations (quotas) on the number of students admitted to the degree program.
What university transfer courses should I take?
The college calendar provides advice on courses you should consider for your university transfer program. Once you have decided on a university, use the GPRC calendar, the Alberta Transfer Guide, and the current calendar of your chosen institution to plan your program and verifying transferability.
The current calendar from the degree-granting institution you ultimately want to attend will provide specific information on admission, program and graduation requirements. As you review the university’s calendar you should seek answers to the following questions:
- What courses are required?
- How many and what kinds of electives (options) are permitted?
- What courses are needed to meet the major requirements?
- How many junior courses can I take for credit?
- How many courses (credits) can I transfer into the program?
- Will grades on my university transfer courses be counted for promotion, probation and graduation or only for purposes of admission to the university?
You will want to understand your program and the transfer guidelines. To successfully transfer to the institution to which you plan to apply for degree completion, you are required to meet the admission and course requirements set out by the receiving institution. Your courses must be transferable, must fit your program, and your academic standing must at least meet the minimum required by the institution.
Choose your courses wisely so that the courses are appropriate for the degree program. If the degree is offered at another institution, plan to take courses that will also fit that institution’s program requirements. You may not be able to gain admission to your first choice but you will have kept your options open.
Degree program requirements change from time to time so be sure you are using the most recent edition of the college calendar and the calendar from the degree-granting institution.
Who should I ask if I have questions?
If you have questions and wish to discuss your program or course selection, you are encouraged to consult with an advisor. If you are admitted to a university transfer program at GPRC, you will be assigned an advisor or you may consult with an advisor in Student Services.
While the majority of university transfer programs at GPRC are modeled on University of Alberta programs, you can successfully apply to transfer to degree-granting institutions elsewhere. If you are considering an out-of-province institution, you are welcome to discuss your plans and course choices with your advisor.
Formal Transfer Arrangements
ACAT prepares an annual publication, the Alberta Transfer Guide that outlines all the course and program transfer agreements in effect between post-secondary institutions in Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Students wishing to transfer from the College to another institution in the province should refer to the Guide and other transfer information available on line or contact the ACAT office directly.
Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer
11th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 4L5
Toll Free 310-0000, 780 422-9021
acat@gov.ab.ca
www.transferalberta.ca
The College is a member of the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT), an independent body that coordinates all activities related to post-secondary transfer within the province of Alberta. Transfer enables students to move from one post-secondary institution to another and receive credit for prior study. Grande Prairie Regional College has formal course and program transfer arrangements with the post-secondary institutions in Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.