Special Student Information

How to Apply

The following is a guide on how to apply to become a Special Student and what resources are available to you.

Application Process

• To apply online please fill out an online application.
• Transcripts and/or proof of English Language Proficiency must be submitted with the application. Details on this requirement are available at Section 4 of the General Admissions Requirements section of the undergraduate calendar.
  • The English language requirements for future international students are available at the Admissions Services website.
• English language tests must be from the last 2 years.
• A processing fee of $75.00 (effective May 1, 2025) must be paid when the application is submitted.
  • Payment can only be made online by credit card.
• Processing time is typically up to 5 working days, with the exception of registration periods where there may be longer processing times due to higher volumes.
• An email will be sent once your application is approved with your student identification number and registration information.
• You can apply any time throughout the year, but please allow sufficient processing time prior to registration dates.

Resources for Special Students

Registrar’s Office

For information on applying, registration, and course availability

Academic Advising Centre

For current special students with a student identification number looking to create an academic plan

Graduate Studies

For students interested in applying for graduate degree programs

Courses

The following is important information about courses as a special student:

Course Load

• Special students may normally enroll in up to 2.0 credits per academic session (e.g. Fall and Winter together) and no more than 1.0 credit per term (e.g. two half-credit courses). Special students may enroll in up to 1.0 credit during the Summer session.
• 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 up to 1.5 credits in each term of the Fall/Winter session.
• Special students who provide proof of the following may request up to 2.5 credits per term in Fall/Winter session and 2.0 credits in the summer session:
  • The student is enrolled full time in a degree program at another institution and can present a Letter of Permission authorized by that institution
  • The student holds an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution and wishes to pursue further study for professional development or in preparation for graduate study.
• Credit limit increases are not automatically renewed and must be requested each term.
• Audited courses are included in calculating the course load.
• Special students who have been admitted with an English as a Second Language Requirement (ESLR) are governed by additional regulations. Please consult the ESLR Information page for further details.

Course Selection

• If you wish to eventually take a degree program note the specific Faculty requirements for Special and Mature entrants in the undergraduate Calendar.
• Those who have not completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent may need to update their qualifications by enrolling in courses at the Qualifying-University year level.
• Please contact the Admissions Office for any questions on admission to degree or certificate programs.

Course Availability

• Applicants are encouraged to view the course offerings on the Public Class Schedule.
• Degree students are given priority within the course registration system.
• Some courses are restricted to degree students only, such as:
  • First-year seminars
  • Journalism, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Industrial Design
• These restrictions will be indicated in the course description.
• Some undergraduate and all graduate courses require the permission of the department or individual instructor.

Course Withdrawal

Course withdrawal must be done via Carleton Central within the published deadlines. Non-attendance or failure to pay fees does not constitute as a withdrawal. Failure to pay your tuition fees by the published fee payment deadlines may result in deregistration from all courses.