ONCAT launches Ontario Transfer Credit System to modernize credit transfer processes across the province

Press Release

April 14, 2026

TORONTO — The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) has launched Ontario Transfer Credit System (ONTCS), a sector-wide platform that modernizes how Ontario’s postsecondary institutions can manage transfer credit.

Adopted from  BCCAT’s custom-built application, ONTCS enables institutions to submit and respond to transfer credit requests and manage course equivalencies published on ONTransfer.ca.

“ONTCS represents a major step forward for learner mobility in Ontario,” said Adrienne Galway, President and CEO, ONCAT. “By working closely with our colleagues in British Columbia, we have developed a modern platform that strengthens transparency, streamlines credit recognition and will help students move more efficiently between credentials and institutions.”

“The collaboration between BCCAT and ONCAT is an example of how provinces can work together to support student mobility in Canada,” said Mike Winsemann, Executive Director – Interim, BCCAT. “By sharing the same technology platform, ONCAT and BCCAT can leverage the work done in our respective provinces, share resources and work towards a shared vision of a national system of transfer.”

A smarter, integrated approach to transfer credit

ONTCS provides a centralized approach to credit evaluation through one secure, intuitive platform that supports both institutional efficiency and sector-wide goals.

ONTCS makes the credit transfer process faster, clearer and more consistent, replacing fragmented workflows with a shared, coordinated, transparent approach. ONTCS can also be used to manage pan-Canadian and international course equivalencies.

Improving the student experience

Transfer credits play an important role in Ontario’s learner mobility system, saving domestic students $46 million in tuition and providing the province with $14 million in operational grant savings each year. They not only allow transfer students to enter new programs beyond the conventional semester one starting point, but they also play a role in students’ overall satisfaction with the transfer process.

ONTCS supports smoother and more informed transitions for students. Timely, consistent transfer credit information helps students make confident decisions about program selection, course planning and tuition costs, reducing uncertainty during transitions between institutions.

Sector partnership in action

With support from ONCAT, the University of Guelph will fully implement ONTCS and work with six partner institutions to develop a standardized process for postsecondary institutions to adopt the new platform. The implementation of ONTCS aims to give transfer students at U of G the ability to track the transfer credit process, improving communication turnaround by up to 25%.

This project is one of 27 projects recently announced by ONCAT to advance learner mobility. ONCAT provides ONTCS as one of several shared tools available to all publicly assisted postsecondary institutions in Ontario.

About ONCAT

The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) puts learners first by making it easier to navigate and succeed in Ontario’s postsecondary system. ONCAT drives efficiencies across the postsecondary system through the implementation of shared tools and evidence-based practices that empower learners to receive appropriate academic recognition for their previous postsecondary education, as well as the knowledge and skills they acquired through workplace, non-formal and informal learning experiences. ONCAT manages ONTransfer.ca, an online guide that helps learners explore their transfer and pathway options across colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. As a convener and sector partner, ONCAT collaborates with postsecondary institutions to advance learner mobility by supporting projects that develop transfer pathways, streamline credit transfer processes and facilitate transitions to the labour market. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.

Quick facts

• Adopted from the BC Council on Admissions & Transfer’s custom-built platform, ONTCS enables institutions to submit and respond to transfer credit requests and manage course equivalencies published on ONTransfer.ca.

• The University of Guelph will fully implement ONTCS and work with six partner institutions to develop a standardized process for postsecondary institutions to adopt the new platform.

• ONCAT provides ONTCS and other shared tools to all publicly assisted postsecondary institutions in Ontario.

• ONCAT drives efficiencies across the postsecondary system through the implementation of shared tools and evidence-based practices that empower learners to receive appropriate academic recognition for their previous postsecondary education, as well as the knowledge and skills they acquired through workplace, non-formal and informal learning experiences.

For more information about ONTCS, contact us.

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For media inquires, contact Ashraf Ali, Manager of  Marketing and Communications.

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