U SPORTS Introduces Flexible Transfer Pathway for Student-Athletes

U SPORTS today announced a significant update to its eligibility policies, introducing new transfer rules that allow student-athletes in their first or second year of U SPORTS eligibility to transfer without penalty. The policy will come into effect beginning with the 2026-2027 season. 

Previously, non-graduating student-athletes who transferred were required to sit out for 365 days from their last date of competition, unless they were making forward academic progression, or competed in cross-country, swimming, or track and field which have existing exemptions.  

This progressive change was developed through extensive consultation with conferences, member institutions, student-athletes, the U SPORTS Eligibility Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors. It reflects the evolving landscape of Canadian university sport and ensures student-athletes have more flexibility earlier in their academic journeys. 

Key Highlights:  

• Greater flexibility: transfers can occur before the start of a student-athlete’s third academic year. 
• Clear timelines to help students plan with confidence: 
• Fall championship sports: December 15 
• Winter championship sports: April 15 
• Transfers move forward with the support of universities, ensuring collaboration in the process. 
• Student-athletes who don’t meet the exemption criteria continue to have access to transfers via the U SPORTS appeal process, providing additional pathways and fairness.  

For a list of Transfer FAQs, please click here. 

What They Said 

Pierre Arsenault, Chief Executive Officer, U SPORTS 
“This is an important step forward for U SPORTS and for our student-athletes. The landscape of post-secondary sport is evolving, and our role is to ensure our policies reflect the needs of those we serve. By providing a more responsive system for student-athletes at the start of their academic careers, we are empowering them to find their best program fit—both in the classroom and in competition. We believe this decision puts student-athletes first, which is exactly where they belong.” 

Tara Hahto, Director of Compliance & Eligibility, U SPORTS 
A meaningful amount of transfer activity takes place during the first two academic years of a student-athlete’s journey, often when they are working to find the right fit academically, athletically, and personally. This policy change responds directly to that reality. It gives student-athletes more flexibility and agency that reflects their evolving goals and circumstances while also maintaining the structure and integrity of U SPORTS competition. After undertaking a long review and consultation process, we’re confident that this change will better support the student experience and strengthen the university sports system.