University Mission Statement FAQ for University Canada West

What is University Canada West ?

University Canada West is an accessible university situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We deliver degrees in the faculties of Arts and Science and Business and Management under the authority of the Government of British Columbia's Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB). At the undergraduate level, programs are delivered via the Internet or face-to-face depending on which program option a student chooses. The University’s graduate MBA students can choose from Internet delivery or an on campus program.

The term "university" is used under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, Government of British Columbia, Canada, effective August 9, 2004, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister.

Do I have to make a decision about what degree I wish to pursue at the very beginning?

No. Since all students take the same 15 courses during their first academic year, you do not have to make a final decision about what degree to pursue until the end of the first year. This provides a great deal of flexibility and allows you to take advantage of new offerings when they become available.

Do you have a campus?

We have one campus location. It is located iin the city of Vancouver at 1111 Melville Street. For further directions please see our Directions/Maps page.

How does University Canada West compare to a traditional university?

University Canada West is Canada's first private sector university established under new British Columbia legislation. We are working with other Canadian universities and colleges in offering transfer credit and articulations. We provide significant support for students and has a learning centred approach where staff, faculty and students work as a learning organization to enhance personal growth.

How do I become a University Canada West student?

We have outlined the steps needed in order for you to become a University Canada West student. Please refer to the Admissions page. Should you have any questions about this process, please contact us toll-free at 1-877-431-6887.

Who Can Study at University Canada West?

Students from Canada with Secondary School Matriculation and who have at least a 65% average entrance requirement can enter our undergraduate programs.

International students with the equivalent of a Canadian Secondary School Matriculation and a 65% average, who have satisfied visa requirements, and who have achieved the level of English proficiency as outlined in our Online and Campus Programs page, may apply for admissions as an international student.

Ordinarily, our MBA graduate school students must have an undergraduate degree in business or in another recognized non-business program to apply for admission. We also have a flexible admission policy. Please refer to the University Calendar.

For more information about admissions, please contact us toll-free at 1-877-431-6887 or see our undergraduate and graduate studies information on www.universitycanadawest.ca.

I'm a student at another university. Can I take courses at University Canada West?

Assuming you have at least a C average and have achieved necessary prerequisites, you may be able to transfer courses from another university for credit at University Canada West. Please contact the Dean in the faculty in which you are interested for more information.

I don't want to take a full program, just a few courses. Can I apply?

Some students just take one or more courses for interest or simply to find out if university education is right for them. Some wish to gain a particular skill, while others wish to "bank" credits against a future program. All are equally welcome. 

Course and Program Choices

How do I get information about your courses and programs?

Course and program information can be accessed from this website under Online and Campus Programs.

I need help selecting a program; whom can I talk to?

Contact the University and we will put you in touch with a Student Enrollment Representative.

How long do I have to complete my degree?

Completion time for undergraduate programs is normally less than 3 years, but the maximum completion time cannot exceed 7 years.

Graduate programs vary in length but normally do not exceed 2 years. The maximum completion time for graduate degrees is 5 years. Extensions are possible and should be discussed with the Dean of the faculty in which the program exists.

Applying/Registering 

How do I Apply?

Students will need to fill out an Application/Registration Form. Please visit our website for a Step-by-Step guide to the application process. The application form can be completed online or on paper and mailed or faxed in. Please include all applicable fees and tuition with your application.

Please note that we cannot begin fully processing your request until you have submitted all of the required fees and documentation such as transcripts. However, once your complete application package is received the Registrar's Office will contact you regarding your admission status. Additionally, you can register provisionally and when your marks are verified through transcripts, we will grant you full admission. To apply for graduate courses please review the application/registration process for the individual MBA program streams. You can also use an online application/registration form for these purposes. Click here to apply.

When can I apply?

You can apply all year round for entrance into University Canada West.

What do I need to know about registering?

Undergraduate students should register prior to the start of a term.

Course Transfer & Credit

Are courses transferable to other institutions?

Like any British Columbia university, it is up to the receiving institution to determine what credits they will award to a student. We are working with the British Columbia Council and Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) to simplify this process.

Can courses successfully completed at another accredited institution be transferred to a program at University Canada West?

University Canada West accepts course credit from other British Columbia and Canadian universities, and for some courses and programs from community colleges. (Credit may also be available for courses and programs taken internationally.) Students must have achieved a passing grade at the institution from which the credit is to be transferred. At the graduate level a B standing or equivalent is required.

We will evaluate transcripts from other approved institutions for transfer credit. Official transcripts need to be forwarded directly from your institution to University Canada West, Office of the Registrar. Assessment cannot begin until all transcripts, supporting documents, and fees have been received.

A Letter of Permission ensures that courses successfully completed at another institution can be transferred to your program at University Canada West. Consult the Calendar for detailed information.

Can I get credit for work-related prior learning?

University Canada West has a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process in place to evaluate potential credit for non-traditional experience.

