Fanshawe College students now have a route to completing degrees at Trent University, thanks to a newly formalized transfer agreement. This initiative forms part of Trent’s broader effort to create 39 transfer agreements with Ontario’s community colleges, offering students more flexibility and opportunities to further their education.

The Pathways Coordinator at Fanshawe College, Gabriela Kongkham-Fernandez, shared insights into the new arrangement.

“Essentially, we want to fast-track opportunities for students to complete a degree or another credential after they finish their Fanshawe program. We tried to develop these opportunities in advance, so they don’t have to start from scratch when they go to another college or university in Canada,” she explained. “This agreement specifically benefits students in our General Arts and Science programs, allowing them to transfer credits to Trent University and continue their education without starting from scratch.”

Under the agreement, students who complete Fanshawe’s one-year General Arts and Science Certificate program can transfer five credits toward a Bachelor of Arts at Trent, enabling them to complete the degree in three years. Those who complete the two-year General Arts and Science Diploma can transfer seven credits, reducing the time required to earn a Bachelor of Arts to two and a half years.

“This is all about providing opportunity and flexibility to students. It’s about developing those relationships with all their partner institutions so that students don’t have to do all these alone. Kongkham-Fernandez added. “Whether domestic or international students, they now have a clear pathway to further their education at Trent.”

The partnership is particularly valuable for students unsure of their long-term academic goals.

“Many students choose Fanshawe’s General Arts and Science programs because they want to explore their options or might not yet meet university admission requirements,” Kongkham-Fernandez said. “This agreement allows them to start with a shorter credential, gain valuable experience, and later transfer to a university with clear credit recognition.”

She emphasized that this flexibility supports various student needs, whether they aim to work before pursuing a degree or want to blend academic and practical learning.

“Post-secondary education doesn’t have to be linear,” Kongkham-Fernandez noted. “Students can start at college and then go to university, or even the reverse. Some students complete a university degree and then come to Fanshawe for hands-on, mid-level skills training.”

Fanshawe’s Quality Partnerships team is key in establishing these agreements, working with universities like Trent to facilitate student transitions. “These partnerships mean students don’t have to navigate credit transfers alone,” Kongkham-Fernandez explained. Students must approach universities individually without a formal agreement to determine what credits might transfer. Agreements like this give them clarity upfront.”

This is the first formal partnership between Fanshawe and Trent University, but Kongkham-Fernandez hinted at more collaborations.

“We are working on additional pathways in health sciences and other programs. Enhancing our relationship with Trent allows us to provide even more opportunities for our students,” Kongkham-Fernandez said.

This agreement offers a streamlined process for Fanshawe graduates to achieve their academic and career goals. 

“We have over 60 partner institutions in Ontario, Canada, and abroad, with over 600 pathways to the institution. We also have different resources throughout the year for students to learn about these opportunities,” Kongkham-Fernandez said.