Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students are assessed primarily on the basis of their university level course work, although in some cases, a high school transcript is required. In general, transfer students who have completed less than a full year of university prior to application or applicants to the BSc should include a high school transcript. Early admission may be granted on the basis of first term grades in university provided the average is strong. Normally, we offer admission to transfer students in May, following receipt of the final transcript. For Arts and Science applicants, we require a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.3 scale) with strong grades in required subjects such as English for a BA, and English and math for a BSc.

Transfer students must submit the following: 

  • Transcripts of all universities attended.
  • Certified copies of class descriptions from calendars are acceptable in lieu of originals. Such descriptions are not normally included with the university transcript and it is your responsibility to provide them.
  • Transcripts and course descriptions in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations into English.

Important note for journalism transfer applicants: Journalism transfer applicants must have a strong B average for consideration (minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale). In addition, an autobiographical sketch and portfolio of clippings or tapes is required, along with letters of reference. Transfer applicants to the BJH program must submit their application by March 1, but are typically only admitted in late May, after we have determined how many current students will be continuing with the program. Some candidates may be offered admission earlier
 

Awarding of transfer credits

Transfer credits may be granted for classes that are offered by a recognized university or equivalent institution of higher learning. Credits are granted for classes that are judged to be comparable to classes offered at King's/Dalhousie and are considered to be appropriate to a student's academic programme. A transfer credit grants credit for a class and does not require substitution. To obtain a first degree or diploma, at least half of the credits, including half in the field of concentration, must normally be taken at King's/ Dalhousie.

Each application is assessed individually, but to get an idea of the transfer credits you may be awarded, you can refer to the Transfer Credit Equivalencies Database. Please note that we do not assess transfer credits until an applicant has been admitted to King's.

Excluded from assessment are the following:

  • No credit will be granted for any work used as the basis for admission.
  • No transfer credit will be granted for any class in which a final mark of less than C (or the equivalent in King's/Dalhousie terms) was obtained.
  • College or Arts and Science and Dalhousie Faculty of Management classes that are more than 10 years old may not be used to fulfill degree requirements unless a waiver has been granted.

Transfer credit assessment procedures

As soon as your record has been assessed, the Registrar's Office will inform you which credits have been awarded. The number of credits that have been approved, and which King's/Dalhousie classes may not be taken will be included in the letter. If more credits have been approved than can be applied to your programme, you will be able to choose the credits you prefer to use. Transfer credits awarded on admission appear on a King's/Dalhousie transcript as credits only: no marks are shown.

If by registration time, you have not received written confirmation of transfer credits, you may check with the Registrar's Office at 902-422-1271. Information, although incomplete, may be available and may be helpful in choosing King's/Dalhousie classes. Before selecting your classes, you should consult your department to determine how your credits will fit into your academic programme at King's/Dalhousie.