Modified delivery model of a regular college postsecondary program, which enables students to complete the program in a shorter time period by granting credit for previously achieved credits or credentials; also referred to as a compressed intensive or fast track program.
May also describe a diploma program delivered in a continuous 12 month format without extended vacation breaks and sometimes increased classroom hours per week
Grouping of related fields of study in the college or university sector e.g., engineering, arts, architecture, business, technology, health, science and many others
Statement of a student's overall academic performance in an institution; generally used to determine student eligibility for honours, promotion and graduation, etc.; usually expressed as a Grade Point Average (GPA)
Academic Term/Semester
The period of time (usually between 12 to 18 weeks) during which classes are in session at a college or university. At the end of a term, students are evaluated, and awarded credits for successful completion of each course.
Certification by an external agency or professional regulatory body that an educational program meets its standards
In Canada, educational programs are accredited; institutions are not accredited
Admission Preference
Under certain conditions, graduates of specific programs have priority to be admitted to other programs, for example, students in collaborative programs (programs offered jointly by two or more partner institutions)
An institution's specific academic and supplementary requirements for entry to the institution or to a specific program within it
May include secondary or postsecondary grades or grade point average, standardized test scores, portfolios, or other criteria depending on the institution and program
A student who gets advanced standing is admitted to a second or higher term or year of a program because of transfer credits granted for courses completed at another institution
Official agreement between two (bilateral) or more (multilateral) postsecondary institutions that defines the terms and conditions enabling students to transfer between specific programs
May also determine which courses or programs taken at the sending institution will apply to graduation requirements at the receiving institution
Audit Student
Learner who attends classes out of interest. An auditing student is not required to complete assignments, tests or examinations normally required by the course. Students who are auditing a course receive no formal evaluation, grade or credit for the course and therefore are not eligible to apply for transfer or equivalent credit for the course.
Credential granted by a university in recognition of a student's successful completion of a program of study in a broad discipline area such as arts, science, engineering, or business
Bachelor's Degree in an Applied Area of Study
Degree offered by colleges in Ontario combining theory and analytical skills with advanced training and education to the standard of a bachelor's degree
Developed in program areas with emerging employment needs, in specialized areas not generally offered at universities
Sometimes called Applied Degrees
Block Transfer
Advanced standing for a group of credits or courses at one institution based on their equivalence to a defined set of course or program learning outcomes at another institution
Block credit enables students to enter a program at a receiving institution at an advanced level
Course or set of courses that students take to fill gaps in their learning from one program in order to enter another program, for example from a diploma to a degree program in the same area of study
Some bridging course/programs are designed to prepare internationally educated professionals to write certification examinations to practice in Canada
Bursary
A bursary is an amount of money awarded to students to finance postsecondary education
Bursaries are usually based on financial need and are non-repayable. They are provided by postsecondary institutions, government programs, and private donors.
Print or electronic information describing the schedule of courses for a specific college or university as well as describing institutional programs, services, rules, regulations, and policies
Typically available annually for the September to August academic year
Challenge Test
Assessment used by colleges and universities to evaluate a student's prior learning or skills related to a course or program
Collaborative Program
An academic program offered jointly by university and college partners
The partners have agreed on a defined sharing of responsibility for curriculum that is recognized by both institutions as earning credit toward one or more credentials
Some collaborative programs offer graduates a diploma and a degree
Postsecondary institution focusing on career programs in a wide range of professional and technical fields leading to certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and sometimes, degrees in applied areas of study
College programs may prepare students for immediate employment, further college study, or transfer to a university or another college
Colleges also offer programs in adult basic education and literacy, adult retraining, customized training for industry, professional training, pre-employment, pre-apprenticeship and Continuing Education
Organization of Ontario's Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning
Provides communications, advocacy, and professional development in support of Ontario colleges and their contribution to employability, economic development and technological innovation
Postsecondary program receiving more applications than the program can accommodate
Applicants are selected based on criteria such as grades/grade point average, portfolios, or other supplemental information or procedures, depending on the institution
Modified delivery model of a regular college postsecondary program, referred to as an accelerated, intensive or fast track program which enables students to complete the program in a shorter time period through recognition of previously achieved credits or credentials; also referred to as an accelerated, intensive or fast track program.
