Transfer Students

A young person in a SMU t-shirt sits at a table doing work.

A simple, small change can have a huge impact on your future.

There are many great reasons for considering a transfer to SMU. Whatever yours might be, we're here to welcome you and make the process as simple and seamless as possible. In fact, we have an entire team dedicated to helping you every step of the way! Just email transfer@smu.ca with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.

Top Reasons to Transfer to Saint Mary's University

Location, Location, Location

Halifax is a university town at heart that offers a healthy mix of warmth, safety, affordability, opportunity, and excitement you won't find anywhere else! As the second-fastest growing city in Canada, there's no shortage of exciting things to do. Our uniquely interconnected campus is located on one city block just minutes from downtown. Although Halifax is the largest city in the Maritimes, it's only minutes from vibrant sandy beaches, stunning hiking trails, and the world's deepest natural harbours.

Community
We're a tight-knit campus that believes each student brings something unique to our community. As a Saint Mary's student, you'll be part of a warm, welcoming and diverse community with plenty of opportunities to get involved. Enjoy volunteering? Help out with Shinerama or join the Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Squad. Like athletics? Try out for one of our varsity teams or play for fun. Want to find common ground? Join a club or society. As a student at Saint Mary's, you'll also enjoy the limitless perks of living in a city ranked as Canada's best community! 

Global Campus

We're proud to be international and intercultural education leaders amongst Canadian universities. 29% of our students are international, hailing from 118 countries and counting. With such a diverse student population, every class is like a moment in the United Nations!

Saint Mary’s University has strategic partnerships, research collaborations and exchange agreements with universities worldwide. Students who want to enrich their learning with a global perspective can take advantage of our many exchange opportunities.

Variety of Courses and Programs

We have over 70 areas of study and boast an extensive range of courses and opportunities for hands-on learning. With so many to choose from, you'll earn a well-rounded degree and a customized educational experience.

Easy Transition

A large number of our students have transferred from other institutions. To ensure student success, we provide support and services at every step of the transfer experience – including once you arrive! We have partnerships with 40 institutions worldwide and know how important it is to provide you with the resources you need to succeed.

Have you taken courses at another college or university but wish to continue your education at Saint Mary's? We welcome you to apply as a transfer student. A member of our Admissions and Recruitment teams will be happy to work with you on your individual learning goals. Contact us at recruitment@smu.ca and specify that you're seeking consultation as a transfer student.

To obtain a first baccalaureate degree or a diploma, you must successfully complete a minimum of 50% of the credit hours required for your degree, diploma or certificate program at Saint Mary's. Among these credit hours, you must complete a minimum of 50% of the credit hours required for the major, honours, or concentration at Saint Mary's. Note that the equivalency of courses conducted at other institutions is at the discretion of the Dean of the Faculty.

Admissions Procedures

Admission requirements vary by academic program:

Bachelor of Arts: an equivalent of Grade 12 English

Bachelor of Commerce: an equivalent of Grade 12 English, an equivalent of Grade 12 Mathematics.

Bachelor of Science: the equivalent of Grade 12 English, the equivalent of Grade 12 Pre-Calculus, and two Grade 12 academic Science subjects.

Note: If you have an overall average of C, but lack specific courses for Commerce or Science, you can be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts. Later, you may be eligible to transfer to your first-choice program if you have taken the courses needed to make up those requirements. You will also be required to provide your university or college transcripts.

To apply:

Apply online.
Arrange to have official copies of all university or college transcripts sent directly to our Admissions Office from each school.
Request that your high school sends us an official copy of your last transcript.
Include the $40 application fee.
Submit the results of an English language proficiency test (if English is not your first language). This result must be sent to Saint Mary's directly from the testing centre where it was administered.

Note: If you are required to withdraw 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.

Additional information:

recruitment@smu.ca

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