Credit Transfer/Course Exemption

Transfer of credits may be granted to students in recognition of prior studies completed at an appropriate level as recognised by the University. However, students admitted with advanced standing will not be entitled to any credit transfer on the basis of their previous qualifications attained prior to their admission to the University. Instead, students may be granted exemption from specific courses based on prior study.

For outbound exchange students, the credit units earned at the host institutions can be transferred to their academic records at the University. Credit transfer pre-approval applications should be made via the Exchange Coordinator of respective academic units prior to their departure for the exchange programmes as appropriate. When students return from the exchange studies, they should submit the official transcripts to their academic units for credit transfer arrangements.

Transfer credits will be counted toward meeting the credit units required to earn an award from the University. Students are not required to take the course(s) for which credit transfer has been granted. Since students may be pre-registered with courses at the start of a semester/term, students are required to take the initiative to drop the course(s) for which credit transfer has been approved.

Transfer credits normally do not count in the calculation of a student’s GPA, except where special arrangements have been made (e.g., in joint programmes with other institutions). In the student’s academic record, a "TR" grade denoting "Credit Transfer" will be assigned to the equivalent CityU course(s). Where an equivalent CityU course cannot be established, credit transfer may be granted towards a degree requirement. A special course code with the appropriate credit units will be entered in the student's academic record.

Transfer credits must have been earned no earlier than eight years before the date of enrolment at the University. Individual academic units may stipulate a more stringent requirement. The Academic Regulations have also stipulated the following maximum number of transfer credits that students can obtain throughout their studies (including transfer credits for study exchange or joint programmes with other institutions):

• Normative 4-year Degree: 60 credit units
• Advanced Standing I: 45 credit units
• Advanced Standing II: 30 credit units
• Degree with a normal study duration longer than 4 years: Half of the credit units required for the award of the degree
• Double Degree: Half of the credit units required for the award of the double degree
• Associate Degree: At least half of the credit units required for an award of the University must be earned by the successful completion of courses required by the programme concerned

1. Students who wish to apply for credit transfer or course exemption based on previous qualifications attained prior to admission to the University, must make an application before the start of the first semester of your admission. Current students who have completed studies at other institutions after admission to the University, must submit an application immediately in the semester following attainment of the additional qualification.
   
   

   Application Period
   Semester A 2023/24	13 July 2023 to 1 September 2023
   Semester B 2023/24	6 December 2023 to 12 January 2024 (ONLY new students who are admitted in Semester B 2023/24 or current students who have completed studies at other institutions after admission to the University are allowed to submit the application in this period.)
   Late applications will NOT be accepted.

    
2. Before submitting an application, make sure that your studies elsewhere are equivalent in level and content to the specific CityU course(s). Consult your Major Leader/Academic Advisor if you are in doubt.
    
3. Separate applications should be made for courses or qualifications completed at different institutions. Attach the official transcripts (or certified true copies) and other documentation in support of the application. Applications without relevant documents will not be considered. Supporting documents will not be returned to students.
    
4. To apply, obtain the application form online (available during application period only):
   • Login to "AIMS" with your EID and password
   • Select "My Applications (for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes)" under the "Student Record" tab, then "Credit Transfer / Course Exemption"
      
5. Complete the form, print it out, attach supporting documents and submit your application by post or in person at the ARRO Service Centre, together with the original receipt of the required fees payment.
    
6. Since student's application for credit transfer/course exemption has to be considered by academic units concerned, the processing time varies. We will inform you of the result via email as soon as possible.