May also describe a diploma program delivered in a continuous 12-month format with increased classroom hours per week and shorter vacation breaks than other programs
A course or courses taken on a part-time basis at an Ontario college, university or secondary school
Includes courses, workshops and seminars offered for credit toward a postsecondary credential or for general interest
In an institutional context, a division within an institution offering part-time courses and programs, seminars, workshops, distance education and online learning
College or university program including both academic credit and formal workplace experience
In-school learning usually alternates with paid program-related employment in the public or private sector
Co-requisite
A course which must be taken at the same time as another course
Council of Ontario Universities
Organization of Ontario's publicly-funded universities, providing communications, advocacy, and professional development in support of Ontario universities and their contribution to research, international relations and accessibility
Individual course(s) which you may receive credit for when transferring
Course Transfer Maps
Course Transfer Maps are comprised of a list of courses you have completed, and how they transfer to other institutions
Credential
Official document recognizing completion of a program or course of study
In postsecondary education, issued by the individual college or university
In Ontario, includes certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, bachelor's degrees in applied areas of study and bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees
May also be issued by professional or government organizations for licenses or other certifications, qualifications or memberships
Credit
A unit of value assigned to a course for the purpose of counting its value towards a credential such as a certificate, diploma or degree
The number of credits received by students for a course varies widely among institutions
Defined academic program plan for a course, program, major, specialization or other academic designation
The term curriculum may be used to describe learning outcomes, course descriptions and content, learning activities, teaching and learning methods, assessment, and evaluation
A program offered by a college or university that awards transfer credit to graduates of a college diploma or advanced diploma program in order to enter a degree program at a specified level
May require completion of bridge courses where applicable
Specifies additional credits necessary to qualify for a degree
Subject to conditions such as academic standing or minimum grades
Example: College Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology to Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Courses taught online, over satellite or local television, by video tape or CD ROM, through self-study or by correspondence
Timeframe for completion and/or sessions with teachers may be fixed or flexible
Designed for diverse populations of students whose schedules or personal circumstances make it difficult for them to study on campus
Doctoral Degree (Doctorate)
Highest level of academic degree
Normally require a minimum of three years of study and research, including the completion of a dissertation, after a master's degree
A doctoral degree may be granted as a PhD, or in particular fields of study such as music (DMus) or education (EdD)
Dual Credit
Credit that may be applied to a credential at more than one institution, sometimes between secondary school and college programs or between college and university programs
Students may request a waiver of the requirement to take a specific course at a college or university if it is comparable to a course previously taken elsewhere. Waivers may be granted based on an assessment by the receiving institution that a course already taken is equivalent in level and scope to the required course.
Modified delivery model of a regular college postsecondary program which enables students to complete the program in a shorter time period through recognition of previously achieved credits or credentials; also referred to as an accelerated, compressed or intensive program.
May also describe a diploma program delivered in a continuous 12 month format without extended vacation breaks and sometimes with increased classroom hours per week
A General Bachelor's degree is typically completed in three years of full-time study and often involves more generalized study of a broadly defined area
Skills considered essential for personal and career success including literacy, numeracy, communication, computer, interpersonal, work and study, effective thinking and problem solving
May be developed through elective or compulsory credits, or through seminars and workshops, or as part of non-credit college or employment preparation programs
Grade
Measure of a student's academic performance
May be expressed as number (percentage) or letter or on a ranking scale from unsatisfactory to excellent
Varies widely among institutions
Grade Point Average
Measure of a student's academic achievement at the end of a semester, year, term or program, usually calculated using the numeric value of grades earned divided by the number of credits attempted
May include other factors, such as weighting of specific courses or credits
Modified delivery model of a regular college postsecondary program which enables students to complete the program in a shorter time period through recognition of previously achieved credits or credentials; also referred to as an accelerated, compressed or fast track program.
May also describe a diploma program delivered in a continuous 12 month format without extended vacation breaks and sometimes increased classroom hours per week
Internationally-accepted qualification for entry into higher education, recognized by colleges and universities worldwide, offered in English, Spanish and French
A program offered co-operatively by university and college partners
May integrate two or more distinct programs also offered independently by partner institutions
Students study at both institutions either sequentially or concurrently
Graduates receive one or more credentials from partner institutions, for example, a student might receive both diploma in media arts and a degree in communications
May sometimes describe an educational program developed and delivered by two different academic programs or departments at the same institution, or concurrent programs offered within the same institution
Description of knowledge, skill and ability achieved by students through an academic course or program
May also describe knowledge and skills acquired through personal and work experience
Letter of Permission
Document issued to a student by the postsecondary institution where the student is enrolled verifying that one or more specific courses taken at another institution will be recognized for credit equivalency upon successful completion
Level
Specific point in an academic program, usually expressed in semesters, terms or years
Measure or description of a postsecondary credential, such as a diploma or baccalaureate (first level), master's (second level) or doctorate (third level)
May also describe a measure of complexity or difficulty
A member organization with participation of all 45 publicly funded colleges and universities in Ontario, ONCAT was established in 2011 to enhance academic pathways and reduce barriers for students looking to transfer among those institutions.
