International Student | Bow Valley College

Let’s break it down.

You’ve seen the big picture. Now let’s break down each step, including what you’ll need and where to go.

Step 1. Choose your program.

Before you apply, make sure your program is accepting applications and that you meet the admission requirements.

Review the admission requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements, and application deadlines for international student applications.

Start with the program you want to take.

Most students will need a visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Find out if you need one

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Step 2. Get ready to apply.

Next, make sure you have the required documents and information to begin your application:

Academic transcripts (official Canadian transcripts and official Pathway transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to admissions@bowvalleycollege.ca. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for review while we wait for official transcripts to arrive.)
Passport
Proof of English Language Proficiency (You can also meet your program’s English language proficiency requirements through one of the ELL pathway programs offered by our partner schools).
Your Alberta Student Number (ASN). You already have an ASN if you’ve attended or applied to any school or post-secondary institution in Alberta. Use the ASN Lookup service to find your ASN. If you do not have an ASN, the ApplyAlberta system will assign one to you.
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For country-specific document requirements, you can check our Academic Documents by Country list.

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If you are applying through an agent, ensure they are an authorized agency or overseas representative.

When using an authorized agent or representative, please make sure to complete and the Consent to Release Information form. Submit this form through your VAS account.
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authorized agents and overseas representatives

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Step 3. Apply and pay.

Pay your application fee.

When you apply or re-apply to a career program, you are required to pay the non-refundable application fee of $150 CAD.
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payment options

Your application will not be processed until you pay the non-refundable application fee.

Once you've submitted your application, paid the fee, and uploaded your transcripts, make sure to regularly check your application status for any updates or additional steps that may be required.

learn about different payment options

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Step 4. Confirm your offer.

If you receive an Offer of Admission, confirm your spot by paying the non-refundable, non-transferable $1,500 CAD confirmation fee.

Your offer is valid for about 3 weeks, and the deadline to pay the fee will be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

The following conditions apply:

This fee will be credited toward your first-term tuition and fees. You have the option to pay your full first-term tuition by this deadline, with your deposit counting toward the total amount due.
This confirmation fee must be paid within 21 days of receiving notification that you have been accepted into a program. The remainder of all tuition and fees owing for each semester are due by the tuition fee deadline.
If you do not provide any attendance update and proof of your study permit approval in the Virtual Application System (VAS), your application will be closed, and your confirmation fee cannot be refunded.

Step 5. Get ready to study in Canada.

Apply for a study permit after you receive your Letter of Acceptance.

You can apply for a study permit if your program of studies is longer than 6 months. In most cases, it is required to submit an application from outside of Canada. Make sure to include your Letter of Acceptance and payment receipt from Bow Valley College with your application.

Be sure to allow enough time for the Canadian study or visitor permit processing timelines before Bow Valley College’s deadline. Processing times can take 4 to 8 weeks, so check the Canadian visa timelines and submit your complete application, including all documents, as soon as possible to avoid delays.
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Allow 6 to 8 weeks for your Bow Valley College application to be processed once you submit a completed application package.

When applying through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you must provide our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number: O19273769422 (the first character is the letter "O", not a zero). All our programs are recognized as Designated Learning programs, which means you are eligible to apply for a study permit to join us.

Important note: Most Bow Valley College certificate and diploma programs include an unpaid practicum.If you’re an eligible full-time student, you may be able to work on or off campus without a separate work permit while you study. You must meet IRCC’s eligibility requirements and maintain the conditions of your study permit. During regular academic sessions, you can work up to the allowed number of hours per week and may work full-time during scheduled breaks.

Let us know your attendance decision through the Virtual Application System (VAS) and upload a copy of your IRCC Letter of Introduction, student visa, study permit, or work permit if needed. If you don’t provide an attendance update and proof of your study permit approval, your application will be closed and your confirmation fee cannot be refunded.

Extending a study permit?
If you currently have a valid study permit but you are changing institutions, you are required to notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada and you need to request a study permit extension.
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If you’re an eligible full-time international student, you may be able to work on or off campus without a separate work permit. You can work up to the hours allowed by IRCC during your school terms and full-time during scheduled breaks. You must meet IRCC’s requirements and follow the conditions of your study permit.

As of April 1, 2026, you do not need a co-op work permit for student work placements, such as co-ops or internships.

Step 6. Upload your permit.

Once you've received your study permit approval letter, upload it to your application through the Virtual Application System (VAS).

This confirms you’re ready to join the program!If you submit required documentation late or do not pay the application fee, your application process will be delayed. Admissions Officers cannot approve an application that is incomplete.

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International students must register for in-person courses when available and must take a majority of courses in person throughout their program to satisfy study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) requirements.

Registration in a minimum of 3 courses/9 credits per term is required to maintain full-time student status and is required of all international students.
Students registered in the English Language Learning (ELL) program, Health Care Aide program, or any program in the Centre for Entertainment Arts will be automatically registered in courses.
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Detailed information about course registration will be emailed to you separately before registration opens.

‍Orientation sessions are held the week before classes start and are mandatory. Bow Valley College programs are intensive and fast paced. Attending your orientation and student preparation day will help you succeed. 

‍What happens if you can’t attend the first day of class? You must inform the Admissions team in writing before the program start date. If you do not provide written communication, you cannot get a full refund or deferral.  

what to expect after applying

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Let’s break it down.

Step 1. Choose your program.

Before you apply, make sure your program is accepting applications and that you meet the admission requirements.

Step 2. Get ready to apply.

Next, make sure you have the required documents and information to begin your application:

Step 3. Apply and pay.

Pay your application fee.

Step 4. Confirm your offer.

If you receive an Offer of Admission, confirm your spot by paying the non-refundable, non-transferable $1,500 CAD confirmation fee.

Step 5. Get ready to study in Canada.

Apply for a study permit after you receive your Letter of Acceptance.

Step 6. Upload your permit.

Once you've received your study permit approval letter, upload it to your application through the Virtual Application System (VAS).

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