Transferring from an Ontario college diploma to a university degree can save time and tuition – if you plan it. ONTransfer (run by ONCAT) lists course-to-course matches and program pathways so you can see what will count before you apply. This guide shows how to read those results, what “residency requirements” mean, and the OSAP steps to keep funding smooth.
What ONTransfer actually does (and doesn’t)
- Finds official pathways and course equivalencies published by Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. Think of it as the map; schools still make the final credit decisions after admission.
- The portal is large and active: ONTransfer lists tens of thousands of pathways and hundreds of thousands of course equivalencies, serving over 175,000 students annually. Numbers change over time, but they show scale.
- Limits: ONTransfer shows what may transfer. Your offer letter or transfer‐credit assessment confirms what will transfer once admitted.
Step-by-step: move from college to university with maximum credit
1) Map options on ONTransfer
Open the Transfer Guide and search two ways: Course-to-Course (match specific courses) and Program-to-Program (see diploma→degree pathways). Note required minimum grades or “bridging” courses listed in a pathway.
2) Check each school’s policy page
Universities keep their own rules for transfer caps and residency (how many credits you must earn at the new school). Example pages: Wilfrid Laurier explains residency; Laurentian lists a 30-credit residency for most programs; U of T Mississauga caps transfer at 10.0 credits (example only; always confirm your faculty).
3) Watch minimum grade thresholds
Many institutions require a minimum grade for transfer (often C/60% for non-degree and higher for degree-level work). Policies vary: St. Clair’s policy (example) sets C/60% for non-degree and B/70% for degree-level transfers. Expect similar, not identical, rules elsewhere.
4) Apply correctly (and on time)
Use the university’s application route (often OUAC 105 for transfer applicants). When admitted, request a transfer-credit assessment by sending official transcripts and any requested outlines/syllabi.
5) Confirm the “fine print” before you accept
- Residency requirement: the minimum you must complete at the new university to graduate there. Every university has one.
- Maximum transfer credits: caps differ by school and program (e.g., UTM’s 10.0 credits max).
- Bridging or missing requisites: some pathways include a short bridge; others require you to backfill prerequisites.
6) Keep OSAP in good standing
- You file a new full-time OSAP application each academic year; institutions also stress matching study periods with applications.
- periods with applications.
- Apply early; general OSAP timelines: full-time application due 60 days before your academic year ends; documents 40 days before. (Schools post these reminders, but the deadlines derive from OSAP rules.)
- Maintain academic progress to stay eligible; dropping/changing loads can affect funding.
Mini case: two-year Business diploma -> BCom
A student with a two-year Ontario college Business diploma checks Program-to-Program on ONTransfer to see BCom pathways at nearby universities. They notice one school grants “block credit” for the diploma plus a couple of bridging courses; another school offers fewer credits but a faster application turnaround. They compare residency (how much still to complete), confirm minimum grades, then pick the option with the best credit total and course fit. ONTransfer gives the map; the university’s assessment seals it.
Tips for international students in Ontario
- If your long-term plan includes a PGWP, confirm that your new university and program remain PGWP-eligible (by DLI/campus). (Immigration rules change; check IRCC before decisions.)
- Keep proof of full-time status if relying on work eligibility while studying.
FAQ about Transfer Credits in Ontario
How many credits will transfer from my diploma?
It depends on the school, program match, and your grades. Use ONTransfer to see typical blocks, then rely on the official assessment after admission. Expect a residency cap and, in some cases, bridges.
Does my GPA transfer too?
Usually the credits transfer, not the grades; your new GPA is built from courses taken at the new university. Policies vary – check your institution’s page.
Is ONTransfer only for college -> university?
No. It covers college↔college, university↔university, and college→university pathways across publicly funded institutions in Ontario (and includes Indigenous Institutes).
What if ONTransfer shows no pathway for my exact combo?
Two options: search Course-to-Course matches (piecemeal credit), or contact the target faculty to ask about case-by-case assessment with syllabi.
Key takeaways
- ONTransfer shows pathways and equivalencies; the university confirms final credits.
- Expect a residency requirement and credit caps; confirm on the school’s policy page.
- Minimum grade rules matter; C/60%+ is common for transfer consideration, but check your program.
