Entrance Requirements
Required only for Certification and Diploma Programs and/or Internships
Admission Policy
The purpose of this policy is to define the criteria and conditions for admission to VSBT and its programs.
This policy applies to all domestic and international applicants seeking admission to VSBT credentialed programs.
Programs specifically intended to prepare students for direct entry into upper levels of further or advanced programs at other institutions shall be governed by the admission requirements of those institutions.
VSBT has established program admission requirements of both an academic and non-academic nature that will optimize students’ access and success.
As defined in the school’s Mission Statement VSBT is committed to providing our community with access to the knowledge and skills relevant to the future economic and social development of the region.
VSBT is committed to meeting the diverse needs of its community and may therefore tailor its admission criteria to support demonstrated community need or to enable appropriate partnerships.
VSBT is committed to integrating a diverse, international perspective into its community and curriculum and will provide opportunities for international students to study at VSBT
VSBT reserves the right to limit application to oversubscribed programs.
VSBT reserves the right to deny admission.
To be admitted to the VSBT, applicants must qualify as either domestic students or international students. International student information see below.
Underage Applicants :
VSBT may consider granting special admission to underage applicants on an individual basis, subject to the following:
Underage domestic applicants must include in their application written consent from a parent or guardian and letters of support from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s circumstances (such as a school principal or health care provider).
Underage international applicants are subject to the guidelines established by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Please note that some programs require a portfolio review during the admissions interview.
If any prospective student fails to meet the minimum admission requirements as stated above, neither the institution nor the student can waive the requirements.
During the interview process all credentials are reviewed and copied to the student documents on receipt of a signed application.
All completed applications receive full consideration for admission. VSBT has NOT set an application deadline. Some exceptions may apply. However, due to the volume of applications received, earlier applications are preferred. We encourage all those interested in studying at VSBT to apply.
All non-Canadian resident students wishing to attend courses at VSBT must obtain a student study VISA if the program they are applying for runs for longer than 6 months.
For all students outside of North America, please also submit a $500.00 application fee with your application below. Contact us for details on how to submit your application fees. Please note: all application and program fees are non-refundable for international students.
Because student study VISA application forms and requirements are subject to change at any time, it is recommended that all prospective applicants check with their Canadian Embassy, Consulate or Trade Office for the most up to date information on this issue.
- American students or American resident students (green card holders) with proper documentation (see below) can obtain a student VISA at the Canadian border or point of entry into Canada.
- Persons whose citizenship is other than the above criteria must apply for their Student Authorization VISA at the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or Trade Office in their own country. As well as student study visa documentation, these persons must also have a valid passport and Canadian visitor's visa.
American and International students applying to VSBT must pre-pay tuition fees in full before entering Canada.
Criteria which must be satisfied by all applicants when applying for Student Authorization include:
- A valid passport or, for Americans, proof of American citizenship.
- A letter from VSBT which confirms the individual's registration.
- Prepaid tuition and proof thereof.
- Proof of the funds necessary to support themselves during their stay i.e. ownership of a recognized credit card (VISA or MasterCard), bank statements, proof of parental support such as money transferred to a Canadian Bank for use by the student.
As a 'rule of thumb' immigration officers consider $850.00 a month, multiplied by the number of months you are staying, as the minimum amount of money you will need to fulfill the 4th criteria above. Receipts showing prepaid accommodation are also helpful.
The cost of a Student Authorization is $125.00 in Canadian Funds. This sum is payable at the time of application whether you are applying in your own country or at a Canadian Border Crossing (Note: Immigration officials do not make change at the border. Exact amounts only. They will accept cash, VISA or MasterCard only. The application kit is available for download on the Internet at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Where to Get Information In Canada:
Contact one of Citizenship and Immigration's Call Centres.
- In Vancouver, call: 1-604-666-2171
- In Toronto, call: 1-416-973-4444
- In Montreal, call: 1-514-496-1010
- Rest of Canada, call: 1-888-242-2100
Outside Canada, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Medical Insurance:
All students must have medical insurance coverage while studying in Canada. U.S. students qualify for BC Medical once they have resided in British Columbia for three months. You must have medical insurance before you arrive in Canada, and it must cover you for the three-month waiting period after you arrive, but before the BC Medical Plan begins. You should apply for BC Medical upon arrival. You will need to provide proof of registration as a foreign student. We will forward you a copy of the BC Medical Insurance application upon acceptance to VSBT.
Other Admissibility Requirements:
Those persons having a criminal record are not candidates for admission into Canada. This includes convictions for such offences as drunken driving, domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance or any other crime classified as a criminal offence.
Working while a student:
If you want to work off campus while you are studying in Canada, you must have a Foreign Workers Permit. (Unfortunately, at this time it is almost impossible to obtain one of these unless you are a person with a skill that is in short supply in Canada). Applications for Foreign Workers Permits can be obtained from the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or Trade Office in your own country.
VSBT is pleased to help foreign students with study VISA applications. If you would like to learn more about the beautiful city of Victoria, here is an excellent link to get you started: Tourism Victoria
