Admission and Readmission

Becoming a Capilano University Student

1. Get Informed
   • Read the calendar and the Capilano website to find information about your program of interest; contact the program area if you have questions.
   • For information about events for your program of interest please visit our event calendar page.
   • For general information contact the Registrar’s Office at 604.984.4900.
2. Check the Admission Requirements
   • Before you apply, check to make sure you meet the admission requirements for the program you have chosen.
   • General information on admission requirements is posted on the Admission Requirements page.
   • Program-specific admission requirements can be found on the program pages. Make sure you check the specific program page for application and document deadlines.
3. What to Submit:
   • Submit an Application for Admission/Readmission
     • New Applicants – all first-time applicants must apply for admission.
     • Returning Applicants - All students in non-cohort programs who have not attended classes for three consecutive major terms (fall or spring) must apply for readmission. Students who wish to change programs or have withdrawn from a cohort program must also apply for readmission.
     • Current Students - All current students who want to change programs must submit a new application.
     • All applicants should apply through EducationPlannerBC.
   • Submit Application Fee
     • You must pay this fee online when you submit the online application.
     • A $50 non-refundable application fee is required for new or returning students.
     • A $135 non-refundable application fee for new international students.
   • Submit Supporting Documents
     • Supporting documents can be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 3H5.
4. Register:
   
   • Complete information on how to register, as well as schedules (myCapU ) of all the courses to be offered in the coming term will be available online at myCapU. This information will be available prior to the commencement of registration. Individual student information on when to register will be available on their myCapU
5. Pay Your Tuition:
   • The most current fee information is available online at Fees & Finances.
6. Medical Insurance:
   • Students are not covered by Workers’ Compensation while attending Capilano University. Students are responsible for acquiring their own Medical Services Plan (MSP) and accident insurance coverage.
   • International students must have adequate medical coverage while studying at Capilano University. Students can buy medical insurance for the first 90 days in British Columbia from their home country or at the Capilano Centre for International Experience.
   • Any Temporary Resident who stays in British Columbia for 6 months or longer must have the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). Find more details on the MSP website.

Application Dates

Application deadlines vary by program, please consult the individual program websites for the most up-to-date information. We encourage students to apply early!

Most program applications open 11 months prior to the start of that term.

• Fall Intakes - first Tuesday in October
• Spring Intakes - first Tuesday in February
• Summer Intakes - first Tuesday in June

Admission Requirements

English Language Requirement

All students must have a level of English sufficient to write assignments, read textbooks, understand class lectures, and take part in class discussions.

If English is not your first language, or you have received your education in another language, you will be required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency in one of the following ways:

Ways to Meet the English Language Requirement

English Language Assessment Tests

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 83 (internet-based score), 560 (paper-based score) Contact: www.ets.org/toefl (Note: Capilano University's TOEFL institution code is 0505)
• ELA (English Language Assessment Test): 145 Contact: Vancouver Community College, King Edward Campus, 1155 East Broadway
• Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6 Contact: www.ielts.org or ielts@sfu.ca
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test): 70 Contact: www.cael.ca
• PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): 56 Contact: www.pearsonpte.com
• DET (Duolingo English Test)*: required minimum mark 110 Contact: englishtest.duolingo.com (*Note: DET test scores will be accepted on a temporary basis until September 2021)

Other Ways to Meet the English Language Requirement

• 6 credits of post-secondary English that transfers to Capilano University; or
• English Studies 12 or English 12 or English First Peoples 12 with a final mark of C+ grade or higher and two years of full time high school education in Canada; or
• Advanced Placement English Language/Composition or English Literature /Composition with a minimum mark of 4; or
• International Baccalaureate English Language A Higher Level with a minimum mark of 5; or
• Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Level 4 with an essay score of 26 (scores are valid for a maximum of 5 years after the date of the test); or
• Capilano University EAP 100 and 101 with minimum mark of B+ (77%) in each course; or
• Four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in Canada, or in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language*; or
• Four or more years at an eligible international high school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English; or
• Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language*.

*A list of countries that are considered to have English as the principal language for the purpose of satisfying this requirement can be found in the English Language Requirements section of the Capilano Website.

Students who do not qualify under one of the above measures may submit a Request for a Waiver of the English Language Requirement form to the attention of Admissions in the Registrar’s Office (see the English Language Requirements section of the Capilano Website).

If the University then decides you need additional instruction in English you will be asked to take an English examination suitable to the program area in which you wish to enrol.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program

For students applying only for EAP: EAP Placement Test, contact the EAP Department, Capilano University, 604.986.1911, ext. 4971 or eap@capilanou.ca for a testing appointment.

