Advanced Standing
Applicants with prior post-secondary education in a relevant program may wish to apply for advanced standing in their choice of program. This means that applicants, who receive approval for advanced standing, could enter a program level (semester) beyond level (semester) one and complete their credential in a shorter amount of time. Advanced standing applies to students who have completed at least one level (semester) of post-secondary. If you are looking for individual course exemptions, please visit your ACSIS account to apply.
We suggest also applying to level one of your program choice should your advanced standing application not be granted.
Advanced Standing does not apply to past Algonquin students who took a break from their studies and are now looking to return to complete their program. Students in this situation should contact their Program Coordinator (Ottawa Campus) or Student Advisor (AC Online Campus) directly for permission to return to their program. They are not required to complete the advanced standing process for admission.
In accordance with our exemption policy, normally prior post-secondary credits need to have been taken within the past five years to qualify for equivalency.
Application Deadline Dates
If you are applying for advanced standing please ensure you have submitted all the necessary requirements by the date listed below.
| Fall | August 1 |
| Winter | December 1 |
| Spring | April 1 |
Application dates may vary for AC Online programs with monthly intakes.
Once you have submitted all documents required with your application it will take 4-6 weeks for the review to be completed and the Registrar’s Office will notify you of the decision by email.
Domestic students
Please follow these easy steps to complete your application for advanced standing at Algonquin College. If you are an international student please visit our International Advanced Standing page.