A group of smiling diverse students sits around a table with their laptops and books out.

Bachelor of Commerce – University Transfer

The Bachelor of Commerce university transfer program will introduce you to essential business principles while providing you with an interdisciplinary perspective. You'll be equipped with a well-rounded skill set to ensure your success in future studies. A Bachelor of Commerce degree isn't just a credential—it's a gateway to a world of career opportunities in business and beyond.
Next Start date:
University Transfer
1-2 years at RDP and 2-3 additional years at most universities
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time Online On Campus

Your Ambition Realized with the Bachelor of Commerce

Prepare for further studies in Business and Commerce with the University Transfer: Bachelor of Commerce program. This one-year transfer program will provide you with foundational skills and knowledge in business and economics, as well as meet pre-professional general liberal education requirements. 

Many universities in Alberta and across Canada provide students with the opportunity to transfer into their 4-year business degree programs. At Red Deer Polytechnic, students may complete the first year of the undergraduate business degree programs offered at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, Athabasca University or other Canadian universities. 

Work-integrated Learning

No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll participate in two 90-hour work-integrated learning opportunities as well as project-based courses where you will do in the classroom what you would do on the job. 

Further Study

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business  

  • Year 1 at RDP, Years 2-4 at U of C  

Entry to the BCom program at U of C requires six half-courses (18 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in one year, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of C in Year 2. All courses which you intend to submit to U of C for admission requirements must be completed by the end of winter term of the year of application.  

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business  

  • Years 1 at RDP, Years 2,-4 at U of A  

Entry to the BCom program at U of A requires 20 courses (60 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in two years, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of A in Year 3. This program will vary slightly depending on the major you choose.  

Burman University

Burman University provides students with the opportunity to transfer into its Bachelor of Business Administration (4-yr) degree program. To meet the core, cognate, and major requirements for transfer into this program, you should consult with an Academic Advisor at Burman University. 

Important Notes

  • You may be eligible to transfer to other programs than those listed above. Please enquire with the institution you are interested in to explore what possibilities exist. 
  • Most universities have enrollment quotas. You must compete for admission. A GPA of 3.00 or higher is recommended. 

Domestic Intakes

Winter 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

International Intakes

Winter 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

Note: 

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance 

  • Important dates may change. 

Admission Requirement

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.    

If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic Requirements

Students applying to Bachelor of Commerce must have a minimum of 60% with no mark below 50% in:      

  • ELA 30-1  

  • Math 30-1 

Note: Students who enter the program with English 30-2 must take English 30-1 or the equivalent (English 095) and may not complete the program in four terms. English 095 is not credited towards diploma requirements as it is equivalent to high school English 30-1. 

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements. 

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Commerce, visit Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit to learn more.

Program Cost

Domestic Students
Year 1
$8,817.00
Year 2
$8,654.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View a detailed estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$23,668.00
Year 2
$23,097.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View a detailed estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

Program Content

View our course guide to learn more about your program content. 

Course List

Alberta School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) 

All applicants must complete one year of pre-professional studies in order to apply to the program. 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 1: 

  • BUS 306/BUS 307 (6 credits) 

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits) 

  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits) 

  • MATH 202 or MATH 203 (3 credits) 

  • Three Non-Business Options (9 credits) 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 2: 

  • ACCT 202/ACCT 204 (6 credits) 

  • BADM 132 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 303 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 310 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 311 (3 credits) 

  • Four Non-Business Options (12 credits) 

This program will vary slightly depending on the major chosen. 

University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) 

Entry to the BCom Program at U of C requires 6 half-courses (18 credits) of pre-professional studies. 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 1: 

  • BUS 306/BUS 307 (6 credits) 

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits) 

  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits) OR 

  • ENGL 219 & PHIL 201 (6 credits) OR 

  • ENGL 219 & Junior Humanities Option (6 credits) OR 

  • ENGL 219 & Fine Arts Option (6 credits) 

  • MATH 202 OR MATH 203 (3 credits) 

  • One Junior Science* (3 credits) 

  • One Junior Social Science Option (3 credits) 

  • Two Junior Non-Commerce Options (6 credits) 

Note: All courses which you intend to submit to U of C for admission requirements must be completed by the end of winter term of the year of application. 

University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, Bachelor of Management 

Applicants who have completed three or more transferable semester courses at one or more post-secondary institutions will be considered for admission as New Transfer applicants. 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 1: 

  • BUS 306 (3 credits) 

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits) 

  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits) 

  • BUS 201 (3 credits) 

  • Four General Liberal Education Requirements GLER/Option (12 credits) 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 2: 

  • ACCT 202/ACCT 204 (6 credits) OR ACCT 202/ACCT 104 (6 credits) 

  • BADM 132 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 311 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 303 (3 credits) 

  • BUS 310 (3 credits) 

  • Four General Liberal Education Requirements GLER/Option (12 credits) 

This program will vary slightly depending on the major chosen. 

Athabasca University, Bachelor of Commerce 

For specific program requirements and regulations, please contact Athabasca University directly. 

Note: Athabasca University has an open admission policy. 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 1: 

  • BADM 110 (3 credits) 

  • CMPT 261 (3 credits) 

  • COMM 250 (3 credits) 

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits) 

  • ENGL 219/220 (Recommended) (6 credits) OR 

  • ENGL 219 and one Junior Humanities, Science or Social Science (6 credits) 

  • MATH 202 (3 credits) 

  • Two Junior Humanities, Science or Social Science (6 credits) 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 2: 

ACCT 202/ACCT 204 (6 credits) 

· BUS 306/BUS 307 (6 credits) 

· BUS 311 (3 credits) 

· Four Senior Humanities, Science or Social Science (12 credits) 

· One of BADM 132, BADM 281 or BUS 303 (3 credits 

Mount Royal University, Bissett School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 

Students who have completed a University Transfer Studies Diploma (20 University Transfer Courses), with the ten Core BBA Business Courses specified below, may apply for entry to the third year of MRU’s BBA Program at RDP. 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 1: 

  • BUS 306/BUS 307 (6 credits) 

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits) 

  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits) 

  • Four Management or General Education Courses (12 credits) * 

Suggested Pattern of Courses Year 2: 

  • BADM 132 Introduction to Marketing (3 credits) 

  • ACCT 202 Introduction to Financial Accounting (3 credits) 

  • ACCT 204 Managerial Accounting (3 credits) 

  • BADM 110 Introduction to Management (3 credits) 

  • BADM 281 Human Resources (3 credits) 

  • BUS 303 Introduction to Organizational Behavior (3 credits) 

  • Four Management or General Education Courses (12 credits) 

Graduation Requirements

You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

Continuation Requirements

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.