Provincial Graduation Assessments (all programs)

British Columbia Secondary School students applying to Capilano University will require successful completion of the two provincial graduation assessments (one for numeracy and one for literacy) in order to meet the BC Graduation Program requirements.

Admission Requirements for Preparatory Programs

Please see the specific program description in the University Calendar for admission requirements.

Admission Requirements for Career and Limited Enrolment Programs

Please see the specific program description in the University Calendar for admission requirements.

Admission Requirements for Arts or Sciences Programs

Admission from BC/Yukon high schools

Arts or Sciences programs require British Columbia Secondary School Graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (60%) calculated on English Studies 12 or English 12 or English First Peoples 12 and two (2) academic Grade 12 courses selected from the list below (please note that the list below continues to be under review to reflect the changing BC High School Curriculum):

• All Advanced Placement courses
• All International Baccalaureate courses
• 20th Century World History (formerly History 12)
• Accounting 12 or Financial Accounting 12
• Anatomy and Physiology 12 (formerly Biology 12)
• Applications of Mathematics 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
• Asian Studies (formerly History 12)
• BC First Nations Language 12
• BC First Peoples 12 (formerly BC First Nations Studies 12)
• Calculus 12
• Chemistry 12
• Communications 12
• Comparative Cultures 12 (formerly Comparative Civilization 12)
• Comparative World Religions 12 (formerly Comparative Civilizations 12)
• Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12 (formerly BC First Nations Studies 12)
• Creative Writing 12 (formerly Writing 12)
• Composition 12 (formerly Writing 12)
• E-Commerce 12 (formerly Marketing 12)
• Economics 12
• Economic Theory 12
• Entrepreneurship 12
• Environmental Science 12
• French 12 or Français-Langue Seconde 12
• Genocide Studies 12 (formerly History 12)
• Geology 12
• German 12
• Human Geography 12 (formerly Geography 12)
• Information Technology 12 or one of the following: ICTC 12, ICTM 12, ICTP 12, ICTS 12, ICTX 12
• Japanese 12
• Korean 12
• Law Studies 12
• Literary Studies 12 (formerly English Literature 12)
• Mandarin 12
• New Media 12
• Philosophy and Religion 12 or Philosophy 12
• Physics 12
• Physical Geography 12 (formerly Geography 12)
• Political Studies 12
• Principles of Mathematics 12 or Pre-calculus 12
• Psychology 12
• Punjabi 12
• Social Justice 12
• Spanish 12
• Spoken Language 12
• Sustainable Resources 12
• Urban Geography (formerly Geography 12)

OR

• Successful completion of the BC Adult Dogwood Graduation Diploma; or
• Successful completion of the General Education Diploma (GED)

Admission from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

IB Diploma Applicants

International Baccalaureate students are eligible for admission on the basis of successful completion of the IB Diploma. Capilano University English Language Requirements and program-specific requirements must also be met.

For those students who are completing both the IB Diploma and another high school curriculum, Capilano will use the credential which offers the applicant the best advantage.

Transfer credit or advanced standing will be awarded for IB courses. Please see the Transfer Credit section of this calendar for a table of credit awarded for IB coursework. Applicants may also consult the BC Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca.

IB Certificate Applicants

In order to meet admission requirements, applicants must successfully achieve high school completion (or the equivalent). Capilano University English Language Requirements and program-specific requirements must also be met. For IB students not completing the IB Diploma, it should be noted that IB certificate courses at both the standard and higher level can be used for admission in conjunction with another high school curriculum. IB certificate courses will also be considered for transfer credit or advanced standing. Please see the Transfer Credit section of this calendar for a table of credit awarded for IB coursework. Applicants may also consult the BC Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca.

IB Grade Conversion

We will convert your IB exam scores into percentages for purposes of admission and transfer credit. If you are completing an IB course and the related high school course, we will use the higher of the two grades for admission.

IB Exam Grade	% Equivalent
7	96
6	90
5	86
4	76
3	70

Admission from the Advanced Placement (AP) Program

In order to meet admission requirements applicants must successfully achieve high school completion (or the equivalent). Capilano University English Language Requirements and program-specific requirements must also be met. AP courses are eligible for admission consideration and AP course grades may be combined with an approved high school curriculum to meet Capilano’s admission requirements. AP courses will also be considered for transfer credit or advanced standing. Please see the Transfer Credit section of this calendar for a table of credit awarded for AP coursework. Applicants may also consult the BC Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca.

