Transferring Credit between Private and Public Institutions in BC
BC has a well developed transfer credit system that allows students to move between institutions and apply credits earned in one institution towards appropriate credentials at another. All the public post-secondary institutions are members of the BC Transfer System. Several private institutions are also members either by having been admitted historically or by offering programs with Minister's Consent. For details see "Membership in the BC Transfer Systen"and for a list of all member institutions see our "BC Post-Secondary System" page.
Private institutions that are not members of the BC Transfer System may request articulation with member institutions. The BC Council on Admissions and Transfer now has a policy for recording in the BC Transfer Guide, formal block transfer agreements between BC public institutions and private, PCTIA accredited institutions. This policy is titled "Recording Block Transfer Agreements with PCTIA-Accredited Institutions: Policy and Process". Outside the agreements covered by this policy, credit granted for courses taken at an institution that is not a member of the BC Transfer System is not normally recorded in the BC Transfer Guide.
Advising Students Wishing to Transfer from a Private to a Public Post-Secondary Institution in BC
Private institutions should endeavour to be very clear in their communication with their students regarding the possibility of transferring credit to a public institution. Institutions should scrupulously avoid making false, exaggerated or misleading claims about the transferability of their courses or programs in any print or electronic publications. If any articulation agreements exist between the private institution and a public institution, all relevant details should be accurately described.
If no articulation agreements exist, students can attempt to seek credit on an individual case-by-case basis from the public institution. In order to do so, students will likely be required to supply program descriptions and detailed course outlines relating to programs or courses completed at a private institution. Therefore, private institutions should ensure that such documentation is readily available, and information for previous years is maintained.
Last updated: January 2009
