New credit transfer process helps students know their options sooner

Thinking about applying to Durham College and already completed courses at another college or university? Starting with the Winter 2027 intake, Durham College (DC) will give eligible applicants an earlier look at how their previous post-secondary education could apply to their DC program.

The new credit transfer pre-assessment process will identify potential transfer credits before students accept their offer of admission and pay their tuition deposit. This means students will have more information about their potential transfer credits when making decisions about their next steps.

“This change gives students more information at an important point in the decision-making process,” says Thom MacDonald, Associate Vice President, Enrolment and Registrar. “By understanding which of their previous courses may transfer before accepting their offer, students can make a more informed choice about their next step and have a clearer plan for starting their program.”

Transfer Services will review eligible post-secondary transcripts received through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) and look for courses with an established DC transfer credit equivalency.

When an equivalency exists, eligible applicants may receive an unofficial pre-assessment outlining courses that could qualify for transfer credit. The pre-assessment may also identify courses students have already completed, helping them avoid taking equivalent courses again.

DC is also eliminating the Credit Transfer application fee for students beginning their programs in Winter 2027 and beyond. There will no longer be a fee, whether potential transfer credits are identified through the new pre-assessment or submitted for individual review through the standard process.

Courses without an established DC transfer credit equivalency will continue to require an individual review by Transfer Services and will also be exempt from the application fee.

The pre-assessment is based on existing DC transfer credit equivalencies and does not guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded. A final review takes place after a student accepts their offer of admission and pays their non-refundable tuition deposit. Approved transfer credits are then added to the student’s academic record.

For more information about credit transfers, including eligibility and the assessment process, visit the DC Transfer Services webpage.