Accreditation by the UCJ is not retroactive.  This means that students who graduate prior to the effective date of accreditation of a programme of study will not automatically benefit from the accreditation status granted.  Students who graduate within 1-2 years prior to the effective date of accreditation may apply to the UCJ for an equivalence of their qualification to the accredited programme.  The decision to grant equivalence within 1-2 years is made if there is no substantial change to the curriculum and students’ learning experience.

The UCJ’s statement of equivalence signifies completion of a programme of study and that the programme, though completed prior to the accredited one, is considered comparable in standard in terms of length, content, and learning outcomes for the field of study.  In this way, the qualification conferred by the institution may be accepted for employment purposes and for the purpose of further education in the field of study.