KPU-SQA agreement allows students to gain a head start into KPU business, IT degrees

Thu, Mar 10, 2022

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have signed an articulation agreement that allows SQA advanced diploma graduates a head start on studying business or IT degrees at KPU.

Now, students from more than 100 SQA-accredited education centres around the world can transfer credits from their advanced diplomas to KPU’s bachelor of business administration (BBA) or bachelor of technology in information technology (BTech) programs.

“The result will be greater student diversity within the school, yielding a “win-win” for students and faculty through expanded intercultural engagement and enhanced dialogue regarding global business contexts and practice,” says Stephanie Howes, dean of the Melville School of Business. 

The articulation agreement between KPU and the SQA is specifically intended for business and technology students. SQA graduates who have completed a fixed framework advanced diploma in business can transfer up to 54 credits towards a BBA in entrepreneurial leadership, human resources management, or marketing management, or transfer up to 39 credits towards a BBA in accounting. Students who have completed an SQA advanced diploma in computing networking are able to transfer up to 27 credits towards a bachelors of technology in information technology.

“Students from abroad who complete SQA ’s internationally-renowned two-year business and technology diplomas gain significant credit toward third-year entry into the Melville School of Business’s BBA and BTech programs,” says Donald Reddick, associate dean of the Melville School of Business. “The articulation ladders SQA diploma students to the bachelors’ level, building and deepening their education experience within a Canadian setting.”

While the agreement gives international students from a broad range of countries a clear path towards completing BBA and BTech programs at KPU, they will still need to apply to the Government of Canada for a study permit.

“The partnership not only enables advanced entry into undergraduate degree programs but also maximizes the flexibility of program choices for students,” says Carole St Laurent, associate vice president of KPU International. “We look forward to welcoming SQA graduates to Kwantlen Polytechnic University.”

The SQA is a not-for-profit government sponsored agency accountable to the Scottish Government that offers internationally recognized qualifications and consultancy services. It is also the executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government responsible for accrediting educational awards.

SQA students applying for admission to KPU are subject to all KPU admission policies and to standard fees as outlined in KPU policy and calendar.