Indigenous exemptions
Exemptions recognize that you’ve already covered the content of a course through your previous academic achievements, even if a direct post-secondary transfer credit isn’t possible. In these cases, you may be eligible for an exemption!
What qualifies for an exemption?
If you’ve completed educational training through private career colleges or training institutes that don’t qualify for transfer credit, you may still be eligible for an exemption.
How does an exemption affect my schedule?
If you’re granted an exemption, the course will be removed from your timetable. This could change your status from full-time to part-time, which may affect:
- Tuition and fees
- OSAP eligibility
- Eligibility for scholarships, bursaries, and student health plans
How are exemptions recorded?
- Exempted courses appear on your academic record with the code “EX.”
- Exemptions count toward your graduation requirements but do not affect your GPA.
Exemption vs. Transfer Credit
A transfer credit gives you credit for completed post-secondary courses, while an exemption waives a course requirement based on your broader academic achievements.
Exemption vs. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Exemptions are based on formal education, while PLAR recognizes informal learning, such as work or life experience, for credit.
HOW TO APPLY FOR TRANSFER CREDIT
If you think you may qualify for a core course exemption, you’ll need to submit an application and official documents that verify your previous training, such as:
- Transcripts
- Detailed course outlines or descriptions
- Certificates
How to apply:
- Complete the online Course Exemption Application Form.
- You will be notified by email if your application is approved.
The deadline to apply is the 10th day of classes after the semester starts.
If you’ve gained valuable learning through experience, professional training, or other non-traditional learning opportunities, you may be eligible for a General Education Exemption.
General Education Exemptions recognize that your experiences may already meet the learning outcomes of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) general education themes:
- Arts in Society
- Social and Cultural Understanding
- Civic Life
- Personal Understanding
- Science and Technology
Your experience will be reviewed using an assessment rubric that considers your related experience, training hours, and demonstrated competencies.
What you’ll need to include with your application:
To support your general education exemption request, please provide documentation that demonstrates your learning and experience. Examples include:
- Resume or CV
- Student or professional documentation
- Official course documentation or certificates
- Other relevant training documents
How to apply:
- Complete the General Education Exemption Application Form.
- Submit the completed application form along with your supporting documentation to pathways@sl.on.ca
- You will be notified by email if your application is approved.
The deadline to apply is the 10th day of classes after the semester starts.
Click here to download the General Education Exemption application form
If you’re a current or retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), your training and experience may count toward your general education requirements at St. Lawrence College.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’ve completed the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) and have at least two years of CAF experience, you may be eligible for:
- Three general education exemptions toward a two- or three-year diploma program, or
- One general education exemption toward a one-year certificate program.
How to apply:
- Complete the CAF Exemption Application Form.
- Submit the completed application form along with your Military Personnel Record Resume (MPRR) to pathways@sl.on.ca
- You will be notified by email if your application is approved.
The deadline to apply is the 10th day of classes after the semester starts.