Admissions Procedures

General College Admission Requirements

1. To be admitted to the College, applicants must qualify as either domestic students or as international students.
   
   
   
   1. Applicants who are in possession of valid documentation confirming their legal status as Canadian citizens, permanent residents or as allowed by the Tuition and Fees Policy 310 will be treated as domestic students for the purpose of enrolment, tuition fee assessment, scholarship and award funding.
   
   
   2. Applicants who are not domestic students and who meet the guidelines established for international students studying in Canada by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will qualify as international students.
   
   
   
   


2. To be considered as a visiting student, applicants must present the following:
   
   
   
   1. A completed application noting their request to be considered a visiting student; and
   
   
   2. A Letter of Permission from their home institution which stipulates the course(s) the student will take at VCC, and that will be recognized at their home institution.
   
   
   
   


3. As part of the annual enrolment planning process determinations will be made around reasonable limits on international student admission on a program by program basis.


4. Admissions Officers will review application information to ensure that declared immigration status is consistent with previous educational experience.  In the event that questions arise, staff will follow up with the applicant and may request additional supporting documentation to support the information provided. 


5. At the time of enrolment, students must be at least 16 years of age (17 years for international students)


6. Underage applicants may be granted special admission on an individual basis, subject to the following:

For domestic applicants:

1. a written consent from a parent or guardian, and


2. letters of support from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's circumstances (such as a school principal or health care provider).

For international applicants:

3. proof of high school graduation, and


4. adherence to the guidelines established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Program/Course Admission Requirements

7. Once applicants have met the general VCC admission requirements, they must then meet the admission requirements or course pre-requisites of the program/course as listed in the approved Program Content Guide or Course Outline.


8. There are three (3) processes the College can use to admit students into its programs and courses:
   
   
   
   1. Standard Admissions;
   
   
   2. Selective Admissions;
   
   
   3. Flexible Admissions.
   
   
   
   

Applying for Admissions at VCC

9. Applicants are required to submit all required documents as outlined on the College website, to the relevant Registration Area including, but not limited to official transcripts, original assessment results, proof of citizenship, or other non-academic requirements. The submitting of fraudulent application related documents will result in a minimum penalty of a one year restriction from applying to or acceptance into any VCC program and courses.


10. Applicants will pay an application fee where required.


11. In programs where demand exceeds capacity applicants may be waitlisted in order of their qualifying date, except for Indigenous applicants. For further information refer to the Indigenous Education Enrolment Policy 304.


12. Applicants will be officially notified of admission decisions by the relevant Registration Area.


13. Applicants will be notified of conditional acceptance and of any submission deadlines by the relevant Registration Area.

Transfer Credit

14. Students must apply for transfer credit and submit official transcripts, applicable course outlines and any other supporting documents to the relevant Registration Area.  For further information refer to the Transfer Credit Policy 317.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

15. Students seeking PLAR must apply and submit all supporting documentation to the relevant Registration Area and pay the applicable fee. For further information refer to PLAR Policy 316.

Insert Applicant

16. Insert students who have taken at least a one (1) year break from their program at VCC, or are transferring into a program from another institution, must submit an application to the relevant Registration Area. The Registration Area works with the department to facilitate an appropriate entry point based on the applicant's educational history and seat availability.


17. Insert students who have taken less than a one (1) year break from their program must meet with their program's Department Leader to determine an appropriate re-entry point. The decision and details must be communicated to the Registration Area by the Department Leader in a timely fashion.

Admissions Review

18. Students can appeal an admissions decision by submitting an Admissions Review form within 30 days of being notified of the decision. Forms are available from the relevant Registration Area and must be submitted along with any supporting documentation.


19. The relevant Registration Area will determine if the supporting documentation meets the admission/selection requirements in consultation with the relevant department as required.


20. The relevant Registration Area will notify the applicant in writing of the results of the Admissions Review within 15 business days after the form and supporting documentation have been submitted.


21. In special cases, applicants who do not meet certain admission requirements may be admitted with agreement between the Registrar (or delegate) and the appropriate Department Leader. Consultation with Student Services representatives may be held as needed. The appropriate Dean is notified of the decision by the Department Leader.