Post-Secondary Credit Transfer Strategy

The key to achieving early graduation is to make the most of summer by taking courses ahead and attending community colleges, which are usually cheaper, to complete general study and lower-level courses. You can then do course credit transfer back to your home university for graduation. Alberta, with its strong job market, high quality of life, and abundant opportunities for innovation and research, attracts many international students to complete their post-secondary education. The province’s robust economy demands skilled talent across various industries, particularly in energy, technology, healthcare, and finance. Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, offers even more high-paying job opportunities in these fields, with excellent career development prospects. As an international student, you will inevitably face the realities of daily life, including food, rent, and the high costs of living and tuition. While tuition fees are unavoidable, you can focus on reducing living expenses. The most effective way to save on living expenses is to graduate early and start working sooner.

If your designated university is in a metropolitan area like Calgary, you can consult with your school’s Academic Advisor or Degree Advisor to confirm your graduation credit requirements. Then, use the Alberta Transfer Guide to search for nearby community colleges or private institutions that offer equivalent credits. By utilizing the convenient public transportation system to travel between campuses, you can save money on lower-level courses. Taking lower-level credits at community colleges or private institutions is cheaper than at universities, reducing your financial burden and making better use of resources.

When transferring credits, be mindful of the number of transferable credits and the graduation credit recognition standards. Generally, at least half of the courses and credits must be completed at the institution where you plan to receive your degree. For example, in my case, I completed more than half of my first- and second-year courses at an external community college, transferring those credits to the university. At the same time, I also transferred credits from the university back to the community college. This way, I earned an Associate Degree (or Diploma) at the community college, and those credits remain valid permanently, providing a solid foundation for my path towards the later earned bachelor degree.

Despite the challenges posed by inflation and rising living costs, taking extra courses during the summer semester or evening class session elsewhere to complete next semester’s required courses can help you graduate early, thus saving on living expenses. Graduating early not only reduces living costs but also allows you to enter the job market and start earning sooner. Using the Alberta Transfer Guide ensures that your academic achievements are fully recognized, speeding up your education and helping you achieve your academic and career goals. Alberta’s resources and guidelines will help you successfully complete your education and embrace a successful future.