IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for special student studies are currently being accepted for Summer 2012 term. If you require special consideration please contact the Registrar’s office at (613)520-3500 or email registrar@carleton.ca.
Special Students are those who have not been admitted to a degree program but who are taking degree-credit courses to qualify for admission, to improve professional qualifications, for transfer credit, or for personal interest.
Any person interested in pursuing learning opportunities is eligible to apply as a part-time Special student in degree-credit courses, subject to course availability and course prerequisites. A processing fee will be applied. Course availability may change from year to year.
Note: Since the language of instruction at Carleton University is English, a written and oral command of English is necessary. Proof of English Language Proficiency may be required.
Course Load
Special students may normally enrol in a maximum of 2.0 credits per academic session (Fall/Winter) and no more than the equivalent of 1.0 credit (e.g. two half-credit courses) in any one term. During the Summer session, Special students may enrol in a maximum of 1.0 credit.
Deferred and supplemental (Fourth-year Engineering only) examinations scheduled during the term, as well as audited courses, are included in calculating the course load.
Special students who have completed one or more full credits with an overall CGPA of 7.0 in all credits taken at Carleton (including failures) may register in the equivalent of 1.5 credits in each term of the Fall/Winter session.
During the Fall/Winter session, Special students may enrol in 5.0 credits under either of the following conditions:
- The student is enrolled full time in a degree program at another institution and can present a Letter of Permission authorized by an appropriate official of the institution; or
- The student holds an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution and wishes to pursue further study for professional development or in preparation for entry into graduate study.
Course Selection
Anyone wishing to be admitted eventually to a degree program is advised to note the specific Faculty requirements for course selection and the admission requirements for Special and Mature entrants as they are listed in the undergraduate Calendar. Special students who have not completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent may need to upgrade their qualifications by enrolling in courses at the Qualifying-University year level. For more information on admission to degree or certificate programs, please contact the Admissions Office.
Fee Payment
Fee payment is due in full upon registration. Failure to pay all outstanding fees by the published deadlines will result in complete withdrawal from all courses. Information on fee payment deadlines can be found on the Student Accounts website.
Auditing
With the permission of the instructor, students may audit courses which are not designated as having limited enrolment. Auditors receive no grade and no credit for courses audited.
Forms
Special Student Application form
Special Student Information Brochure
Special Student Information sheet