University transfer students
Find your place at Saint Mary's
Not sure your university choice feels right? It’s never too late to chart a new path! At Saint Mary’s University, we believe everyone deserves a place where they can truly thrive — and we’re here to help you find yours.
If you’ve been admitted to another college or university but are rethinking your decision, we’d love to welcome you to Saint Mary's. Start fresh in a supportive, inclusive community where programs, connections and experiences are designed to help you succeed. There’s still time to make SMU your home and turn your university journey into one you’ll love!
Saint Mary’s University (Halifax) welcomes transfer students from colleges and universities in Canada and abroad. Admission is based on your previous post‑secondary grades and the number of transferable credits you’ve completed. Below is a clear, structured breakdown of what you need.
Transfer Admission Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be in good academic standing at their previous institution.
Academic Requirements
- C-Average
Transfer Credit Guidelines
- Courses to be transferred must be from an accredited institution, similar in content, with a minimum grade of C.
- Up to 50% of your degree (normally 60 credit hours) may be transferred.
- At least half of your major/minor must be completed at SMU.
- Some college programs qualify for block transfer through articulation agreements.
- Official post‑secondary transcripts from all institutions attended (and high school transcripts if needed).
- Course outlines/ syllabi if requested.
Application Timeline
- Rolling admissions; transfer credit assessment typically takes 2–6 weeks.
Each academic program has different minimum admission requirements, with the Bachelor of Arts requiring Grade 12 English (or equivalent), the Bachelor of Commerce requiring Grade 12 English and Grade 12 Mathematics (or equivalents), and the Bachelor of Science requiring Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Pre‑Calculus, and one Grade 12 academic science subject (or equivalents). Higher‑level courses completed at a recognized post‑secondary institution will satisfy these minimum subject requirements
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.
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.
As outlined in the Academic Calendar under Admissions Information
- Requirements for Admission to Undergraduate Programs
- General Considerations
Possession of the minimum requirements does not establish the right of an applicant to be admitted or readmitted to the University. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any applicant.
- Complete an online application
- 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 send us an official copy of your last transcript.
- If English is not your first language, submit the results of an English language proficiency test. The test results must be sent to Saint Mary's directly from the testing center where they were administered.
- Once you are accepted, your previous education will be reviewed automatically.
To learn more about your transfer pathway opportunities, connect with our Transfer Student Office at transfer@smu.ca.
For general questions about Saint Mary’s University, please contact Recruitment at recruitment@smu.ca.
Note that the equivalency of courses conducted at other institutions is at the discretion of the Dean of the Faculty.
To learn more about your transfer pathway opportunities, connect with our Transfer Student Office at transfer@smu.ca.
For general questions about Saint Mary’s University, please contact Recruitment at recruitment@smu.ca.
Note that the equivalency of courses conducted at other institutions is at the discretion of the Dean of the Faculty.