What is a program?
A program is a structured set of courses that leads to a credential, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree. Some programs include a practical component as well as theory courses.
Find programs offered and entrance requirements in the UFV calendar.
Certificates, diplomas, degrees
These are credentials you can earn when you complete a program. Diplomas are generally two years in length, bachelor’s degrees are usually four years, and associate degrees are two years, based on full-time study. Most programs can also be completed on a part-time basis over a longer period of time. Certificate programs vary in length, and are generally completed in one year or less. UFV offers credit certificate programs (about 1,000 hours of training) as well as non-credit certificate programs (about 200–300 hours of training).
Program paths
A program path is an open admission category that allows you to take courses toward your educational goal. Program paths are an option when a specific program is not available, or you do not meet all the entrance requirements. Admission to a program path allows you to:
- take courses to satisfy the entrance requirements for a program
- try a variety of courses that interest you
- take some of the courses applicable to your preferred program
Program paths are intended to be temporary and students should pursue admission to a specific program as soon as possible.
Laddering from one program to another
If you begin in a diploma, associate degree, or certificate, you may be able to “ladder” into another program, to build on previously earned credentials. For example, credits earned in a diploma or associate degree could be used as credit toward a four-year degree in the same area. Check the current UFV calendar for additional details.
» Find programs offered and entrance requirements in the UFV calendar» See programs accepting applications
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Applying for re-admission
You will be required to apply for re-admission if:
- you have not completed credit courses at UFV within the past two calendar years
- you do not register for the first semester to which you are admitted
- you withdraw completely in your first semester
Some programs require re-admission if attendance is not continuous, e.g., Health Sciences programs, Trades, Aviation, etc. Check individual program listings in the
UFV calendar for more information.
An
application form (pdf) and a $20 re-application fee are required to apply for re-admission.
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How to change to a different program
Applications are not transferable from one program to another. If you wish to apply to a different program, submit another application. If you are a new applicant to UFV, and decide to pursue a different program for your initial admission to UFV, you must submit another application form and pay a $20 re-application fee.
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Placement tests
Students may be required to take tests which will help to determine skill levels and aid in selection of courses appropriate to their educational backgrounds and abilities. Placement tests may also be used to meet some entrance requirements and course prerequisites.
Take placement tests early — allow at least one month to receive your results from UFV.
Dates, times, locations, costs, minimum scores, and detailed handouts on UFV placement tests, are on the Assessment Services website or at the Assessment Services offices located in Building G (Abbotsford campus) and Room D117 (Chilliwack campus). Contact the Abbotsford office at 604-557-4006, or the Chilliwack office at 604-792-0025, local 2460.
Register for placement tests at any UFV Admissions & Records office.
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Aboriginal student self-identification
At UFV, students of Aboriginal ancestry can choose to self-identify so that they may benefit from supportive programs and services. By doing so, students also enable UFV to identify, review, and analyze data that will contribute to improved programs and services for Aboriginal learners.
More info...
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Special admission
Any person who does not meet stated admission requirements may petition our Academic Standards committee for special consideration. Download a
Request for Special Admission (pdf) form or pick one up at Admissions and Records. Requests for Special Admission, with supporting documents, should be forwarded to the Associate Registrar, Admissions. The request must be accompanied by an
Application for Admission (pdf) form, the application fee (currently $45), a letter from a UFV advisor or counsellor, a rationale from the applicant, and a copy of a recent high school transcript.
Special admission applicants are required to provide a rationale for special consideration, transcripts, and a reference from a UFV advisor or counsellor. They may also be required to undertake testing, write provincial examinations, attend an interview, and/or write an essay in order to assess academic level. Applicants are advised to apply for special admission by April 30 for fall entry, October 31 for winter, or February 28 for summer semester. Later requests may be considered if possible.
If you are a home school applicant, please contact Admissions for further information.
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Concurrent studies
Full, detailed information about Concurrent Studies is available in the online calendar. View more information on concurrent studies here.
Secondary school students may take courses at UFV while still working toward secondary school graduation, under the following guidelines:
- The student is attending a secondary school.
- The student is deemed to have strong academic ability or may benefit substantially by taking the university course.
- The student's parent or legal guardian provides written support, and the student's counsellor or principal provides a letter of recommendation.
- The student submits a Request for Concurrent Studies (pdf) to Admissions, at least one month before the start of classes (earlier is recommended). A recent high school transcript, including interim grades for the current term, a letter from the student's parent or guardian and the high school principal or counsellor, an Application for Admission (pdf), and the application fee must accompany the application form. The student must indicate the specific course(s) and sections desired. Alternate choices are recommended.
- The student may request a maximum of two courses per semester, under normal circumstances. This limit may be increased in special circumstances, with approval of the appropriate dean.
- The student is expected to meet course prerequisites, if any.
Requests are subject to the approval of the instructor and the department head, and the availability of a seat at the time the student registers.
Once the application is received and approved, the admissions office will:
- Ensure the request is approved by the course instructor(s) and program/department head.
- Advise the applicant of acceptance and registration procedures.
- Concurrent studies students who have applied before registration times have been scheduled will register at the end of the regular registration period (later applicants will be scheduled with late applicants according to the date of application).
Mathematics - new curriculum
UFV is aware that mathematics curriculum changes have begun. In response, we have formed a task force led by UFV's mathematics department head, Greg Schlitt, that is working to review all new curriculum material in order to align UFV program prerequisites and courses with the new math streams.
Thus far, we have determined that "Workplace and Apprenticeship mathematics" will be suitable for most trades programs at UFV other than electronics, drafting and agriculture. We recommend that students choosing their grade 10 or 11 math who may also wish to apply to any other program at UFV choose the Foundations Math stream, if it is suitable to their level.
For further details about other programs and prerequisites and for students choosing grade 10-12 Math courses, click on the link below.
New mathematics requirements at UFV (pdf)
Out-of-province equivalents to BC grade 12 graduation
| Province or Territory |
Equivalent to BC school graduation |
| Alberta |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Saskatchewan |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Manitoba |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
Ontario
(graduation prior to 2003) |
Six OAC courses or grade 13 |
Ontario
(graduation 2003 or later) |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation (new curriculum) |
| Quebec |
Completion of high school plus one full academic year at CEGEP |
| New Brunswick |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Nova Scotia |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Prince Edward Island |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Newfoundland |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Yukon Territories |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Northwest Territories |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
| Nunavut |
Secondary school (grade 12) graduation |
Equivalents to high school graduation from other countries
View a list of international upper secondary qualifications (pdf) that are considered equivalent to high school graduation for admission to UFV.
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