Apply for your studies

Join the growing number of international students who have made the choice to learn and live in B.C.

Choose a school or institution

What do you want to study?

Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs

Children can enrol in Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs at various public or independent elementary and secondary schools in B.C. Depending on your length of stay, there are many different types of learning opportunities available that lead to high school graduation.

Because public schools and programs are organized into districts, you will need to visit public school district websites to find the right program for you. Or you can contact an independent school directly to enrol in one of their programs.

Post-secondary programs

B.C's post-secondary institutions offer everything from short-term courses to four-year degree programs including:

• English as a second language
• Career/trades/vocational programs
• Technologies and technical programs
• Degree programs
• Graduate programs at the Masters and PhD levels

EducationPlannerBC provides detailed program information about post-secondary programs available in B.C. universities, colleges and institutes. Use this website to:

• search programs by interest, subject and institution;
• plan for learning and employment;
• confirm your program planning options; and
• save and share what you have found.

Where do you want to study?

B.C. offers world-class education choices all around the province.

• Locate B.C. schools that offer Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs
• EducationPlannerBC lists programs offered by B.C. post-secondary institutions
• Contact an international education office

Evaluate your international qualifications

Many international students who come to study and work in Canada are highly educated. Institutions need to know whether or not your credentials meet their admission or transfer credit requirements. It will take at least four weeks to complete an evaluation of your credentials.

For information on evaluating your international qualifications, visit the following resources:

• International education office
• International credential evaluation service
• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

Submit your school application

Each school and institution will have different admissions requirements. The quickest way to apply is by contacting the international education office of the school you want to attend. They can advise you on admissions requirements, programs, housing, health-care insurance and orientation.

• Find the elementary or secondary school you wish to apply to.
• EducationPlannerBC is an online service that will help you apply to up to four public post-secondary institutions.

Once you have applied and been accepted to the school or institution of your choice you will receive an acceptance letter. You will need this letter to apply for a study permit.

If you have applied to more than one institution you may receive more than one acceptance letter, in this case it is up to you to decide which institution to attend.

Apply for a study permit

In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada. Before applying for a study permit, determine your eligibility to study in Canada.