How to apply

I am an international student.

Take flight on your education adventure.


Bow Valley College is a leading learning centre for international students. Our diverse community welcomes students from all backgrounds.

You'll have access to a wide range of high-quality programs including diplomas, certificates, and university transfer opportunities.

Student Support Services
We offer services from housing assistance and mental wellness resources, academic advice, financial aid, and technical support.  *Please note that Bow Valley College does not directly provide on or off-campus housing.
Read on to learn how to apply

Step 1.

Confirm that your program is open for applications.  Review the admission requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements, and application deadlines for international student applications.

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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.

Allow 6 to 8 weeks for your Bow Valley College application to be processed once you submit a completed application package.

Step 2.

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
  • 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, please check the International Academic Documents by Country list.

Got everything you need? It’s time to begin your application!
Keep this page open to have the instructions handy.

Hold on!

If applying through an agent, ensure they are an authorized agency or overseas representative here:

Step 3.

Pay your application fee.

Submit the non-refundable $140 CAD application fee.

Your application will not be processed until you pay the non-refundable application fee for each program.  You can pay by credit card after you complete your online application.  

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Please note: 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.

Step 4.

Confirm your Offer of Admission.

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 Visa Application System (VAS) , your application will be closed, and your confirmation fee cannot be refunded.

Step 5.

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

You can apply for a study permit at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate nearest your location. Make sure to include your Letter of Acceptance and payment receipt from Bow Valley College with your application.

When applying through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you’ll need our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number: O19273769422 (the "O" is a letter, 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. You may need to apply for a co-op work permit along with your study permit. Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website for details on visa applications and processing times.

Let us know your attendance decision through the Visa 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.

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All international students require a co-op work permit along with a study permit, except in Health and Human Services, Business Administration (certificate and diploma), Human Resources, and Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) programs.

Step 6.

Send us a copy of your study permit.

Contact the International Education team and email a copy of your permit to international@bowvalleycollege.ca.  This confirms you’re ready to join the program!

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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.

Detailed information about course registration will be emailed to you separately before registration opens. Contact Academic Advising for help in registering for classes.

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 International Education team in writing before the program start date. If you do not provide written communication, you cannot get a full refund or deferral.  


Next Steps

What to expect after applying