What are the costs of your courses?

Take a look at Tuition and Financial Options or refer to the Calendar.

Where can I find information on Student Bursaries and Awards?

University Canada West is continuously developing its student awards and bursaries. Contact Student Services for more detailed information or for general information visit Scholarships.

Do you accept payment in instalments?

We require full payment of application fees and, after you have been accepted, a deposit of $500 to reserve your seat. Students are required to pay half of their tuition fee during course registration and then the remaining balance of tuition can be paid on or before the first day of classes.

What are the payment deadlines?

Undergraduate students: Students are responsible for their course fees upon registration. Tuition is due before the start of classes at each quarter. A service charge of 2% (but not less than $10) is added to quarter fees not paid by the end of the fourth week of classes.

Graduate students: Tuition is due prior to the start of each course. A service charge of 2% (but not less than $10) is added to course tuition not paid by the end of the fourth week of classes.

Can I apply for a student loan?

Yes. If you live in Canada and are a Canadian resident or landed immigrant, you can apply through the Provincial Student Finance Office in your home province. You must submit your completed application along with your course requests directly to the university. Your application will then be forwarded to the appropriate Awards Office.

What constitutes full-time status?

You must take at least 3 courses per undergraduate term and 2 courses per graduate term to be considered a full time student. However, the undergraduate program design encourages students to take 5 courses per terms in order to graduate within 3 years and finish the program faster . Failure to take the full 5 courses per quarter will lengthen the time it will take to complete a degree as all required courses may not be offered in every quarter.

Can I take courses if I live outside of Canada?

Yes, University Canada West provides access to online undergraduate and graduate programs.

What are the fees for international students residing outside Canada?

University Canada West offers international students a tuition amount that is the same as domestic students. For more information on fees for international students please go to the Tuition and Financial Options page.

I am an international student residing in Canada. Can I be admitted to the university and enrolled in a program?

You may be admitted and enrolled in a program provided you satisfy the entrance requirements for that program and provide a valid study authorization as issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What are academic credits?

You require 120 credits to qualify for graduation with an undergraduate degree. Most courses are 3-credit courses. Some credits may be allowed through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, course challenges, and transfers.

Can I choose electives?

University Canada West programs are highly structured, with no built-in allowance for electives. However, one course per term may be taken from another institution as long as it fits the program design you are in and you have permission from the Dean.

What flexibility do I have in choosing a major/specialization?

At present we are authorized by the Minister of Advanced Education to offer the following degree programs to undergraduate and graduate students:

Bachelor of Commerce, General Studies
Bachelor of Arts: Media and Communications
Masters of Business Administration

For undergraduate students other degree options may be available by the time a student has completed the first fifteen core courses. These core courses are taken by all undergraduate students before they can take their concentration courses which define the degree they graduate with.

What are course requirements?

Review the Admissions section to check whether you have the pre-requisites to take the courses required for your program. 

Can I do high-school make-up courses?

No.

How many transfer credits can I count towards my bachelor's degree?

The residency requirement is 50% of the course work, but you cannot waive the 3 Capstone courses plus the Graduation Essay.

I took courses elsewhere some years ago. Can I still use my transfer credit?

Yes, assuming they fit the program design and you have the approval of the Dean of your faculty.

Does the university have distance-learning courses?

Yes, we provide both online undergraduate and graduate programs.

I want to add or drop a course, when should I do it?

You may drop courses until the last day of the third week of each term. A student who has a failing grade in a given term course may re-register in the course when it is offered again, if space is available. An undergraduate student who drops all courses and does not intend to register in any other credit course in the term is withdrawing from the University and must notify the Registrar's Office in writing.

What are the guidelines for withdrawing from courses?

Undergraduate students: Students who wish to drop courses must do so through the web registration system or by submitting written notice of changes in registration to the Office of the Registrar. Students should not rely on instructors to drop them from courses.

Drop dates:

• To the end of 2nd week of classes: no penalty.
• To the end of 3rd week of classes: no penalty.
• During and until the end of 4th week of classes: 50% refund and no mark penalty.
• Students withdrawing after the 4th week of classes receive no refund and an "W" for the course which will be recorded on their official transcript.

Graduate students: Students who wish to drop courses must do so through the web registration system or by submitting written notice of changes in registration to the Office of the Registrar. Students should not rely on instructors to drop them from courses.

Drop dates:

• To the end of the 2nd week of classes (Friday): no penalty.
• To the end of the 3rd week of classes (Friday): 50% refund and no penalty on record.
• Students withdrawing anytime during the 4th week of classes (or later) receive no refund and an "W" for the course which will be recorded on their official transcript.

Are there student residences at the university?

We do not have any student residences but we have a searchable student housing database of local rental listings available to assist you in locating accommodation. For more information please visit Student Services.

Advisors & Counsellors

Student advisors and counsellors can visit our Counsellors page for more information.