Lapsed & Failed Standing Students
Lapsed program
If a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) student in good academic standing does not attend courses at Concordia for 6 or more consecutive terms, then their program lapses and they can no longer register.
Lapsed students may apply to the Faculty of Fine Arts (FOFA) Student Academic Services (SAS) to return to their BFA studies. Whenever possible, we try to accommodate this request.
Lapsed students leave in good academic standing, but re-entry into their program(s) of study may not be possible due to changes to the program curriculum & technical components of the degree since leaving their studies. In some instances, the program of study may not be offered anymore.
Departments may require a portfolio or audition before considering re-entry. Decisions are made case by case.
How to return to your studies
- Complete a General Student Request Form
- Attach a signed/dated letter explaining your departure, what you have been doing during the interim and the reason why you want to return now
- Attach all copies of academic records from other institutions attended during the period of absence from Concordia
- Send above documents to finearts.sas@concordia.ca
- If you have questions, please connect with your FOFA Student Academic Services advisor
Failed standing
Students in Failed standing will receive a notice from the Registrar at the end of May if their academic assessment reveals an annual GPA less than 1.50 or they have two consecutive assessments on Conditional Standing (1.50-1.99 aGPA). The communication is sent to the student's email listed on their Student Centre with clear directives as to the process for continuing with their studies.
While students may choose to continue with their BFA upon failing out, it is encouraged that students consider the option of taking a break, if the situation that contributed to their course failures is not on track to be resolved by the upcoming Fall semester.
FOFA Readmission for BFA Failed Students prior to May 2026:
Students who were assessed and fell into Failed Standing prior to May 2026 need to meet with FOFA Student Academic Service’s Academic Counsellor for Retention to discuss the process and timeline for their anticipated return to their studies.
Please email finearts.sas@concordia.ca with full name, ID#, Major and request an advising appointment as a Failed BFA student prior to 2026 to discuss readmission with Amanda Holt.
International students are encouraged to meet with Amanda Holt and apply for readmission as soon as possible should they require renewal of their CAQ &/or Study Permits.
While readmission is generally reserved for Fall re-entry, Winter semester readmission to the BFA is considered on case-by-case basis.
Additional Information & Supports for Failed/Readmitted Students:
