Transfer Credit and Exemption

 

We are excited that you have chosen COSTAATT to continue your studies! We know that you may be wondering about the possibility of obtaining transfer credit and/or exemptions for your prior learning. Please be sure to read the information below for helpful guidelines.

What is transfer credit?

‘Transfer credit’ usually describes prior learning from a recognized institution which is accepted towards a course / qualification in another college or university.  For example, if you have completed prior studies at post-secondary (e.g. CAPE or A Levels) or tertiary level, which may be equivalent to a course(s) within one of our programmes (associate or bachelor’s degrees, diplomas or certificates), you may be eligible to receive transfer credit and accelerate your studies.

Or if you have acquired relevant life or work experience, you may also be able to request transfer credit to one of our programmes, through our prior learning assessment programme.

Who Can Obtain Transfer Credit and/or Exemption?
  • CAPE / GCE A Level Graduates*

*Credits / Exemptions may be awarded to students who have completed CAPE examinations – Units I and II, with grades I, II or III; or GCE Advanced Levels, with grades A, B or C

  • Holders of undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, professional licensure or qualifications
  • Persons with relevant life or work experience, should ask to speak to an admissions counsellor
How Do I Apply for Transfer Credit and/or Exemption?
    • If you are applying for admission to the college and would like to request transfer credit, please be sure to request a transfer credit / exemption form.

STEP 1:   Submit your application for admission

STEP 2:   Discuss the nature of your transfer credit request with an admissions counsellor (CAPE, A Levels, Associate degree, other tertiary course(s))

STEP 3:   Complete and submit your transfer credit / exemption form along with the following supporting documents:

    • Academic certificate(s) (original and copy) for all qualifications for which you are seeking transfer credit / exemption
    • Course outlines for qualifications other than CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) or A Level subjects
    • Official transcript (must be submitted in a sealed envelope from the awarding institution)
How many credits can I transfer?

Applicants to Certificate or Diploma Programmes
Students may transfer no more than thirty percent (30%) of the required credits into certificate or diploma programmes.

 

Applicants to Associate or Bachelor’s Degrees
Students may transfer no more than fifty percent (50%) of college level credits towards an associate and bachelor’s degree at either programme level, of which:

  • no more than fifty percent (50%) of credits may be in the major area of study; and
  • no more than fifty percent (50%) of credits may be in the core curriculum or approved electives within the programme
Do I have to have a particular grade to qualify for transfer credit and/or exemption?

Transfer credits/exemptions may be awarded to students who have:

    • CAPE qualifications – Units I and II, with grades I, II or III; or
    • GCE Advanced Levels, with grades A, B or C; or
    • a level of achievement deemed equivalent to COSTAATT’s 75% grade score or above.
What are some of the criteria used to assess courses for transfer credit and/or exemption?
  • If the course objectives are deemed to be comparable or equivalent to the target course at the College;
  • Students’ level of achievement (see previous question)
Can courses that I transferred into my last institution be considered for your institution?
  • Unfortunately, we cannot consider credits represented as “Transfer” on an official transcript of another institution towards one of our programmes/courses.
How recent should my courses be to qualify for transfer credit and/or exemption?
  • Courses completed at a recognized post-secondary institution more than five (5) years prior to the date of application for transfer credit/exemption may not be considered.

Applications for transfer credit and/or exemption must be submitted with supporting documents.
New applicants – please note that your application for transfer credit must be accompanied by an application for admission. If you are awaiting results or need more information before submitting your application for transfer credit and/or exemption, please contact the Admissions department at admissions@costaatt.edu.tt and we will be happy to help.