Transfer Students
As a Transfer Student, you are not alone. In fact, 25% of undergraduates at Saint Mary’s University began their studies elsewhere. Saint Mary’s University was founded over 200 years ago to assist students who were considered non-traditional students. Accessibility is one of our core values.
If you pursued any post-secondary education after high school, whether it was college or university, no matter how long ago, and wish to continue your education at Saint Mary’s University, we will gladly consider your application as a 'Transfer Student'.
This part of the web site explains our admissions requirements, how we may recognize 'advanced standing' because of your previous coursework, and scholarships for which you may qualify.
For more general information relating to the admissions process see the Thinking of Applying section of this site.
Admission Requirements
When you apply as a Transfer Student you can use the online Application for Admission or complete our Application and send it to us by mail. Include the details of your previous post-secondary studies, and make arrangements for your former institution to send an official transcript and complete course descriptions to Saint Mary’s University. This is an important step which allows the Admissions Officers to assess if some of your previous studies can be used as Advanced Standing Credits.
The typical requirement for admission to university is a C (65%) average. In addition, admission to the Bachelor of Commerce requires the equivalent of Grade 12 Mathematics. As for the Bachelor of Science, admission to that program requires the equivalent to Grade 12 Pre-Calculus, and two Grade 12 academic Science subjects.
If you have an overall average of C (65%) but lack specific courses for Commerce or Science you can be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts. Later, if you have taken the opportunity to take courses to make up those requirements, you may be eligible to transfer to your first choice program.
Even if you do not meet the overall average requirement but can demonstrate an aptitude for success you could still be admitted to your chosen program, possibly on academic probation. In particular, if you were successful in high school, but had initial problems transitioning into a university, you may still be admissible.
However, if you are on academic dismissal from another institution you will not be considered for admission at Saint Mary’s University for 12 months following the date of dismissal. Admission will not be automatic and you will be placed on probation.
Finally, please note that when you apply to Saint Mary’s University you must disclose all previous post-secondary studies. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of an offer of admission or dismissal from Saint Mary’s University.
How to Apply
You may apply online or you can download a paper application.
In addition,
- you must arrange to have all official post-secondary transcripts forwarded directly from the institution(s) attended;
- if you are attending a post-secondary institution outside of the Atlantic Provinces, you are responsible for providing detailed course descriptions for each and every course you have taken; and
- if your first language is not English you must submit results of an English language proficiency test (i.e. successful completion of EAP Level Six at Saint Mary’s University TESL Centre, CanTEST, TOEFL, Cambridge First Certificate in English, MELAB + speaking test, IELTS or CAEL). This result must be sent to Saint Mary’s directly from the testing centre where it was administered.
- you must include a $40 (CAD) Admissions Application Fee
For more information, or to send documentation, please contact:
Student Recruitment and Admissions
923 Robie Street
Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 3C3
902-496-8280