You are here
What is an articulation agreement?
An articulation agreement is a partnership between schools that makes it easier to transfer credits. These agreements ensure that your completed courses at one institution count towards your next program, so that you aren't being asked to repeat similar classes.
What is a block transfer?
Block transfer is when your whole diploma, degree, or certificate counts as a block of credits toward another degree, diploma, or certificate. Instead of checking each course one by one, the receiving school accepts the full program so you can jump ahead with advanced standing.
What is a 2+2?
A 2+2 pathway is when you study for two years at one school, then transfer to a partner university to finish the last two years of a four‑year degree. It’s a clear, step‑by‑step route to completing your degree.
Some institutions have formal agreements in place to help students who want to continue their postsecondary education after completing a diploma or degree program. These are often referred to as Articulation Agreements, block transfers, or 2+2s.
Many individual equivalencies are recognized between Nova Scotia universities. Community colleges in all four Atlantic provinces have formal articulation agreements with many Nova Scotia universities. These agreements recognize completed coursework and credentials, giving students clear pathways to continue their studies without repeating similar courses. In most cases, graduates of two‑year college diplomas may apply for admission and be recognized for up to two years of a four‑year university degree. For example, completing a Business Administration diploma at Nova Scotia Community College may allow you to transfer that block of credits toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Acadia University, requiring just two additional years of study.
Articulation agreements are not limited to college‑to‑university pathways. Increasingly, universities and colleges are partnering to create routes into post‑graduate certificate programs as well.
Students must meet the admission requirements of the receiving institution. Your grades, program, and other factors have an impact on whether a course taken at one institution will be recognized by another. The final decision on which credits and equivalencies are recognized and how credits will be assigned rests with the institution to which you are transferring.
Ready to see your options?
Explore your Program Pathways to browse published agreements.
Contact the institution where you want to pursue a degree for more information.