Section 13.6 Special Admissions

Special Admissions

Section 13.6.1 Mature Students

Mature Students

Mature students are undergraduates who have not met the regular academic admission requirements (e.g. completion of a DEC or equivalent), but have been admitted on the basis of age, experience, and academic potential. Mature students may study full-time or part-time.

Information on Mature Entry is contained under Mature Entry in Section 14 Alternative Entry.

Section 13.6.2 Visiting Students

Visiting Students

Visiting students are undergraduate students from other universities who have written approval from their home university to take courses at Concordia University, or they are students currently registered in certain certificate programs sponsored by external associations. The granting of such status in no way guarantees a student a place in a course.

Students from other Quebec universities who wish to take courses at Concordia must complete a web-based Inter-University Exchange Authorization form at bci-qc.ca/en/students/aehe. Additional information is available in Section 16.1.6 Studies at Other Universities.
Undergraduate students from other universities outside the province of Quebec who wish to take courses at Concordia must submit a letter of permission from the registrar of their home university and Canadian citizenship/permanent residency documents or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and Study Permit. Visiting students who are Canadians or permanent residents may be eligible to pay Quebec rates of tuition upon submission of proof of Quebec residency in accordance with government criteria (see Section 13.7 Required Documents).
Students who wish to register in certificate programs sponsored by external associations must submit proof of membership in the association and citizenship documents. Visiting students who are Canadians or permanent residents may be eligible to pay Quebec rates of tuition upon submission of proof of Quebec residency in accordance with government criteria (see Section 13.7 Required Documents).

Section 13.6.3 Independent Students

Independent Students

Concordia University allows individuals to register as Independent students — students who can take individual courses but are not registered in a degree program — if they satisfy the admission requirements.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can qualify for admission by providing proof of being over 21 years of age as of May 15 for the summer session, September 15 for the fall term or January 15 for the winter term OR providing proof of meeting the minimum academic requirements for entry to the University. International students must be academically eligible for University entrance.

Independent students may register for a maximum of 18 credits a year, equally divided between fall and winter terms; their Independent status in no way guarantees them a place in a given course. International Independent students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credits each fall and winter term according to Immigration Quebec rules.

Independent students are admitted through Enrolment Services and will subsequently receive academic advising through the respective Faculty. Students who wish to enter a degree or certificate must submit a formal application. Credits acquired as an Independent student may be applied towards the degree or certificate if applicable. A maximum of 30 credits earned in the Independent status may be transferred towards a degree.

Section 13.6.4 Senior Students

Senior Students

Concordia University is committed to lifelong learning and community service. Seniors at Concordia either take credit courses in a program or as Independent students. They can also choose to audit courses on a non-credit basis through the Senior Non-Credit Program.

Students aged 55 and over who wish to attend undergraduate courses primarily in the Faculty of Arts and Science for personal interest rather than for credit, may register to audit courses. Though not required to write class assignments or final examinations, they participate in every other aspect of the courses. Senior Audit students pay significantly reduced fees. For more information, visit the Senior Non-Credit Program office web page at concordia.ca/lifelong-learning/seniors.

If seniors wish to pursue an undergraduate program or take courses as Independent students for credit, they must submit a formal application and pay regular tuition fees. Some assistance through the William Schiff Scholarship is possible for those 55 or over. Applications and information may be obtained at the Financial Aid and Awards Office.

Section 13.6.5 Bridging Students

Bridging Students

Bridging students are undergraduates who have not met the regular academic admission requirements (e.g. completion of a DEC or equivalent), but have been admitted to a bridging program on the basis of age, experience, and academic potential. These students follow the course sequence of the bridging program to which they are admitted, and are not initially enrolled directly in a degree program. Upon successful completion of the bridging program requirements the student may be admitted to a related degree program. Please see "9. Bridging Program" under Section 16.2.4 Concentration Requirements for the definition of a bridging program.