Durham College says it is working on two ONCAT-funded projects on PLAR and transfer credits
Durham College said it is working on two projects funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) focused on prior learning assessment and transfer-credit estimates, according to a July 2 post by the college.
The projects relate to how students may be able to receive academic credit based on relevant work and life experience, or have previous post-secondary studies considered as transfer credits before accepting an offer of admission.
One project focuses on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), a process that can award academic credit for relevant work and life experience.
Durham College said it received more than 700 PLAR requests last year, representing a 38% increase over the previous year.
As part of that initiative, the college said it plans to create a searchable repository of PLAR assessments. Durham College said the repository would provide staff with easier access to information to support a more streamlined process.
“Recognizing prior learning saves students time and money,” said Kate Staig, director of program quality and development for professional and part-time learning, in the college’s post.
The second ONCAT-funded project focuses on transfer credits for students entering Durham College with prior education.
The project would provide applicants with clearer insight into potential credit recognition before they accept an offer of admission, the college said. Durham College said it plans to integrate application data with student information systems to introduce automated pre-assessments that evaluate transfer credits at the point of admission.
“This is something students consistently ask for – they want to understand what credits they’ll receive before committing to Durham College,” said Alexandra Bursey, manager of transfer services.
Durham College said the two projects are part of ONCAT’s 2025–26 funding program supporting learner mobility initiatives across Ontario.