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Open Studies allows students to:

• take courses to satisfy the entrance requirements for a program, provided they meet the course prerequisites;
• take courses to fulfill the first- or second-year requirements for professional programs; or
• take a few courses to get started if you are not ready to enter a program.

Students in Open Studies must meet the following minimum entrance requirements:

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Proof of graduation (an official high school transcript) if you are under 19 and no longer in school.
• A transcript is recommended for students over 19, in order to meet course prerequisites.

No documents need to be submitted by students currently in Grade 12, until final grades are available at the beginning of August.

If a UFV Placement Test, English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment score, or Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) assessment score is required, please make arrangements to write it early in the year.

2. Upon admission to UFV, you will be provided with registration information. You should contact a Student Services academic advisor if you require assistance in choosing your courses and planning your timetable.

3. For students under 19 years of age, admission is conditional upon B.C. secondary school graduation. Proof of graduation is due at the end of the first week in August for the Fall semester. B.C. Grade 12 students can arrange at their schools to have transcripts sent directly to UFV.

Note: It is essential that you provide your Provincial Education Number (PEN) on the application form.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course.

Location

Course locations vary from campus to campus.

Course selection

When selecting your courses, refer to the entrance or program requirements for your intended program so that credits you complete while in Open Studies may be applied to your preferred program at a later date. You may enrol in courses for which you meet the prerequisites. It may be difficult to enrol in some courses as seats are reserved for students admitted to the program. Students in Open Studies may be able to enrol in these courses if there are vacancies after program students have registered. Refer to the course descriptions for course prerequisite information. If a placement test is required, please make arrangements early in the year to write it.

Student Services academic advisors can assist you in developing an individual educational plan. Call Student Services at 604-854-4528 (Abbotsford), 604-795-2808 (Chilliwack), or 604-826-6000 (Mission) or email advising@ufv.ca to arrange an appointment with an academic advisor. These appointments can help you refine your goals and objectives, understand available choices, and select courses which will apply to your intended program or programs.

Course transferability

Be sure to consult an academic advisor in Student Services if you are planning to transfer courses to another university, or check transfer information in the online B.C. Provincial Transfer Guide at bctransferguide.ca. We also suggest you pick up your free copy of the Transfer Tips handbook available from Student Services, or online through bctransferguide.ca. Some courses carry transfer credit only to certain universities, and careful planning is important. Courses numbered 300 and 400 will be considered for transfer on a course-by-course basis by the university to which you are transferring.

For further information on transferring credit, please see Transfer to Other Institutions.

Continuance requirements

To remain enrolled as a student, you must meet the criteria for continuance as outlined in the Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).