Athabasca University Transfer PGWP eligibility

[Kk8095203]

I am an international student at Concordia University in Montreal, where I have completed 54 credits in the Bachelor of Commerce - Business Technology program. Additionally, I hold an Associate of Science from a different institution in the United States.

Due to personal reasons, I am unable to complete my degree at Concordia University. I am considering transferring to Athabasca University, which offers a Bachelor of General Studies degree without a residency requirement. This means that the courses I took at Concordia and previous institution can satisfy the degree requirements at Athabasca without having to take any courses at Athabasca via distance learning.

I am wondering if I will be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) since I may not need to take any courses online at Athabasca University.

I was a full-time student at Concordia University every semester and adhered to my study permit conditions.

 

[YVR123]

I am an international student at Concordia University in Montreal, where I have completed 54 credits in the Bachelor of Commerce - Business Technology program. Additionally, I hold an Associate of Science from a different institution in the United States.

Due to personal reasons, I am unable to complete my degree at Concordia University. I am considering transferring to Athabasca University, which offers a Bachelor of General Studies degree without a residency requirement. This means that the courses I took at Concordia and previous institution can satisfy the degree requirements at Athabasca without having to take any courses at Athabasca via distance learning.

I am wondering if I will be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) since I may not need to take any courses online at Athabasca University.

I was a full-time student at Concordia University every semester and adhered to my study permit conditions.

Does the program at Athabasca University offer PGWP?

 

[Kk8095203]

Does the program at Athabasca University offer PGWP?

It does not state anything regarding PGWP. However, Athabasca is listed as PGWP eligible and is a DLI on the IRCC.

The challenge lies in the fact that the university is primarily a distance learning institution. A degree completed entirely through distance learning does not qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

However, since all courses were completed in person and potentially transferred, I am eligible to obtain the degree without engaging in any distance learning.

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed a study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet certain program requirements. Both Athabasca and Concordia are DLIs. Additionally, you must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your study program. I fulfilled this requirement at Concordia.

Furthermore, you must possess a study permit that has been valid within the last 180 days. I currently hold a valid study permit. The program must also be a minimum of 8 in duration and lead to certificate, diploma or a bachelor’s degree, which is the case for my program.

The only difference is that I can receive the degree by transferring credits, and without taking any credits at athabasca.

on Athabasca website it is stated: ‘The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. Unlike the other degrees offered by Athabasca University, the BGS does not have a residency requirement, and courses that make up the degree requirements may be completed at institutions other than Athabasca University.’ In my case Concordia University.