AP Grade Conversion

We will convert your AP scores into percentages for the purpose of admission and transfer credit. If you are completing an AP course and the related high school course, we will use the higher of the two grades for admission.

AP Grade	% Equivalent
5	96
4	86
3	80
2	70

Arts or Sciences Programs: Canadian Students from Other Provinces

Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Applicants must supply evidence of academic Grade 12 completion leading to graduation and include at least three five-credit courses, selected as follows:

1. English Language Arts 30-1; and
2. At least two additional courses selected from:
   Aboriginal Studies 30, Biology 30, Blackfoot Language and Culture 30, Experimental Psychology 30, Chemistry 30, Chinese Language Arts 30, Computer Science – Advanced level CTS (5 credits), Cree Language and Culture 30, Français 30/30-1/30-2, French 30, French 31A/ 31B/31C, French Language Arts 30, German Language and Culture 30, German Language Arts 30, Italian Language and Culture 30, Japanese Language and Culture 30, Latin 30, Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2, Mathematics 30-3, Mathematics 31, Macroeconomics 30, Microeconomics 30, Philosophies of Man 30, Physics 30, Punjabi Language and Culture 30, Science 30, Social Studies 30, Spanish Language and Culture 30, Spanish Language Arts 30, Ukrainian Language and Culture 30, Ukrainian Language Arts 30, Western World History 30. 

Admission average will be based on English Language Arts 30-1 and the two best five-credit courses in group two.

Saskatchewan

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of academic level three (grade 12) leading to graduation, including at least four academic courses selected as follows:

1. English A30 and B30; and
2. At least two additional 30 numbered courses selected from:
   Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Computer Science 30, Earth Science 30, Economics 30, English Language Arts A 30 and B 30, Entrepreneurship 30, Francais Fransaskois A30 and B30, Francais immersion 30, French 30, Geography 30, Geology 30, German 30, History 30: Canadian Studies, Latin 30, Law 30, Math: Calculus 30, Math: Foundations 30, Math: Pre-calculus 30, Math: Workplace and Apprenticeship 30, Mandarin 30, Native Studies 30: Canadian Studies, Physics 30, Psychology 30, Social Studies 30: Canadian Studies, Spanish 30, Ukrainian 30, Ukrainian Language Arts 30.

Admission average will be based on English A30, B30 and the two best courses in group two.
Note: English is a double course so this average is over four courses but only three subject areas.

Manitoba

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of an academic program that will lead to graduation and includes at least three courses selected as follows:

1. English Language Arts 40S (one of Comprehensive, Literary or Transactional focus); and
2. At least two additional courses selected from:
   Accounting Systems 40S, Applied Mathematics 40S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Chinese 40S, Computer Science 40S, Current Topics in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies (40S), Deutsch 40S, Economics 40S, Essential Mathematics 40S, Filipino 40S, Francais 40S, French 40S, Geography 40S, German 40S, Global Issues: Citizenship & Sustainability 40S, Hebrew 40S, History: Western Civilization 40S, Icelandic 40S, Introduction to Calculus 45S, Italian 40S, Japanese 40S, Latin 40S, Law 40S, Physics 40S, Polish 40S, Portuguese 40S, Pre-calculus Mathematics 40S, Psychology (40S), World Geography: A Human Perspective (40S), World Issues 40S, Spanish 40S, Ukrainian 40S.

Admission average will be based on English Language Arts 40S and the two best courses in group two.

Ontario

Applicants must supply evidence of academic Grade 12 completion, including at least three academic courses selected as follows:

1. ENG4U; and
2. At least two additional 4U/M courses selected from:
   Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Canadian and International Law (CLN4U), Canadian and World Politics (CPW4U), Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis (CGW4U), Earth and Space Science (SES4U), Analysing Current Economic Issues (CIA4U), Geomatics: Geotechnologies in Action (CGO4M), World Geography: Human Patterns and Interactions (CGU4U), World History: The West and the World (CHY4U, Classical Civilization (LVV4U), Latin (LVLCU), Other Languages (L**DU), Physics (SPH4U), Studies in Literature (ETS4U), The Writer's Craft (EWC4U), Core French (FSF4U), French Immersion (FIF4U), Exercise Science (PSE4U), Interdisciplinary (IDC4U & IDP4U), Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U), Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (MGA4U), Aboriginal Governance: Emerging Directions (NDG4M), Indigenous Peoples (NDW4M), Science (SNC4M), Technological Design (TDJ4M).

Admission average will be based on English 4U and two acceptable courses from group two.

Quebec

CEGEP: Applicants from a CEGEP must present either a completed DEC or at least one year of an approved academic program.

