Program Transfers and Withdrawals
Thinking about withdrawing from your program or a course, or transferring to a different program? We’re here to help you understand your options before making a change. Review the information below and check the Academic Calendar for important withdrawal dates and deadlines to avoid unexpected financial or academic impacts. Review the Refund Policy to learn how withdrawing may affect your fees or refund eligibility.
AC Online Students
If you’re an AC Online student completing self-directed learning through the AC Online campus, visit the AC Online Withdrawals page to review your options and begin the withdrawal process.
On-Campus Students (Ottawa and Pembroke)
If you’re registered in a program at the Ottawa or Pembroke Campus, select from the options below to find the withdrawal information that applies to you.
Changing Your Program
If you want to change your program after the first 10 business days you will need to follow the procedure that applies to your situation, as outlined below. Please note that you cannot change your program in the current semester; you will need to apply for a future semester.
Before beginning the process, we strongly recommend that you speak with one of the following people to discuss your options for help making an informed decision:
- Domestic students (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or convention refugees): Contact your Student Success Specialist.
- International Students: Make an appointment with an International Student Advisor.
If you decide not to meet with the people listed above about changing your program, see the information below for instructions.
To leave your current program, you have two options:
- Finish the current semester, then leave the program: Contact your Student Success Specialist.
- Withdraw from the program now: Follow the withdrawal instructions (see the Program Withdrawal section above).
To apply for a new program:
- Domestic students (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or convention refugees): Apply through the Ontario Colleges website.
- International Students: Apply through the International Student application portal.
Note: Program Transfers (changing programs) within the same semester are not available after day 10 of the semester.
Course Withdrawal (For Course Registrants That Are Not Registered in a Part-time or Full-time Program)
Withdrawal deadlines:
Please refer to the chart below for refund and academic penalty deadlines.
| Important Date on Academic Calendar | Tuition Refunded? | How grades appear on your Transcript* |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawing before the second scheduled class in the timetable | Yes, less a $25 administrative fee per course | Will not appear on your transcript |
| Withdrawing after the second scheduled class in the timetable | No | Yes, grades appear on your transcript as a “W” (Withdrawn from course. This does not affect GPA) |
| Withdrawing after the final drop date on your timetable. | No | Yes, grades appear on your transcript as an “F” (No credit is earned and the numeric grade of 0 is factored into GPA). |
*Policy AA14 outlines the grading system.
How to withdraw from a course:
If you are taking courses on a course-by-course basis on campus and are not registered in a full-time program, please contact the Registrar’s Office to withdraw through our Contact Form or by phone at 613-727-0002. You will need to provide us with your full name, student number, and course information.
Course Withdrawal (for Full-time and Part-time Students)
Withdrawal deadlines:
If you choose to withdraw, there are dates by which you must do so to avoid academic consequences. In some cases, the date you withdraw may determine whether the grades from the program or courses you are withdrawing from will impact your GPA moving forward. To ensure you are aware of the dates, please refer to the Academic Penalty Withdrawal Dates located on your timetable in ACSIS.
How to withdraw from a course:
- Students in full-time programs (including students studying part-time in a full-time program), please contact your Program Coordinator to initiate the process to remove course(s) from your timetable. They will also be able to discuss the next steps in your academic plan with you.
Program Withdrawal
Withdrawal deadlines:
If you choose to withdraw, there are dates by which you must do so to avoid financial or academic consequences. In some cases, the date you withdraw may determine whether the grades from the program or courses you are withdrawing from will impact your GPA moving forward. To ensure you are aware of the dates, please refer to the Academic Penalty Withdrawal Dates located on your timetable in ACSIS.
How to withdraw:
Withdrawing from your program can be a difficult decision.
- If you are an on-campus student, to start the withdrawal process, please book an appointment with your Student Success Specialist. This will ensure you are aware of all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
- If you are an AC Online student, to start the withdrawal process, please refer to the information on the AC Online Withdrawals page.
- If you are enrolled in an Apprenticeship program, please send an email to apprentice@algonquincollege.com to officially withdraw from the program. Please include “Withdraw” in the subject line and allow 3-5 business days for a response.
Is withdrawing your best option?
The following alternative options could help you continue successfully in your program without withdrawing:
- Reducing your course load
- Postponing your studies to a later semester
- Connecting with Financial Aid regarding funding options
- Working with your Student Success Team to successfully complete current courses
Your Student Success Specialist can review these options with you and support you with your next steps.
Apprenticeship Students
To withdraw from an apprenticeship program, students must email apprentice@algonquincollege.com with “Withdraw” in the subject line. The email must include the student’s full name, student number, program name, level, and the program’s start and end dates.
Withdrawal Deadlines
If you decide to withdraw, it’s important to do so by the applicable deadline to avoid financial or academic consequences. In some cases, the date you withdraw may determine whether the grades from the program or courses you are withdrawing from will impact your GPA moving forward. You can find your Academic Penalty Withdrawal Date on your timetable in ACSIS.
Coming Back
If you withdraw and later decide you’d like to return to the same program, we’d be happy to welcome you back. If you’re returning to Level 1, you can reapply through the Ontario Colleges website. International students can apply through myACint. If you’re returning to an upper level, contact your Program Coordinator a few months before you’re ready to return.
Thinking about starting a new program instead? You can apply through the Ontario Colleges website. International students can apply through myACint.
Not sure which program is the right fit? Our Career Clarity team can help you explore your options, identify your career goals, and choose a program that works for you. You can also explore our full list of programs.