If a student needs 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements, that student is expected to complete their degree in no more than eight terms after their initial registration. If a student is in the Freshman/Foundation Year program, they become subject to these regulations one year after the initial registration. If a student needs or wants to exceed this time limit, they must receive permission from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Science, to continue their studies.

If a student is registered in the B.A. & Sc., they are expected to complete the requirements of their program and degree within 120 credits. Students will receive credit for all courses (subject to degree regulations) taken up to and including the semester in which they obtain 120 credits. If a student wants to remain at McGill beyond that semester, they must also seek permission of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Science. Permission for exceeding the time and/or credit limits will normally be granted only for valid academic reasons, such as a change of program (subject to departmental approval) and part-time status. If permission is granted, that student will receive credit only for required and complementary courses necessary to complete program requirements.