Credential awarded by an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning on successful completion of an approved one-year program (two or three academic terms)
Requires secondary school diploma or mature student status for admission
Ontario College Diploma
Credential awarded by an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning on completion of an approved two-year program (four academic terms)
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Credential awarded by an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning on completion of an approved three-year program (six academic terms)
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Credential awarded by an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning on completion of an approved one-year (two or three academic terms)
Requires a college diploma or university degree for admission
Colleges may also consider an equivalent combination of education and related work experience, with each college setting its own specific requirements and equivalencies
Ontario Ministry of Education
Ontario government ministry that administers the system of publicly-funded elementary and secondary education in Ontario
Academic courses emphasize theory and abstract problems
Applied courses focus on practical applications and concrete examples
Open courses prepare for further study in some subjects
Grades 11 and 12
University preparation (U) courses prepare students for degree programs at a college or university
University/college preparation (M) courses prepare students for specific programs offered at universities and colleges
College preparation (C) courses prepare students for most college certificate, diploma or advanced diploma programs or for apprenticeship and other training programs
Workplace preparation (E) courses prepare students for employment
Open courses (O) broaden knowledge and skills in a subject area, and may not be designed for specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace
Locally developed (L) courses are offered by individual Ontario School Boards
Although there are general requirements for entry to college and university programs, each postsecondary institution determines specific subject requirements, minimum grades, and selection procedures for admission to each of its programs.
Official Ontario credential awarded on completion of 18 required and 12 optional secondary school credits, community involvement activities and the secondary school literacy requirement
ONTransfer.ca is a website provided by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) that connects current and prospective students to transfer opportunities.
Evaluation of a student's knowledge, skill and ability related to a course or program of study
May be a written demonstration or performance of a task or activity
May be based on the work of an individual student or a team
Usually measured within a defined and controlled setting such as a laboratory or a classroom, or in work environments such as field or clinical placements or internships
Placement - Clinical/Field
Work experience related to an academic program
Supervised and assessed by the institution
Scheduled as a block of time within the program at a company, agency, institution, hospital or organization
Typically included in health, arts, media, and business programs, and usually unpaid or paid by honorarium
A portfolio documents a student's formal and informal learning history and achievements, work experience, autobiographical background, career aspirations and personal goals
Most commonly used for prior learning assessment and recognition
Sometimes required for admission into a postsecondary institution, particularly for the performing and visual arts
Course or credit that must be completed before a more advanced course can be taken
Prior Learning Assessment
Process to evaluate learning from work experience or independent study and translate into academic credit
Usually accomplished through portfolios or challenge tests/exams
Sometimes called Learning Assessment Recognition (LAR), Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Priority for Admission
For entry to college programs in semester one, a process granting first consideration to residents of Ontario, followed by other Canadian provinces and International applicants
For entry to semester two or later in college and university programs, a process granting first consideration to graduates or students of specific programs, particularly when partner institutions have a formal articulation agreement
Professional Degree
A Professional Degree meets the accreditation standards of a particular professional association or college
Professional degrees may require some undergraduate study prior to admission to the program and generally include an internship or other work experience
Program of Study
Approved set of credit courses leading to a credential such as a certificate, diploma, or degree
Program Transfer is for students who have completed a credential at a college or university and would like to get credit for that credential at another institution
Program Transfer Searches
Searches you have saved when using our Block Transfer guide
Courses and conditions that must be successfully completed before a credential is awarded, with terms and standards specific to the institution
Includes successful completion of compulsory and optional subjects, general education requirements, and academic standing at a defined minimum level
May include other factors, such as the payment of any outstanding debt
Residency
For admission purposes, the status of an applicant as a resident of Ontario for a prescribed period of time, particularly for oversubscribed programs
For graduation from college and university programs, the requirement that a learner must complete a specific amount of the program at the institution awarding the credential
For example, a university might have a 50% residency requirement, meaning that students must complete 50% of their courses there in order to receive a degree from that institution
Government sponsored program that provides career planning and financial support to help Ontario residents who have been laid off from their jobs to participate in training for a new job or further education
Division or segment of postsecondary education; for example, in Ontario there is the college sector and the university sector
Division or segment of business or industry, such as finance, health or manufacturing
Division or segment of employment or economy, such as public sector or private sector
Semester/Term
Defined period of time, usually twelve to eighteen weeks, during which classes are in session at a postsecondary institution, ending with evaluation and awarding of credits
Document issued by a college or university or other authorized body that legally reports a student's cumulative academic record, courses and credits taken, grades or achievement levels obtained, and credentials earned
Transfer
The movement of a student from one postsecondary institution to another with credit granted by the receiving institution for courses taken at the sending institution
Provides academic mobility for students while maintaining the quality of educational programs and credentials
Formal agreement between postsecondary institutions that specifies how courses and credits completed at the sending institution will be accepted and applied at the receiving institution
Defined route from one program or institution to another program or institution that specifies eligibility requirements and how transfer credits will be accepted and applied at the receiving institution
Usually applies to multiple sending institutions and one or more receiving institutions
Does not require formal signed agreement between institutions
Postsecondary institution focusing on teaching, theory and research leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
Universities offer academic and professional programs in a wide range of disciplines
Other programming includes specialized professional certificates and diplomas, continuing education, distance education, and collaborative/joint programs with colleges
Upgrading
Courses and programs that prepare learners for further education, usually offered by colleges
Not typically included as part of a postsecondary program, and not generally applicable for postsecondary or transfer credit
Also called Academic Upgrading, College and Career Preparation, Academic and Career Entrance
