Entrance Requirements
*Required only for Certification and Diploma Programs and/or Internships
The main objective of VSBT's admission policy for Certification Programs and Internships / Co-ops is to select the most able student body. Minimum application requirements are determined by individual achievements and by the comparable quality of applicants for each program session. 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.
Please note that some programs require a portfolio review during the admissions interview.
Entrance requirements for some of our programs of study require students to provide the following documents to the school at the time of registration:
- A cover letter indicating the student's goals and objectives for the program of study.
- A current resume outlining the applicant's computer education and computer experience.
- Two (2) letters of reference from non-family members (preferably people who know the applicant well, such as close friends, or current or former employers) who believe that the applicant would be successful in their chosen program of study.
- Successful completion of a basic PC skills test.
- A copy of a birth certificate, passport or drivers license as proof of age is required.
- A transcript of marks from the last educational institution attended within the past five years by the applicant (if applicable).
- If English is not your primary language, then a TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) score of 230 (computer) or 550 (paper) is required.
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 (Link here??). 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
