Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Open Studies
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
Students may complete up to a maximum of 30 credits through Open Studies. Students may take up to 18 credits per term.
Why take VCC Open Studies?
- Sample different courses to figure out which field of study or college education is right for you.?
- Get a head start on a program you plan to take — earn credits in advance.
- Prefer a slower pace? Ease into a full program by taking a few courses each semester.
- Build skills for a new job or a promotion.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Complete a VCC application
- Provide evidence of English language proficiency (English Studies 12 recommended)
- Provide evidence of meeting course pre-requisites
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Courses *
A selection of open studies courses is available each term. Courses with an open CRN (course registration number) shown below are available for the Spring 2025 term (May - August).
Seats are on a first-come first-served basis.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for Open Studies.
Accounting Courses
| Course code | Course name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 1035 | Financial Accounting 1 | 3 |
Business and Project Management Courses
Hospitality Courses
Marketing Courses
Humanities Courses (University Transfer)
Science Courses (University Transfer)
| Course code | Course name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 | 61372 |
| SCIE 1151 | Engineering Graphics & Design | 3 | 61367 |
Accounting Courses
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 1035 | Financial Accounting 1 | 3 |
Business and Project Management Courses
Hospitality Courses
Marketing Courses
Humanities Courses (University Transfer)
Science Courses (University Transfer)
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1151 | Engineering Graphics & Design | 3 |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
Courses have tuition and fees. Tuition costs vary per course and range between $300 – $530. Fees are approximately $92 per term (depending on the number of courses you are taking).
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Here are the steps to taking Open Studies courses:
1) Apply on EducationPlanner BC (applications open one month or less before the term starts)
2) VCC will complete your registration
- If there are seats available, VCC will register you into your courses.
- Seats are first-come first-served.
3) Watch for an email from VCC
- You will receive an email with information about your courses.
4) Pay for your courses
- Tuition and fees vary for each course.
- Log in to your my.vcc account for details.
- Find out how to pay your fees.
5) Enjoy your classes!
Get started
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.