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Special Student Status

Special Student Status for School of Continuing Studies

This following information applies to all programs within the School of Continuing Studies.

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate Courses

The majority of undergraduate courses at the School of Continuing Studies are open to the general public. Anyone over 18 years of age can register. If you are under 18 years of age, you may register on the condition that you have already completed your DEC (Diplôme d'Études Collégiales).

If you are interested in taking courses without necessarily committing yourself to completing a degree, diploma, or certificate, you may do so by registering as an “Independent Student”. To do so, students need to have the required prerequisite qualifications for the course and meet the admission criteria.
Note: The number of courses an Independent Student may take is limited. Students are encouraged to apply to a program before completing four (4) courses. The School of Continuing Studies has no obligation to recognize credits earned by Independent Students toward completion of a certificate program.

For details on how to register in courses, please consult the website: mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/independent-special-students.

Graduate Courses

Graduate Courses

Students must hold a university degree from a recognised university that is equivalent to an undergraduate degree as approved by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to be admitted to a graduate-level course.

Note: The number of courses an Independent Student may take is limited. Students are encouraged to apply to a Diploma or Graduate Diploma program before completing four (4) courses and to a Graduate Certificate program before completing two (2) courses. The School of Continuing Studies has no obligation to recognise credits earned by Independent Students toward completion of a Diploma, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate program.
Note: Other academic regulations may apply to Independent Students, depending on the courses in which you register.

For further information please refer to the relevant academic area’s section of this publication or to the website: mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/independent-special-students. Independent students who wish to register for graduate-level courses must see an advisor prior to registration.

Documents Required to Register for Courses

Documents Required to Register for Courses

For more information, please refer to the Other Ways to Register page.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Apr. 21, 2024) (disclaimer)
École d'éducation permanente—2024-2025 (last updated Apr. 21, 2024) (disclaimer)
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