Grade 12: Applicants must supply evidence of academic Grade 12 completion including at least 3 academic courses selected as follows:

1. English 12; and
2. At least two additional university preparatory grade 12 courses selected from:
   Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Social Sciences.

Admission average will be based on English 12, and the two best courses in group two.
If your first language is French and you have four years or more of full-time study in a Canadian school system and English 12 (or equivalent) is among the courses you have successfully completed, you will satisfy the Language Requirement for admission to Capilano University.

New Brunswick

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of an academic (i.e. college preparatory) program which will lead to graduation and includes at least three courses as follows:

1. English 121 or 122; and
2. At least two additional grade 12 academic courses selected from:
   Biology 121/122, Calculus 120, Canadian Geography 120, Canadian History 120/122, Canadian Literature 120, Chemistry 121 or 122, Computer Science 120, Economics 120, Environmental Science 122, Foundations of Mathematics 120, French 122, Geography 120, Geology 120, History 120, Language Arts 120, Law 120, Mandarin 120, Native Studies 120, Physics 121 or 122, Political Science 120, Pre-calculus A120/B120, Psychology 120, Science 122, Sociology 120, Spanish 120, Trig & 3-Space 121, Trig & 3-Space 122, World History 121, World Issues 120, Writing 110.

Admission average will be based on English 121 or 122 and the two best courses in group two.

Prince Edward Island

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of an academic or advanced academic program which will lead to graduation and includes at least three academic and/or advanced academic subjects selected as follows:

1. English 611 or 621; and
2. At least two additional courses numbered 611 or 621 from:
   Animal Science 621A, Biology 621A, Chemistry 621A, Computer Studies 621A, Exploring Civilizations 621F, Francais 621M/F, French 621A/M, Global Studies 621A, Canadian History HIS621A, Introductory Economics 621A, Oceans 621A, Physics 621A, Political Science 621A, Mathematics 611/621, Sociology 621F.

Admission average will be based on English 611 or 621 and the two best courses in group two.

Nova Scotia

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of an academic (i.e. university preparatory) program that will lead to graduation, including at least three subjects selected as follows:

1. English 12; and
2. At least two additional Grade 12 courses selected from:
   Advanced Biology 12, Advanced Chemistry 12, Advanced Physics 12, African Heritage Literature 12, Biology 12, Calculus 12, Canadian Literature 12, Chemistry 12, Computer-Related Studies 12, Economics 12, Food Science 12, Francais Immersion 12, French - core 12, Gaelic 12, Geography 12, Geology 12, German 12, Global Geography 12, Global History 12, Law 12, Mathematics 12 (Academic or Advanced), Physics 12, Pre-calculus 12, Sociology 12, Spanish 12.

Admission average will be based on English 12 and the two best courses in group two.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Applicants must supply evidence of completion of an academic program that will lead to graduation and includes at least 13 credits as follows:

1. English 3201; and
2. At least two additional Grade 12 courses selected from:
   Biology 4221, Chemistry 3202, Computer Science 4220, Earth Systems 3209, Environmental Science 3205, Francais 3202, French 3200/3201, Global Issues 3205, Government and Politics 4227, Histoire Mondiale 3231, Inuktitut 3225, Mathematics 3200/3201/3202/3208, Physics 3204, Social Studies 3201/3202/3231, World Geography 3200/3202, World History 3201, World Literature 3207, World Religions 3101/3106.

Admission average will be based on English 3201 and the two best courses in group two.

Admission Requirements for Students from Other Countries

International students are eligible for admission to Capilano if they have completed the equivalent of secondary school graduation (Grade 12) in British Columbia. Please refer to the applicable section of the University Calendar for complete admission requirements to each program. Note: some programs require a portfolio, supplemental documents, audition, particular academic subjects, a minimum GPA or have a selective or competitive admission process.

Official, original or school-certified transcripts are required for all programs. Transcripts show a list of subjects and grades in each. If graduation is not shown on the official transcript, please provide official proof of graduation as well. These documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, a mid-term report of grades is acceptable until final graduation grades are submitted.

Vocational streams of secondary school completion will be considered for certain programs.

For the International Equivalence Curricula list, please see the Arts or Sciences programs: students from other countries section of the Capilano website.

Other Qualifications for Meeting Admission Requirements

• British Columbia Adult Dogwood Graduation Diploma, or
• General Education Diploma (GED)

Concurrent Admission

Secondary students with superior academic records may apply for limited admission, which will allow enrolment in one or two University courses while still attending secondary school.

