How to Transfer to a Canadian College or University
Many international students begin their studies at home, only to realize partway through that they’d rather finish their education in Canada. The good news is that transferring is possible, but it works differently than a typical school-to-school transfer within the same country. Because you’re moving between education systems (and, in most cases, applying for a new study permit as well), the process involves both an academic evaluation and an immigration step.
This is exactly why licensed immigration professionals matter so much in a process like this one: the rules differ from school to school and from one immigration case to the next, and getting accurate, up-to-date guidance early on can save a lot of time and avoid costly mistakes. This article guides you step by step through what “transferring” actually means in this context, what to expect, and how to approach it the right way.
What “Transferring” to Canada Actually Means
It’s important to set expectations early: transferring from a school in your home country to a Canadian institution is not the same as transferring between two Canadian schools. Within Canada, many institutions have formal transfer agreements that let students move credits directly from one school to another. Between countries, that kind of direct pipeline is far less common.
In most cases, a student moving from an international school to a Canadian college or university is really doing two things at once:
- Applying for admission to a Canadian institution as a new applicant, and
- Requesting a credit transfer assessment to see how much of their previous coursework, if any, counts toward the Canadian programme.
Understanding this distinction matters, because it shapes expectations about both the amount of credit you’ll receive and the amount of time it may take to complete your degree or diploma in Canada.
How Credit Transfer Assessments Work
Transfer credits allow a Canadian school to recognise part of the education you completed at another institution.
The school will normally review the subjects you studied, the course content, the number of learning hours, your grades and the level of your current institution. It may then decide that some of those courses are similar enough to its own courses to be accepted.
EduCanada explains that universities may assess courses completed online or in a student’s home country and compare them with similar Canadian credentials before awarding transfer credits.
Transfer credits are not guaranteed. Two Canadian schools may assess the same academic record differently because each institution sets its own requirements.
A course with a similar title may also contain different material. For this reason, the school may ask for detailed course descriptions or syllabuses before deciding whether to grant credit.
Requirements for Transfer Applicants
In addition to standard admission documents, transfer applicants are typically asked to provide:
- official transcripts from all previously attended institutions;
- detailed course descriptions or syllabi (often required for credit assessment);
- proof of language proficiency, if applicable;
- a personal statement explaining the reason for transferring;
- any additional programme-specific documents the school requires.
Because transcripts and syllabi need to be reviewed carefully, transfer applications can sometimes take longer to process than standard applications, so it’s wise to plan ahead and apply well before your intended start date.
The Transfer Process, Step by Step
While specific steps vary by institution, transferring generally follows this sequence:
- Identify Canadian schools and programmes that align with your academic background and goals.
- Confirm the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) authorized to admit international students.
- Check the school’s specific transfer and credit assessment policies.
- Gather transcripts, course syllabi, and other required documents.
- Submit your application as a transfer applicant.
- Receive your admission decision along with your credit transfer assessment.
- Review how many credits were accepted and how they affect your programme timeline.
- Accept your offer and pay any required deposit.
- Apply for a Canadian study permit before travelling.
Sehli Global can support students through this process, from identifying suitable schools to preparing a strong application and organizing the required documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring
Do not assume that all your completed courses will be transferred or that you will continue from the same academic year.
Avoid choosing a programme based only on its title. Compare its full curriculum with what you are currently studying.
Do not submit only your transcript when the institution also requires course syllabuses or descriptions. You should also avoid paying a deposit before checking the school’s DLI status, transfer-credit decision, refund policy and possible work permit implications.
Study Permit Considerations for Transfer Students
Even if you already hold a study permit or student visa in another country, that document does not carry over to Canada. Almost all international students transferring to a Canadian school need to apply for a Canadian study permit specifically, based on their new admission to a Designated Learning Institution.
A few points that matter specifically for transfer students:
- Your study permit application will be based on your new admission offer from the Canadian school, not your previous school abroad.
- If your credit transfer assessment changes your expected programme length, this may affect the documents you need to provide, particularly around proof of financial support.
- Admission to a Canadian school does not guarantee study permit approval, the school and Canadian immigration authorities make separate decisions, based on different criteria.
Because of this, it’s worth treating the study permit application as its own distinct stage of the process, separate from the school application itself.
How Sehli Global Can Help
Moving from a school outside Canada requires both academic and immigration planning.
Sehli Global can support students by identifying suitable Canadian schools and programmes that align with their academic background and future goals. The team can also provide guidance on programmes that may support eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, subject to the applicable requirements.
Students can also receive support with preparing their transfer application. After admission, Sehli Global then assists with the Canadian study permit application.
The Canadian institution will make the final admission and credit-transfer decisions, while Canadian immigration authorities will decide the study permit application. Professional support cannot guarantee an approval, but it can make the process clearer and reduce avoidable mistakes.
Students who want professional guidance can book a consultation with Sehli Global.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer from a university in my country to a Canadian university?
Yes. You can submit an application as an international transfer student. The Canadian university will assess your admission eligibility and decide whether any completed courses can be transferred.
Will all of my previous credits transfer to a Canadian school?
Not necessarily. Credit transfer is assessed course-by-course, and each institution sets its own policy, so the amount of credit accepted varies by school and programme.
Do I need a new study permit if I already have one from another country?
Yes. A study permit or visa from another country does not apply in Canada. You’ll need to apply for a Canadian study permit based on your new admission.
Can I continue from the same academic year?
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. Your starting point will depend on the number and type of credits the Canadian institution accepts.
What happens if none of my credits are accepted?
You may still receive admission, but you could be required to begin the Canadian programme from its first stage. Review the credit decision carefully before accepting the offer.
How long does a transfer application take?
It can take longer than a standard application, since schools need to review transcripts and course syllabi for credit assessment. Applying well ahead of your intended start date is recommended.
Does admission as a transfer student guarantee my study permit will be approved?
No. The school and Canadian immigration authorities make separate decisions, so admission alone does not guarantee study permit approval.
Can Sehli Global help with a transfer to a Canadian school?
Yes. Sehli Global can help assess your options, guide you through the transfer application, and support your Canadian study permit application.
Conclusion
Transferring from a school in your home country to a Canadian college or university is possible, but it’s a more involved process than switching schools within the same system. It combines a fresh admission application, a credit transfer assessment that varies by institution, and a separate Canadian study permit application, each with its own requirements and timeline.
Book a consultation with Sehli Global to get a clear assessment of your transfer options and support preparing your school and study permit applications.
