Independent studies
Wondering if you’re eligible for Concordia’s Independent Studies?
Join us for an online presentation to learn more about the Independent Studies pathway, the reasons you may choose to apply through this option, as well as potential alternatives that may be better suited to your situation.
Register for an information session
What is undergraduate independent studies?
Winter 2025 applications are now open
To be considered for courses beginning January 13, 2025, please submit an application no later than December 18, 2024.
Common reasons to study as an independent student
- Explore different academic fields without being confined to degree program requirements
- Complete prerequisite courses to qualify for admission to a bachelor’s degree program
- Improve your grade point average
Consider whether independent studies is right for you prior to applying
Credit limit
Independent students are limited to studying part-time, which means fewer than 12 credits per term.
Limited course selection
There are many courses that independent students cannot take because they are reserved exclusively for students in a degree program. For example, most Fine Arts and John Molson School of Business courses are only open to degree program students in those faculties. (See Recommended courses)
Limited course availability
Independent students can only register for courses after students in certificate and degree programs. The registration period for Independent students only opens 1 month before classes begin, whereas other students can start registering 4 months in advance. This means that sometimes the classes you want to take will already be full.
Transfer Credits
Up to a maximum of 30 credits earned as an independent student can transfer to a degree program. This will only be determined once you are admitted to a degree program.
Credit limit
Independent students are limited to studying part-time, which means fewer than 12 credits per term.
Limited course selection
There are many courses that independent students cannot take because they are reserved exclusively for students in a degree program. For example, most Fine Arts and John Molson School of Business courses are only open to degree program students in those faculties. (See Recommended courses)
Limited course availability
Independent students can only register for courses after students in certificate and degree programs. The registration period for Independent students only opens 1 month before classes begin, whereas other students can start registering 4 months in advance. This means that sometimes the classes you want to take will already be full.
Transfer Credits
Up to a maximum of 30 credits earned as an independent student can transfer to a degree program. This will only be determined once you are admitted to a degree program.
Depending on your goals, it might make more sense to consider applying for a certificate program or a Bachelor's degree program rather than Independent Studies.
Why a certificate program?
- You can complete prerequisite courses for a bachelor’s degree program.
- You can improve your grade point average (GPA) for future degree program applications.
- Certain certificate programs are designed for students who want to prepare for degree program admission.*
- Certificate students register for courses earlier, meaning you’ll have a greater chance to register for the courses you want.
- Many certificate programs have specific academic advisors who are here to help you succeed.
*Certificates to consider for students who want to prepare for degree program admission:
| Faculty of Arts and Science | Certificate in Arts and Science Certificate in Science Foundations |
| Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science |
Certificate in Science and Technology |
| John Molson School of Business | Certificate in Foundations for Business |
To discuss your academic options at Concordia, and whether independent studies are right for you, book an appointment with an admissions information officer by calling 514-848-2424, ext. 4779
Admission criteria
You are eligible for independent studies if one of the following scenarios describes your situation.
- You are 21 years of age or older*, AND
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
*You must be 21 years of age by the following deadlines:
| Term of Admission | You must be 21 or older by |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 15 |
| Fall | September 15 |
| Winter | January 15 |
Documents to submit as part of your admission application to prove your age and status in Canada:
- Canadian birth certificate (if from Quebec: Birth Certificate issued by the Quebec Directeur de l'état civil with the mention "Certified" or "certifié conforme"), OR
- Canadian citizenship card (both sides) or certificate, OR
- Permanent resident card (both sides) or IMM 5292
- You are under 21 years of age, AND
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, AND
- You meet the minimum academic admission requirement: a completed secondary school credential with a cumulative grade point average equivalent to a C+, or 2.30/4.30. For Québec students, a completed DEC is required.
- Accepted documents to submit as part of your application to prove your age and status in Canada:
- Canadian birth certificate (if from Quebec: Birth Certificate issued by the Quebec Directeur de l'état civil with the mention "Certified" or "certifié conforme"), OR
- Canadian citizenship card (both sides) or certificate, OR
- Permanent resident card (both sides) or IMM 5292
- You are an international student, AND
- You currently live in Montreal, AND
- You meet the minimum academic admission requirement: a cumulative grade point average equivalent to a C+, or 2.30/4.30.
- Acceptable documents to submit after you are admitted to prove your identity and status in Canada:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your required immigration documents
After you've applied
Confirmation email
Once you pay and submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. This email will include an eight-digit student ID number that you will use throughout your studies at Concordia. The email with further remind you of the supporting documents required to submit.
If you do not get the confirmation email (and you can not find it in your junk mail folder either), call us at 514-848-2424, extension 2668 or email study@concordia.ca. We will send you your student ID number.
When can I expect a decision?
If you provide the required academic credentials (transcripts, etc.) and/or proof of citizenship or permanent residency with your application, you will be notified via email in 10-15 business days once an admission decision is made.
Remember that we cannot make a decision on your application until we have received all of the required supporting documents.
Check your application status online
You can view your application status online. You can also view the status by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
