How do college-to-university pathways, often called “2+2” pathways, work in Canada?

Many Canadian colleges and universities have formal articulation agreements. A common arrangement is to complete a two-year college diploma and then enter the third year of a university degree. Because college tuition is often lower in the first two years, this route can reduce cost.

Credit recognition is assessed course by course by the receiving university. Not every college program has a guaranteed pathway. When transferring, update your designated learning institution (DLI) information and confirm whether the new program requires a new PAL.

What to verify

Confirm prerequisites, deadlines, conditions, transfer credits, refunds and deferrals in writing before accepting an offer.

Planning advice

Use official school and IRCC information, maintain one consistent timeline across all documents and keep written confirmation of important conditions.