Transfer Services
Transfer Services is here to help you navigate your academic pathway with confidence. Our office supports students, faculty, and partner institutions through transfer credit evaluation, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), articulation agreements, and related processes.
Whether you're looking to bring credits to MHC or explore new learning pathways, our team is here to support your success.
Transfer credit is academic credit earned at one institution that can be applied toward a program at another, allowing students to continue their studies without repeating equivalent coursework. All transfer credit is evaluated and approved by MHC.
Key points:
- An official transcript is required for all transfer credit evaluations.
- Credit is awarded for approved, formal education from public institutions or ACAT-recognized institutions.
- Transfer credit is subject to stale dating. The standard stale date is 10 years, although some programs have shorter limits (e.g., Practical Nurse – 5 years).
- Credit is not awarded for non-credentialing programs (e.g., General Studies).
- A minimum grade of C- is required for transfer credit.
- Additional information is available in Policies & Procedures and on Transfer Alberta.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) allows students to receive recognition for knowledge and skills gained outside formal academic settings—through work experience, self-directed learning, volunteer work, and more.
Key points:
- Assessments may include exams, interviews, portfolios, or other methods.
- Fees apply for each course assessed.
- Students may make one PLAR attempt per course.
- Students cannot pursue PLAR for a course in which they have previously received a failing grade.
- To explore PLAR options, email transfer@mhc.ab.ca.
- Additional PLAR details can be found in Policies & Procedures.
A Letter of Permission (LOP) allows current MHC students to take a course at another recognized postsecondary institution and apply it toward their MHC program. The request form is available in the Document Library.
Key points:
- Approval is required from the Program Coordinator, Dean, and the Registrar.
- Transfer credit is not awarded until the official transcript from the host institution is received.
- Students are responsible for arranging to have their official transcript sent to MHC and notifying transfer@mhc.ab.ca once coursework is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Transfer Credit: Academic credit from another recognized institution that can be used toward your program at MHC.
- Official Transcript: A formal, sealed, or secure electronic record sent directly from another institution to MHC showing your completed courses and grades.
- Stale Dating: A time limit on how long a course remains eligible for transfer credit.
- ACAT (Alberta Council on Admissions & Transfer): A provincial organization that supports transfer agreements and pathways between Alberta postsecondary institutions.
- Articulation Agreement: A formal agreement between institutions that outlines how specific courses or programs transfer for credit.
- Receiving Institution: The institution evaluating your previous coursework.
- Residency Requirement: The minimum percentage of program course work that must be completed at a post-secondary institution to be awarded the relevant credential.
- Sending Institution: The institution where the original course or learning took place.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
- Transfer Services is here to help! Email transfer@mhc.ab.ca.
Where can I find MHC policies related to transfer credit or PLAR?
- You can find full details in Policies & Procedures on the MHC website.
Should I talk to an academic advisor too?
- Yes! Advisors can help you understand how transfer credit or PLAR fits into your overall academic plan.
How do I know if my previous courses will transfer to MHC?
- Your courses are reviewed during a transfer credit evaluation. Once you submit your official transcripts, the Transfer Services team compares your previous coursework to MHC programs and courses.
When should I submit my transcripts?
- As early as possible! Submitting them before your first semester helps ensure accurate course planning.
What is an “official transcript”?
- An official transcript is sent directly from your previous institution to MHC. Transcripts emailed or uploaded by students are not considered official.
How long does it take to get my transfer credit results?
Processing times vary depending on:
- When the evaluation is initiated
- If you have confirmed your seat
- If your official transcript(s) on file
- If a course outline/syllabus is required for evaluation
Transfer evaluations are initiated shortly after you have confirmed your seat in your program and can take up to 8 weeks after all required documents are received.
Why didn’t all my courses transfer?
Courses may not transfer for several reasons, including:
- They fall outside the stale-date period
- They are not part of a credentialing program
- Course content doesn’t match MHC requirements.
If you’re unsure why something didn’t transfer, our team can review the decision with you.
Can transfer credit shorten my program?
- Yes! Transfer credit may reduce the number of courses you need to take — but it depends on how the credits fit your specific program.
How many of my courses can be awarded transfer credit?
- MHC has a Residency Requirement of 50% to award program credentials, meaning at least 50% of your program must be completed at MHC. You can receive transfer credit for up to 50% of your program courses - even if your previously completed courses meet the criteria for more than that.
What kinds of experiences can count for PLAR?
- Work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, professional training, certifications, and other real-world learning may qualify.
Is PLAR easier or quicker than taking the course?
- PLAR is not guaranteed to be quicker or easier. It requires you to demonstrate you’ve already mastered all course outcomes — often through assessments, interviews, or a detailed portfolio.
How much does PLAR cost?
- Fees are charged per course. Contact Transfer Services for current rates.
Can I try PLAR again if I’m not successful?
- No. Students may only attempt PLAR once per course.
How do I get started with PLAR?
- Email transfer@mhc.ab.ca and we’ll help you determine whether PLAR is the right option for you.
Why would I need a Letter of Permission?
Students use an LOP when they want to take a course at another institution and have it count toward their MHC credential — often because:
- A course isn't offered at MHC during a particular semester.
- A student wants to take online or summer options elsewhere.
- A required course is full.
How do I apply for a Letter of Permission?
- Fill out the LOP form in the Document Library and follow the instructions on the back of the form.
Will my course transfer automatically once I’m done?
Not automatically. You must:
- Ask the host institution to send your official transcript to MHC.
- Notify transfer@mhc.ab.ca when the course is complete.
Can I take any course I want at another school?
- Courses must be reviewed and approved to ensure they fit your program. Not all courses will be eligible.