Pass/No Credit Grading Option

Following a change to academic regulations approved by the University Senate, effective September 1st, 2025, changes to the Pass (P) and No Credit (NC) grading options will be in place for all undergraduate students.

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss these options with their academic advisor before submitting an application, as they may have implications for future academic and professional goals.

Please note: Pass (P) and No Credit (NC) grades cannot be applied to courses in which a student has been found guilty of an academic integrity offence.

Application Process

  • Application Period: Students may only apply for a 'P' or 'NC' grade after the academic term for the course has officially ended.
  • Deadline: The deadline to submit an application is one month following the last official day of the term in which the course was taken.
  • Submission: Applications should be submitted using the appropriate form found under the Pass (P) or No Credit (NC) sections.

Exceptions to the P/NC Grading Option

The P/NC grading option is not available for the following:

  • Honours Thesis
  • Field courses
  • Co-op Work Terms
  • Advanced standing credit hours
  • Courses with a recorded violation of academic integrity.
  • A "P" may not be accepted as a prerequisite for other courses with minimum grade requirements (For example, where a C+ or better is required as a prerequisite).

 

Students who experience unpredictable or unforeseen exceptional extenuating circumstances that result in significant personal crisis and demonstrably impact academic performance may apply to the Dean of the Faculty to have a passing grade in a course replaced with a Pass (P) grade that confers credit hours but is not included in GPA calculations.

Please Note: Students are limited to a combined total of 30 credit hours for Pass (P) and Aegrotat (AE) grades throughout their undergraduate degree.


Application

A link to the Pass (P) application form will be available on this page on the last day of final exams and the term.


Considerations

Academic

Students considering a P grade for course(s) that may serve as a prerequisite for other courses with minimum grade requirement in their program(s) should consult with their Academic Advising Office. Once a P grade application is submitted the student will not have the opportunity to reverse their letter grade. For example, courses where a C grade or higher is required as a prerequisite.


Professional Accreditation and Certification 

Students considering a P grade and its impact on professional accreditation and professional certification should consult with their Academic Advising Office. For example, Engineering students applying for their discipline placement at Dalhousie should first speak with the Engineering Advisor.


Graduate Programs

Students who plan to pursue further higher education should check the admission requirements prior to opting to complete a course using a final grade option of P. Students should consult their Academic Advising Office with further questions.


Co-operative Education

Students should consult with the Co-operative Education Office prior to opting to complete a course using a final grade option of P.


Employment Opportunities 

Students should consider that organizations outside the University may use grades to evaluate students for employment opportunities.


Financial Aid (Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards) & Dean's List

Except in cases where eligibility requires a letter grade in a specific course:

  • A Pass (P) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations, but credit hours will be recognized. 
  • A No Credit (NC) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations; credit hours will not be recognized.

What if I repeat a course?

Please see:

 

Students can elect to have a final grade in a course replaced with a No Credit (NC) grade that does not confer credit hours and is not included in GPA calculations. Students may apply for NC grades for a maximum of nine (9) credit hours during their undergraduate program.


Application

A link to the No Credit (NC) application form will be available on this page on the last day of final exams and the term.


Considerations

Employment Opportunities 

Students should consider that organizations outside the University may use grades to evaluate students for employment opportunities.


Financial Aid (Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards) & Dean's List

Except in cases where eligibility requires a letter grade in a specific course:

  • A Pass (P) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations, but credit hours will be recognized. 
  • A No Credit (NC) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations; credit hours will not be recognized.

What if I repeat a course?

Please see:

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