International Application

Check the application deadline and program availability.

Bow Valley College processes applications on a first come, first qualified basis. Many of our programs fill up months in advance. We recommend applying 12 months before the start date.

Please contact the International Education Department and we will provide you with information about which programs still have seat availability.

Review the general important dates and deadlines and important dates for international learners.

Before you apply online, download the International Student Application Guide. When you are ready, use the Bow Valley College student application portal to apply.

Important: The primary e-mail address must be yours - the applicant.  There is a section in the application form to put additional contact information for anyone acting on behalf of the applicant.  Misrepresentation of the applicant e-mail contact information will result in significant delays in the application processing. 

If you need help, contact us at international@bowvalleycollege.ca or call 403-410-3476.

Explore our programs:

• Business
• Health Care
• Human Services and Justice
• Technology
• Entertainment Arts
• English Language Learning for international students
• Academic Upgrading courses

Remember to review the requirements for English Language proficiency. Check our Frequently Asked Questions  page for more information to consider. Get an estimate of what your tuition and fees will be depending on your program.

• Is there seat availability in your program for your preferred start date?
• What is the study permit submission deadline for your preferred start date?
• Did you allow 6 to 8 weeks for your BVC application to be processed (once you submit a complete application package)?
• Did you allow enough additional time before BVC’s study permit deadline for Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s for foreign study or visitor visas

Are you planning your start of term for the mandatory New Student Orientation and International Student Orientation, which take place the week before the session starts? Bow Valley programs are fast and focused, attending your orientation and learner preparation day will ensure you are ready to be successful, so you do not make mistakes that negatively impact your future.

You must submit your valid study permit to International Education no later than the study permit deadline. Plan Ahead. Give yourself lots of time to process your study permit application. If you miss this deadline, your seat will be released to a waitlist applicant. Your confirmation fee will not be refundable.

To apply click here.

• Put your (the student’s) contact information ONLY in "Applicant Contact Information."
• Write your own (the student's) surname(s) and given name(s) on the application form exactly as they appear in your passport.
• Only provide your (the student's) personal email, mailing address and telephone information on the application form. This will appear on all our documentation.
• You’ll get updates via email and through the online portal during the application process, so make sure we have your (the student’s) email address.
• If an agent applies on your behalf, you’ll also need to login to the Bow Valley College student application portal in order to receive email updates.

Need help? Check out the International Student Application Guide.

To apply for our programs, you must submit your proof of admission requirements (academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency) along with your application form. Electronic copies of these documents can be uploaded in the Bow Valley College student application portal.
Official transcripts for Canadian institutions or Pathways must be emailed to admissions@bowvalleycollege.ca

• Include your Alberta Student Number - ASN in the subject line so we can locate your application.
• Note - We will begin the assessment on unofficial transcripts but require official copies before granting admission.

• Processing timeline: The application process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the time a complete application (including all requested transcripts and supporting documents) is received. Fall intake have a High Volume of applications, so the admission processing time will take about 6 to 8 weeks. If you’re applying for the International ELL program, the application process only takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Do you need to use a person or agency to contact Bow Valley College about your application or admission? You'll have to complete and sign the Consent to Release Information Form first. This gives us permission to share information about your application. Add their contact information to the "Would you like to share your application information with a representative?" section of the Bow Valley College student application form.

Once we confirm you meet all requirements, you’ll get an email update with an Offer of Admission. A copy of your offer letter and the ability to accept or decline that offer will appear in the Bow Valley College student application portal.

• If you’re not accepted, we’ll let you know through the Bow Valley College student application portal. You’ll receive an email letting you know there is a message for you in the portal.

You'll also receive an email with your MyBVC account information. Log in and check it often, because the college uses it to send important information. You can also use MyBVC to make online payments, review account statements, and see course information.

Your Offer of Admission will be valid for approximately 3 weeks. To reserve your place in the program, you will need to pay the confirmation deposit. The deadline to pay this fee is provided in your Offer of Admission.

• The confirmation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The confirmation deposit fee is part of your tuition and fees for the first term.
• You also have the option to pay the full first term’s tuition by this same deadline and your confirmation deposit will be considered as included in this payment. 

Read more about payment options.

Now it’s time to get your Canadian Study Permit. Submit your Letter of Acceptance and receipt of payment as part of your application. You can apply for your permit at the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate.

Please check the Canadian study or visitor permit processing timelines first to avoid delays.

Bow Valley College's DLI# is O19273769422. (The first character is the letter “O” followed by 11 numbers: O 192 737 694 22).

Our programs are all Designated Learning programs and eligible to receive foreign nationals on a study permit.

When you apply, make sure you provide our DLI number along with the Letter of Acceptance. See the list of Designated Learning Institutions.

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 when you apply for a study permit. The Immigration and Citizenship Canada website has information about visa applications and processing times.

What do you do after you get your study permit? Contact the International Education Department and email a copy of your permit to international@bowvalleycollege.ca. This confirms you're ready to join the program.

Orientation sessions are held the week before classes start. Visit the New Student Orientation page and the International Student Orientation page to learn more.

Learners requiring academic accommodations must contact the Learner Success Services at least four months prior to the commencement of their scheduled classes at Bow Valley College to establish an academic accommodation plan. Reasonable effort will be made to provide suitable academic accommodation; however, there is no guarantee that services will be available and it is possible that start dates may have to be deferred in order to provide required accommodation. While the College will attempt to facilitate all learner requests for accommodation, there is a current shortage of sign language interpreters.

What happens if you can't attend the first day of class? You must inform the International Education Department in writing before the program start date. If you don't provide written communication, you can't get a full refund or deferral.

Read more about our policies on refunds, visa refusals, and deferrals.

Helpful links

Here are helpful links about the application process:

• Overseas representatives
• Student Direct Stream