You may be able to transfer credits from a foreign master’s program to a Canadian institution, but nothing is guaranteed. Each university sets its own transfer rules, and decisions are made case by case. Some schools accept prior graduate coursework, others do not.
Schools usually look at how closely your past courses match their own. They check course content, credit hours, grades, and how recent the work is. Courses from an accredited institution transfer more easily than those from unaccredited ones. Many programs also cap how many credits you can bring in, so you should still expect to complete a large share of the Canadian degree.
Start by contacting the admissions office or graduate coordinator of the program you want. Ask for their transfer credit policy in writing. You will likely need to provide official transcripts and detailed course outlines or syllabi. If your documents are not in English or French, you may need certified translations and a credential evaluation from a recognized assessment service.
Apply early. Credit reviews take time, and you want the decision before you plan your course schedule and budget. Keep in mind that transferred credits may not reduce tuition as much as you expect, since some schools charge per term rather than per course. Also confirm whether transfer credits affect your eligibility for a study permit or a post-graduation work permit, since IRCC ties some benefits to full-time study at a designated learning institution.
For related reading, see how to transfer credits to an online university, the transfer credit policy basics that show how schools evaluate prior learning, and the international student admission requirements you will need alongside any transfer request. Always confirm the details with the school itself before you count on transferred credits.