Students applying under the concurrent admission category must submit a Concurrent Studies Consent Form co-signed by your parent or legal guardian, with supporting comments provided by your high school principal (or their designate). The completed form must be accompanied by an official copy of your high school academic record.

Inquiries should be directed to admissions@capilanou.ca.

Discretionary Admission

Admission of an Applicant who does not meet one or more of the academic or non-academic admission requirements will be considered Discretionary. A Discretionary Admission application will be jointly approved by the Faculty Dean and the Registrar or the Registrar’s designate.

Home-Schooled Students

• Home-schooled applicants must provide proof that they have met secondary school graduation requirements from a recognized educational jurisdiction and also program-specific minimum subject and academic admission requirements.
• In addition, all applicants are required to take exams, or equivalent, for all courses in which they are mandatory.
• In cases where applicants do not meet the above-mentioned requirements, they must submit a Letter of Intent outlining the reasons for not being able to meet these requirements and provide SAT scores and/or any other relevant documentation for admission consideration.

Visiting Students

A student wishing to take a course at Capilano University to transfer back to their home post-secondary institution may do so by applying to the University as a visiting student and submitting a letter of permission from their home institution to Capilano University. The Letter of Permission must indicate the course the student is permitted to take at the University and how it will transfer back to the home institution. The Letter of Permission must also specify the term in which the course may be taken. Official transcripts might be requested of Visiting Students depending on the course taken at the University. The student must meet all the necessary University admission requirements. Permission to register as a Visiting Student must be approved on a term-by-term basis.

Transfer Students

Students who have successfully completed 9 or more credits in an academic program at a recognized college or university will be granted admission to the Arts or Sciences programs based on the work completed.

Transfer Credit

All public B.C. post-secondary institutions accept each other’s credit upon transfer if applicable to a program at the admitting institution and if there is suitable equivalency.

Transfer Credit will be evaluated at the time of admission for courses listed on the BC Transfer Guide, provided official transcripts have been submitted. Additional transfer credit may be requested for courses completed but not listed on the BC Transfer Guide; students must complete the Request for Transfer Credit form, attach official transcripts if not already submitted, or note that transcripts will be sent directly from another institution, and submit to the Registrar’s Office at transfercredit@capilanou.ca.

All approved transfer credit is noted on the permanent student record. While the credit awarded does not affect the grade point average, the credit will be included in the total number of credits completed and may be used to complete certificate, diploma or degree requirements if applicable.

Limit of Transfer Credits

For most credentials, 50 percent of the required credits must be completed at Capilano University. There might be program-specific residency requirements and/or time restrictions. See the program pages for more information.

Approved transfer credit is relevant at Capilano University only.

Advanced Placement (AP) Transfer Credit

Official transcripts sent directly from the College Board are required in order for transfer credit to be awarded for Advanced Placement courses. Applicants who have passed an Advanced Placement Examination, administered by the College Entrance Examination board, with a minimum of 4 will receive credit as noted on the Advanced Placement Search of BC Transfer Guide website.

Capilano University's Entrance Examination Board Code is 7892

Note:  Transfer credit granted for Advanced Placement courses will apply to programs at Capilano University. Students should be aware that other universities and colleges may not accept these courses for transfer credit.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Transfer Credit

Applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma with the minimum marks listed will receive credit or waivers for some higher level subjects passed as noted on the International Baccalaureate Search of the BC Transfer Guide website.

Note:  Transfer credit granted for International Baccalaureate courses will apply to programs at Capilano University.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Levels

Transfer credit may be awarded for completed academic A-Level subjects (no credit for AS-Level or O-Level subjects is awarded). Students who have achieved strong A-level results may receive first year course credit. Capilano University determines credit for A-Level examined subjects on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process whereby students may receive university credits for learning acquired in formal and informal situations. This process called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is of benefit to students who have work and life experiences that equate to courses offered at the University. For example, if you have on-the-job work experience in computers you may be able to receive credits offered in one or more office or business administration courses. You will need to demonstrate that you have acquired the knowledge, skills and values required in the formal courses for which you are requesting credit. This is done by providing evidence of what you have learned. This might include any one or combination of the following: a work site visit, documentation, interview, oral presentation, or portfolio. For more information about whether PLA is an option in the program for which you are applying, please contact the program coordinator.

The regular tuition fee for the course will be required for PLA. Prior Learning Assessment granted will be recorded on the permanent student record and will appear on the student’s official university transcript.

Credit for PLA will apply to credentials earned at Capilano University. Students should be aware that other universities and colleges may not grant credit or transfer credit for credit received by PLA.