McGill.CA / Arts OASIS / Students / New BA students

For new students as of Fall 2025: 
1) you must complete at least one Faculty of Arts program - as part of your Multi-Track, Honours or Joint-Honours requirements - to graduate with a B.A. degree.
2) The maximum permissible total aggregate number of pre-admission advanced standing credits to be accorded to a non-CEGEP and non-University Transfer student – at the time of admission or interfaculty transfer to an Arts degree - is limited to 30 credits, and in adherence to the Faculty of Arts Online Education policy. Note that credits earned via intermediary study abroad organizations or companies will not be approved for advanced standing nor for transfer credit.

Advanced standing information

Students are typically admitted to a 120-credit (ie. four year) Bachelor of Arts degree, wherein the first year is designated “U0”. At the time of admission, and based on their previous academic background, certain students – such as the case for those who have completed university level courses or examinations - may receive advanced standing credits and exemptions to an aggregate maximum of 30 credits.

If you have received (or are expecting to receive) 24 or more credits of Advanced Standing:

  • You will be entering as a U1 student.

  • You will be exempt from the Foundation (U0) Program.

  • You may declare your programs through Minerva (Student Records Menu > Change Your Primary Curriculum – 1st program).

  • We recommend selecting at least one Major and one Minor before course registration, as some courses are restricted to students in specific programs.

  • At least one program must be administered by the Faculty of Arts program - to graduate with a B.A. degree.

  • You may change your program selections later through Minerva, up until you declare graduation.

  • You might be permitted to exceed the BA degree credit limit

If you have been granted less than 24 advanced standing credits:

  • You will need to complete the U0 Arts Foundation Program requirements using the list of Approved Foundation Courses.
  • Only once you are in U1 will you be able to declare your programs (Major, Minor, Honours etc.)
  • Certain advanced standing courses can satisfy the Foundation Program requirements.
  • Students with 20 advanced standing credits for International Baccalaureate (IB), will be designated as U1. Therefore, they will be able to select their programs but will still need to complete the U0 Arts Foundation Program.

Examples of advanced standing credits

Students entering U1:

 Students entering either U0 or U1 depending on credits completed:

Entering with Quebec CEGEP DEC, 30 credits of advanced standing

 Entering with French Baccalaureate, 30 credits of advanced standing Entering with International Baccalaureate diploma: Entering with Advanced Placement Examination(s): Entering with Advanced Level Examination(s):

10 credits granted for each Higher Level subject passed with a score of 5 or better.

3 to 8 credits for each exam passed with a grade of 4 or better.

10 credits for each exam passed with a grade of C or better.

A maximum of 30 credits total will be granted.

A maximum of 30 credits total will be granted.

A maximum of 30 credits total will be granted.
Note: The maximum permissible total aggregate number of pre-admission advanced standing credits to be accorded to a non-CEGEP or non-University Transfer student – at the time of admission or interfaculty transfer to an Arts degree - is limited to 30 credits, and in adherence to the Faculty of Arts Online Education policy. Credits earned via intermediary study abroad organizations or companies will not be approved for advanced standing nor for transfer credit.
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