Transferring to | Bow Valley College

Receive credit for the work you’ve already done!

If you've completed courses at other post-secondary institutions, you may be eligible for credit toward your program at Bow Valley College. Transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) could reduce your course load

Did you know?

Students can earn up to 75% of their program in transfer.
It allows students to reduce time and cost to complete their program

What type of transfer is right for you?

I previously completed a program or a course at post-secondary institution.

You may qualify for transfer credit, which is an assessment that recognizes completed coursework taken from other post-secondary institutions, allowing students to apply credit toward their courses once they are accepted at Bow Valley College.

Apply for Transfer Credit

I have formal and/or informal experience that I can relate to my courses.

You may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition PLAR, which is a process that identifies, assesses and recognizes prior skills, competencies and knowledge. PLAR is assessed on an individual basis by your academic department and has a non-refundable fee.

Apply for PLAR

I am an upcoming Practical Nurse student and I completed a Health Care Aide program and have work experience

You may qualify for Health Care Aide to Practical Nurse PLAR, which is recognition of knowledge and competency for practicing Health Care Aides entering into the Practical Nurse Program at Bow Valley College.

Apply for Health Care Aide to Practical Nurse PLAR

Students must be currently accepted into a credited program at Bow Valley College.

Official transcripts show all final grades and term GPA.

Courses match 80% of the respective Bow Valley College learning outcomes and course content.
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Courses fall within the time limitations. This is imposed by the Academic Department for granting credit for courses completed within a specific time frame. Each course has specific time limitations established.
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Previously completed courses at Bow Valley College may be eligible for advance standing. It is your responsibility to ensure that those completed courses are still valid and accepted towards your current program.

Coursework was completed at a recognized or accredited post-secondary institution.

Be in good academic standing with your current or previous institution within the last five years. The minimum grade point average (GPA) must be 2.0 or higher in accordance with Bow Valley College's 4.0grade scale. The following criteria must be met:
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- is in satisfactory academic standing and is not on academic probation under the Academic Continuance and Graduation Policy,
- is not subject to any current active sanctions under the Learner Code of Conduct Policy,
- has no overdue amounts owing to the college under the Learner Financial Accounts Policy,
- is not under probation or suspension under the Academic Honesty Policy and is not subject to current sanctions under any other college policies.

The minimum grade requirement for a course to be eligible for transferability is a 'C' or '64%' or '2.0 GPA' according to the Bow Valley College grade scale.
- For some programs the min. grade requirement may be higher

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Please note!

You must pay your confirmation fee before we can award TC and PL grades.

When can I apply for Transfer Credit or PLAR?

As soon as you are accepted into your program at Bow Valley College. Applications are open two terms in advance. Please note that requests are processed for the upcoming term first.
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How long do Transfer Credit or PLAR assessments take?

The Transfer credit and PLAR assessment can take up to 6 weeks to complete. Some assessments may take longer.
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Is Transfer Credit or PLAR approval guaranteed?

No, Transfer credit and PLAR approvals are not guaranteed and are subject to review.
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Can you pre-assess courses for Transfer Credit?

No, we do not pre-assess courses for Transfer Credit. It is in the form of a request. You can review any pre-existing decision made by vising Transfer Alberta.
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When should I submit my missing documents?

All missing documents - Official transcripts and course outlines - must be submitted before the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be closed.
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What happens if my transcript includes "In Progress" courses?

Official transcripts must show all final grades and term GPA, if your transcript shows requested courses marked as “In Progress” you will need to request your previous school to send your updated transcripts prior to start of term.
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Should I register or attend the courses I want credit for?

Yes, you must register or continue attending all classes until you receive an official decision. If approved, your courses/s will be dropped, and you will be awarded either a TC or PL grade.
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Will I get a refund if I receive a Transfer Credit or PLAR approval?

Yes, you will be dropped from your registered class/s and receive a refund. If a decision is made after the add/drop deadline a refund will be initiated for the course/s you receive credit for.
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Do I need to pay the confirmation fee before getting results?

Yes, you must pay the confirmation fee before we can award TC or PL grades.
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When will my TC or PL mark appear on my unofficial transcripts?

The TC and PL mark typically appear at the beginning of your term.
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Is there a time limitation for completed courses?

Yes, there are time limitations for certain courses and/or programs. For more information, please visit Time limitations page.
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Is there a minimum amount of coursework I must complete at Bow Valley College to graduate?

Yes, to graduate you must complete at least 25% of your program at Bow Valley College.
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Will approved transfer credit or PLAR affect my full-time status?

It might, approved transfer credit can reduce your course load, potentially dropping you to part-time status. This may impact student loans or work permits, so it is your responsibility to monitor your credit load.

International students should meet with issc@bowvalleycollege.ca
Domestic students should meet with financialaid@bowvalleycollege.ca
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What if I previously completed courses with Bow Valley College?

You do not need to apply for Transfer Credit. Previously completed courses that fall within the time limitations will be automatically accounted for towards your graduation requirement of the program you are currently registered in. You can inquire about your advance standing by booking an appointment with an Academic Advisor once you are accepted into your program.
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Can I appeal a denied request?

Yes, you may appeal by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar within 10 days of receiving your decision letter. Your appeal will be reviewed by the Associate Registrar and/or the Dean of your program area, and their decision will be final.

Explore our Transfer Agreements to see where your education can take you at Bow Valley College:

Do you have a Letter of Permission from another institution?

If you are attending another post-secondary institution and would like to register for a Bow Valley College course:

Check if Bow Valley College offers the course in Open Studies. If so, you can register online without additional approval from Bow Valley College. For courses not in Open Studies, email Welcome Centre at info@bowvalleycollege.ca.
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Registration depends on:
- course availability
- prerequisites
- academic standing
- Academic Department approval
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Requests for practicum, labs, and clinicals will not be approved. These are typically meant for Bow Valley College students as there are specific requirements and space is limited.
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Once approved, Registrar services will register you in the course/s and you will have 2 weeks to submit payment.

Have any further questions?

Please email Welcome Centre at info@bowvalleycollege.ca.

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I want to transfer to Bow Valley College.