Graduation Eligibility

In order to qualify for a KPU credential, a student must successfully complete the curricular requirements for the program as published in the University Calendar current at the time the student was admitted. If the requirements change while the student is enrolled, the student may make a program declaration in order to be evaluated against the curricular requirements as published in the University Calendar from a later academic year.

Along with the specific curricular requirements stipulated for each program in the University Calendar, there are general graduation requirements pertaining to credit totals, transfer courses, use of credits from previously granted credentials, time limits, and grade point averages. For further information, see Policy AR16, Requirements for Graduation, as well as the University Calendar.

Fulfillment of Requirements for Graduation

In addition to completing courses at KPU, a student may apply transfer credits for courses or modules taken at other post-secondary institutions, as well as credits obtained through prior learning assessment, toward the fulfillment of program requirements. In some instances, a student does not have formal course work that is equivalent to courses taught at KPU, but does have a combination of education and experience that would permit her or him to be granted an exemption from an introductory or prerequisite course. A student who is granted an exemption must still complete the required number of credits for a particular credential A student who has been granted exemption from a course may not subsequently enroll in that course for credit. In exceptional circumstances, substitutions for courses prescribed in the program requirements may be approved by the appropriate Dean. All such assessments must be completed prior to submitting an application for graduation. For further information see kpu.ca/transfercredit and kpu.ca/graduation

Departments may set distinct time limits for the acceptance of transfer courses or the period of time to complete program requirements in those academic areas where the requisite knowledge and skills are subject to rapid change. Time limits for program completion are outlined in Policy AR16, Requirements for Graduation. For programs with time limits that differ from those in the policy, the required time limit is identified on the program page of the University Calendar.

Up to 75% of the credits required for graduation in a program may be obtained through a combination of transfer credit and prior learning assessment. However, a student may not receive two (2) credentials for substantially the same coursework. A student who has qualified for a credential in one program and wishes to receive a second credential in a different program may apply credits and courses from the first credential toward the requirements of the second credential where appropriate. A minimum of 50% of the course work for the second credential must be from courses or modules that were not used to satisfy the requirements for the first credential.

Application for Graduation

Each candidate for a KPU credential is required to submit an application for graduation. For further information, see kpu.ca/graduation.

Students are responsible for ensuring they will fulfill the requirements for graduation prior to submitting an application for graduation.

Student obligations relating to fees, library books, rental or borrowed equipment or other materials must be met before a credential will be awarded.

Graduation with Distinction

Students who graduate with a minimum Program Grade Point Average (Program GPA) of 3.75 from a program which utilizes letter grades will be considered to have graduated with distinction. Students who graduate with outstanding achievement (as determined by program faculty) from a program which does not utilize letter grades will be considered to have graduated with distinction. The phrase “With Distinction” will appear on the student’s transcript and credential. 

For further details, see Policy AR7, Graduation with Distinction.

Convocation Ceremony

Students who successfully complete a Senate-approved program at KPU are eligible to participate in the Convocation Ceremony and have their credential conferred by the University Chancellor.

An application to participate in Convocation may be made as part of the application for graduation. For further information, including the dates and deadlines for applications, see kpu.ca/graduation and kpu.ca/convocation.

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca

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