4. Qualifications and Equivalencies
4.1 Academic Qualifications from Other Countries - Full-Time Students
A Board of Admissions will consider applications for admission from students who have gained their educational qualifications abroad. International applicants must provide proof of academic standing equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma (OSSD).
The following certificates are acceptable for admission to post-secondary certificate or diploma programs:
- Hong Kong Certificate of Education with credit standing in five academic subjects or pass standing in six academic subjects.
- Chinese University of Hong Kong Entrance Examination with a pass in five academic subjects.
- For England, Asian countries, the West Indies and Africa the General Certificate of Education with grades of A, B, C, or 1, 2, 3 in five academic subjects at the "O" or ordinary level; or the Caribbean Examination Council Certificate with grades A, B, C or 1, 2, 3 in five academic subjects at the general level.
For some programs, there may be selective admission requirements such as a high school credit in science or mathematics. The program information in the calendar will specify any special entrance standards.
Only original documents will be considered. These should be sent by registered mail.
For admission to degree programs, the applicant will be assessed for equivalencies on an individual basis. Secondary school graduation certificates or diplomas should be at the higher or senior level. General Certificates of Education with subjects at the general or “O” level should include at least two subjects at the Advanced level.
4.2 English Proficiency - Full-Time Students
For direct admission, applicants are expected to have acceptable levels of English proficiency. For applicants whose education has taken place in a country where English is not the only language of common usage, English proficiency must be demonstrated by submitting successful test scores from a recognized English proficiency test: TOEFL; IELTS; MELAB; CAEL. For TOEFL, candidates who score a minimum of 550 (213 computer based), and who demonstrate strength in listening comprehension, will be considered for regular programs. For degree programs, a minimum total TOEFL score of 570 (230 computer based) is required, and for graduate certificate programs, a minimum total TOEFL score of 580 (237 computer based) is required.
For information, contact:
| Test of English as a Foreign Language P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151 |
4.3 Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit
Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in dual credit or post-secondary education institutions that they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College certificate, diploma or degree. Advanced standing credit is based on transcripted learning at another post-secondary educational institution. Students who are part of a formal block transfer credit agreement should see their program chair or designate before applying for Advanced Standing.
A request for Advanced Standing must be for a specific subject in a specific semester. It is the policy of Seneca College that all applications for advanced standing will be considered by the School responsible for the subject. Criteria for the granting of advanced standing are established and published by each School/Faculty. The criteria will ensure that a fair, reasonable, and consistent process is in place. Candidates must have official transcript and detailed subject outline* in order to be considered for Advanced Standing. In some situations, additional documentation may be required.
A minimum grade of "C" (60%) is generally required for a subject to be considered for Advanced Standing. For credit transfer into degree programs, the minimum grade considered for Advanced Standing is C+ (65%).
A request for Advanced Standing should be made as early as possible before the beginning of the semester to which it applies.
Granting of Advanced Standing / Transfer Credit
Advanced Standing is granted or denied by the Chair or designate who may seek the advice of a promotion committee and the decision will be communicated to the student by means of a transcript or letter.
If a student transfers programs, any Advanced Standings will be reviewed by the Chair or designate. Any changes in Advanced Standings granted previously will be communicated to the student by means of a transcript.
A student has the right to appeal the decision, consistent with Academic Policy.
Advanced Standing / Transfer Credit from Diploma Programs to Degree Programs
To ensure that the appropriate degree level standard has been met, a gap analysis will be completed of the program content and outcomes of the studies for which transfer credit is being awarded. Normally, no more than 65% of a degree level program may be awarded credit through Advanced Standing for credits from a 3-year diploma program, and no more than 40% for credits from a 2-year diploma program.
* If detailed subject outlines cannot be acquired, the applicant may request review by a promotion committee to consider the exceptional circumstances.
Advanced Standing / Transfer Credit from Degree Programs to Degree Programs
Credits recognized for Advanced Standing in a degree program must be earned at a postsecondary institution which is (i) a Canadian public university, (ii) an organization authorized to offer the degree program on the basis of an Ontario Ministerial Consent; or (iii) an organization that has the legal authority to grant degrees, is accredited by a recognized accrediting body where relevant, applies quality assurance policies to programs consistent with the program evaluation policy requirements of the Board, and is a member of a recognized association of degree-granting institutions, or (iv) another institution acceptable to the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board.
Administrative Guidelines
Advanced Standing decisions are monitored, reviewed and evaluated through Seneca’s Program Review/ Quality Assurance process to ensure that the process is fair, reasonable and consistent. Personnel responsible for determining advanced standing/transfer credit receive training and support as appropriate.
4.4 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Seneca College recognizes that in many instances the learning outcomes defined for an individual semester subject can be achieved by a number of alternative means. These include relevant work/life experience. A student may apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at Seneca College, where mastery of the learning outcomes of a Seneca subject can be clearly demonstrated through the assessment of a portfolio and/or by means of a challenge process. A subject matter expert will select, administer and evaluate the prior learning assessment to determine whether the outcomes of the desired subject have been met. The PLA Facilitator will provide information on the procedure for PLA. A fee will be charged for each subject where assessment is requested. PLA credits earned will be communicated to the student by means of a Seneca College transcript.
Applicants obtaining credit through PLA shall proceed through the published admissions process to gain entry into a specific College program.
The granting of prior learning credits does not guarantee entrance into any program of study. However, in keeping with the College's commitment to student access and student success, every effort will be made to facilitate a timely entrance into the candidate's program of choice.
Credit earned through PLA shall be recorded on the transcript, where possible, using a letter grade, when that is the usual practice for that subject. When the assignment of a grade is not possible, the designation of SAT shall be used to signify that the essential learning outcomes of the subject have been achieved, as evaluated through PLA.
A student has the right to appeal the decision, consistent with Academic Policy.
If a student fails a subject, he/she may apply for PLA in that subject, only after one year has passed and he/she can offer a reasonable explanation of additional relevant learning.
PLA Credits for Degree Programs
PLA Credit will only be awarded in a degree program for degree level learning. No more than 50% of a degree level program may be awarded credit through PLA.
Administrative Guidelines
PLA decisions are monitored, reviewed and evaluated through Seneca’s Program Review/Quality Assurance process to ensure that the process is fair, reasonable and consistent. Personnel responsible for determining prior learning credit receive training and support as appropriate.