Open Studies

Open Studies at Bow Valley College

Through Open Studies at Bow Valley College, you can take a post-secondary level course or courses and end up with academic credits.

There is no application fee. Student fees apply. Payment is required at the time of course registration.

Is Open Studies what I'm looking for?

You have been thinking about post-secondary education but are unsure which program to take:

• Enroll in a course or courses that look interesting to see what the right fit for you might be
• Courses could spark your interest, helping you settle on a diploma or certificate program

You have been accepted into your dream program. You want to take some courses as you wait for your program to start:

• Use the credits you earn through Open Studies towards the diploma or certificate program you will be taking. Click here to find which Open Studies courses are part of the diploma or certificate program you will be taking. 

Successful completion of an Open Studies course could allow you to skip the program pre-requisite needed for admission.

You have finished high school and want to take some courses before enrolling in a certificate, diploma, or degree program:

• Bow Valley College Open Studies courses will provide you with an opportunity to experience a post-secondary course and receive credit

You are looking to reskill or upskill with a specific course:

• Build your skills for a new job or a promotion
• An Open Studies course adds to one's resume and job profile
• Lifelong learners can expand their knowledge in areas they want to know more about

You are in Academic Upgrading at Bow Valley College and would like to take a course in the career program you will be transitioning to:

• If you are a learner who receives funding, you may be able to apply this funding to an Open Studies course

You have the freedom of taking one Open Studies course at a time while earning Bow Valley College credits. You could use those credits to continue your journey and earn a diploma or certificate.

To register, Calgary Main Campus registrants should click on a course in the "Courses offered" drop-down menus below. Registration will open per the "Registration Dates" table below. 

For Regional Learners

If you live in the service area surrounding Calgary and want to take a course:

• Contact Regional, or view our locations to contact the campus nearest you and find out more about Regional programming
• To apply for Winter 2025 (Jan - April) courses, please fill out this form which will be available as of September 18, 2024:
  REGIONAL COURSES

Registration Dates:

Application Fee

The great news is, there is no application fee!

• The Students' Association of Bow Valley College (SABVC)
• Health and dental coverage

Admissions Requirements

Want to sign up but are you unsure if the course is the right fit for your skill level? There are no admission requirements. However, you are more likely to be successful in Open Studies courses with an English language proficiency level appropriate for the program you are interested in taking.

Please see the English language proficiency requirements page for more information.