Transition Year Program
The Transition Year Program (TYP) is a University access program for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through the regular admissions route. This is not an upgrading program, but a full-time University of Alberta program in Open Studies.
The objective of the program is to prepare First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students for admission into one of the following nine faculties:
- Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (BSc)
- Arts (BA)
- Business (BCom)
- Education - Elementary or Secondary Route (BEd)
- Engineering (BSc)
- Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (BKin) or (BARST)
- Native Studies (BA NS)
- Nursing (BScN)
- Science (BSc)
Eligibility
In order to be considered for admission to the Transition Year Program (TYP), applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Provide proof of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Ancestry
- Present marks of at least 50% in required high school courses
- Present the minimum overall average in required high school courses. The competitive program averages vary between 65% - 75% for Science, Engineering, Nursing, Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, and ALES
- A minimum mark of 65% in English 30-1 is considered competitive
Applicants in Alberta, Nunavut, and NWT should review the following information:
Out-of-Province Applicants should review the following documents:
- Out of Province Equivalencies
- Section 14.1.3 of the University of Alberta Calendar for information pertaining to the program
Application Deadlines
- September start: Applications accepted November 1 - May 1
- January start (Arts and Native Studies routes only): Applications accepted August 1 - October 1
My Experience with the U of A’s Transition Year Program
TYP Student MorningStar shares their experience with the TYP program and First Peoples' House resources for Indigenous students. Read their story.
Learn more about the Transition Year Program
Watch as the TYP team and students describe the Transition Year Program and its support of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
Marissa Smallboy
BSc in Nursing
“I applied to the TYP because I needed support while I attempted to chase my dreams. I did not know how to build a class schedule, how to pay my tuition, or where to find scholarships and I had no one I could ask. The TYP program answered all of my questions and more. TYP showed me how to become resourceful and independent as a university student. This helped me feel confident when I transitioned into the Nursing program. The friendships, support, and connections I made in my TYP year carried me through my nursing degree and will stay with me long after I graduate.”