A transfer program is a program of study that is conducted over two separate educational institutions. This is done for a variety of reasons, including cost savings, program flexibility and university entrance requirements. Most transfer programs take the form of a 2+2 model, which involves two years of full-time study at a college followed by two years of full-time study at a university, or a 1+3 model, which is one year at a college followed by three years at a university.

Transfer programs are a growing phenomenon in Canada. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, have well-developed transfer programs with multiple participating colleges, universities and private educational institutions.

What is the benefit of combining college with university?

College-university transfer programs start at a college, and continue at a university. They are a popular choice for students, for a variety of reasons that include the following:

• Colleges are generally a lot more affordable than universities, which means that transfer programs can bring university degrees within the financial reach of more people
• Colleges provide opportunities for practical experience that complements the academic instruction offered by universities
• College classes are generally smaller, and students have higher rates of success
• Colleges are more flexible in their entrance requirements

What is the benefit of university-university programs?

In some instances, there may be benefits to starting a study program at one university and completing it at another. These include the following:

• The student may discover, after starting their study program, that a different university is a better fit, socially or academically
• The student may be able to gain entry into a preferred university to that they were not admitted to at the first year level
• The two universities may offer complementary courses that are consistent with the goals of the student