Non High-School Applicants
Saint Mary's offers many options for students who are not applying directly from high school. Whether you're continuing your education as a transfer student or professional or entering university for the first time, we have programs designed for your needs.
In addition to transfer, returning or visiting students, there are other non-high school admission categories to fit a variety of circumstances:
Auditing Applicants
Those interested in taking courses but not earning credits can apply as an Auditing Applicant. Auditing students do not complete course assignments or evaluations but must pay the standard tuition fees and meet any stated prerequisites for their desired courses. Courses taken as an auditing student are generally not applicable towards program requirements.
Open Studies Applicants
Students interested in taking at least one course at Saint Mary's but not intending to complete a program may apply under the Open Studies category. There is usually a limit to the number of courses an Open Studies student can take. Those who want to take courses beyond the thirty credit hours (ten courses) will be required to apply to Saint Mary's and be formally admitted to an academic program.
Upgrading Applicants
Those who already possess a degree and wish to take additional courses for personal development, professional development, or to meet the admission requirements for another academic program should apply as an upgrading applicant. A separate application is required for each academic year you wish to enroll as an Upgrading Applicant. The maximum number of credit hours a student can register for under this admission category is typically thirty credit hours (ten courses). Applicants who intend to complete a degree or program at Saint Mary's should not select this admission category.
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are those who intend to pursue an academic program at Saint Mary's University, but have not completed high school and have not attended any other post-secondary institution. Mature Applicants are required to have been out of high school for at least five years, must be 22 years of age or older, and will still be required to meet the core course requirements for their intended program.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements but are still considering applying as Mature Applicants and who are wondering how to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the University Prep website for information on upgrading entrance requirements or email uprep@smu.ca.
