English language entrance proficiency requirement

English is the language of instruction at UFV, and we recognize that applicants must have a level of English sufficient to participate and be successful in the learning process. Applicants to all post-secondary programs must demonstrate language proficiency. 

If your primary language from birth is English, or if you have attended two years in an English-language school and obtained the equivalent of BC high school graduation, you will meet the requirement. If not, you will have to demonstrate you have met the requirement through a language test or course. For details on how to meet the language requirement, see the English Language Entrance Proficiency policy, #340.29.

If you are unable to meet entrance proficiency levels, you will be given the opportunity to upgrade your language skills through Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and/or the University Foundation certificate. 

Other admission requirements

Many programs require that you meet other entrance requirements, such as grade 12 graduation, completion of specific courses with certain grades or averages, written statements, references, etc. See the entrance requirements for your program of choice in the online calendar.

Check the Programs accepting applications page to determine whether your program has a continuous or specific intake application process.

Specific intake application

For programs with applications for specific intakes, submit your application as early as possible within the application period for the intake:

Semester	Application Period Starts	Application Deadline
Fall (September)	October 1	January 31*
Winter (January)	August 1	September 30*
Summer (May)	October 1	December 31*

*These are the deadlines for competitive entry, and the recommended deadlines for all programs. Programs with seats available after these dates may accept applications later. Late applicants can expect to register after all other applicants.  

Continuous application

For programs with continuous application, high school graduates who meet the entrance requirements may apply any time. Grade 12 students who will be graduating in June may apply for continuous application programs in September of their grade 12 year.

There are two ways to submit an application for admission to UFV:

1. Download an application form (pdf), print it off, complete it, and mail or bring it in to Admissions & Records.
2. Complete an application online through PAS BC.

Before applying, please read the following information:

Find out which programs are accepting applications.

Find out which documents you need for a complete application.

Check the How to Apply section for your program in the UFV calendar to determine what is required for a complete application. Check the English language entrance proficiency policy and determine how you will meet it.

Gather all the necessary items.

Complete additional program applications, when required. Order official transcripts from other post-secondary institutions you have attended. Have each institution send the transcript directly to UFV Admissions, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford BC, V2S 7M8 Obtain your high school transcript. Prepare references, personal statements, or essays if required. Obtain any official test scores taken outside UFV (e.g., TOEFL, LPI, etc.).

Complete the application form.

Attach any documents (except post-secondary transcripts) to the form, if mailing or submitting your application in person.  If you are applying through the internet, bring in or mail any other documents to the Admissions and Records office at UFV. Note: Post-secondary transcripts should be sent directly to UFV from the institution attended. Include the non-refundable application fee.

Submit the application.

Bring your application to the Admissions and Records office on any campus, transmit an internet application through www.pas.bc.ca, or mail it as early as possible within the application period.

If you meet the entrance requirements, you will be admitted either on a competitive basis or according to the date of your completed application, depending on the program. Check the Basis for the admission decision section for your program in the online calendar. For programs that admit on a competitive basis, if you apply and meet all entrance requirements by the application deadline, you will be considered on the basis of criteria that are outlined in the program information in the UFV calendar under Basis for admission decision.

Early application is always recommended, so that you receive an earlier response. In some cases this will result in an earlier admission decision and will usually result in an earlier registration time. 

Final high school transcripts

High school transcripts are recommended for all applicants and are required if you are under 19 or entering a program that requires grade 12 graduation.

Photocopies and faxed high school transcripts are not accepted, except when faxed directly from a Canadian secondary school. You may bring your original transcript to an Admissions and Records (A&R) office and we will take a copy.

BC grade 12 students

If you are graduating from a BC secondary school this year, you can have your final secondary school grades sent directly to UFV!

This option is only available in online format. To access the "Post-Secondary Selection Form" to tell the Ministry of Education that you'd like to have your grades sent to UFV, log in at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/tsw/tsw/student.

You should see "Welcome to the Student Secure Web". Click ENTER.

You will be prompted to log in or create a new account if you don't already have one. Follow the instructions carefully to submit your choice of Post-Secondary Institutions.

Pre-1974 BC grade 12 graduates

If you graduated in BC prior to 1974, you can contact the high school you attended for a transcript. BC high school graduates from any year can also contact the BC Ministry of Education for transcripts: 

     Ministry of Education — Transcripts
     PO Box 9886 STN PROV GOVT
     Victoria BC V8W 9T6

     |  Phone: 250-356-7250  |  Fax: 250-356-0171  |

Visit www.bced.gov.bc.ca/transcript/ to download a copy of the order form.

Out-of-province/country secondary school students

If you graduated from a high school in another province or country, you should contact the Ministry or Department of Education in that province or country. In some areas, you will have to contact the high school directly.

Interim high school grades

If you are currently in grade 12, and are applying for Fall semester for programs that have specific high school entrance requirements, you must submit final and/or interim grades for any Grade 11 or 12 courses completed or in progress (a copy of your report card is acceptable) by March 31. If you are a BC grade 12 student, you will submit your grades online using the self-reported grade system. If you are attending an out-of-province school, you will be required to submit interim transcripts provided by your school.

If you submit grades after March 31, your application date will be changed to the date the grades are received, and you will be considered for admission as a late applicant. Click here for more information on submitting grades after March 31. 

Provincial examinations for grade 12 courses

Out-of-province equivalents to BC 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.

 Alternatives to grade 12 graduation

Completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma program, the BC adult provincial diploma (Adult Basic Education completion), or the General Education diploma (GED), will be considered equivalent to BC secondary school graduation for admission purposes. However, if you are applying for any program that requires specific secondary school-level courses for entrance, e.g., Math 11 or equivalent, or if you intend to register for a course that has a specific secondary school course as a prerequisite, you must provide an official transcript showing a final grade in the appropriate subject.

A transcript is considered official if it is sent directly to UFV from the originating institution in the original sealed envelope with the institution's name and address imprinted upon it. The transcript must bear the official institution seal or authorizing signature. Exceptions may be made when it is not possible for a transcript to be sent directly to UFV, provided the credential evaluation office can reasonably determine the document's authenticity. Documents submitted become the property of UFV. Only documents considered irreplaceable by UFV will be returned at your request.

Order official transcripts before you apply to UFV so that they arrive in a timely fashion.

If your program does not require official post-secondary transcripts, you still may wish to provide them, so transfer credit can be assessed in order to meet specific course prerequisites. See transfer between institutions for more information.