Courses that are not included in the calculation of a student’s cumulative major and cumulative overall averages are considered transfer credits. The University's policies, guidelines, and academic regulations allow a student to count a maximum number of transfer credits towards a degree.
It is important to understand the two types of transfer credits, internal and external.
Internal Transfer Credits
Any course taken at the University of Waterloo for which credit is granted, but where the grade is not included in the student's cumulative plan averages, will be considered an internal transfer credit. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor for further guidance on what constitutes an internal transfer credit.
A student transferring to a Faculty of Environment academic plan from within the University, or former Faculty of Environment students returning after a failed standing, will have their previous Waterloo courses assessed for internal transfer credit. If it is determined to be in the student’s best interest, their prior University of Waterloo record will be cleared; all courses will remain on the student’s academic record, but the grades achieved will not be included in the calculation of cumulative plan averages. Cleared courses with a grade of 50% or better will contribute credits towards a degree up to the University maximum allowance.
Inter-Faculty Transfer of Co-op Credits
Information pertaining to the transfer of work-term credits can be found in the Co-operative Education web pages.
External Transfer Credits
Any course taken at an accredited post-secondary institution will be considered for external transfer credit and, if approved, may be counted towards degree requirements.
A student applying for admission to the Faculty of Environment who has already completed courses at an accredited post-secondary institution will automatically have their transcripts assessed for external transfer credit. External transfer credits can also be acquired through a University of Waterloo approved international exchange agreement or through courses taken on Letter of Permission (see information below). External transfer credits are not included in the student's cumulative plan averages.
Notes
- For courses to be considered for external transfer credit, a grade of 60% or better is normally required.
- For information on Laurier courses, see the Faculty of Environment Courses, Enrolment, and Grades page of this Calendar.
- External transfer credits normally cannot be used to satisfy Faculty of Environment Diploma requirements.
- The School of Planning may grant a maximum of 5.0 units at time of admission from an external accredited post-secondary institution.
- Geography and Aviation maximum transfer credit allowance includes flight training requirements.
Letter of Permission
Students may apply to take a course or courses at other accredited post-secondary institutions for credit towards a University of Waterloo degree by Letter of Permission. A Letter of Permission Application will only be approved for students who have successfully completed a minimum of four University of Waterloo courses and who are in satisfactory standing; that is, they have satisfied the minimum cumulative major and minimum cumulative overall average requirements for their current academic plan.
Courses taken on a Letter of Permission must meet the grade requirement for external transfer credits as noted above.