Scroll down to see answers to FAQs about:

• Admissions
• Course Planning and Registration
• BC Transfer Guide
• Tuition and Fees
• Registrar Services
• Student Success Services
• Student Life
• Academic Advising

Admissions

• What are the admission requirements?

  General Admission Requirements 

  • All programs require evidence of English language proficiency. Students can learn about the 12 different ways to satisfy the English proficiency requirement by clicking here.
  • Completion of Secondary Education (12 years, or equivalent) or mature student status, or post-secondary transfer
  • Canadian Citizenship or legal authorization to study in Canada
  • At least 16+ years of age
  • Academic and/or GPA requirements specific to individual programs

  Associate of Arts Admission Requirements
  Students who meet our General Admission Requirements may apply for any of our Associate of Arts degree programs, or to our University Transfer program.

  For students transferring from a post-secondary institution into one of our Associate of Arts programs, program requirements for each can be found at our Programs and Courses page.

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Arts (Business)
  • Associate of Arts (Economics)
  • Associate of Arts (Mathematics)
  • Associate of Arts (Psychology)
  • Associate of Arts (Sociology)

  Associate of Science Admission Requirements
  Students who meet our General Admission Requirements and wish to apply for our Associate of Science degree should demonstrate the following foundational skills for admission directly into the program.

  Entry from Grade 12:

  • Graduation from 12-year compulsory education, or mature student (aged 19+) status
  • Demonstrated English proficiency
  • Two of: Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Physics 12, Geography 12, Geology 12 (or equivalents)
  • Mathematics 12 (B or higher), or calculus-based equivalent

  Entry from University Transfer:

  • At least 9 transferable post-secondary credits, with a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or higher. University transfer applicants with cumulative GPA’s below 1.50 may be admitted provisionally
  • Demonstrated English proficiency
  • At least 6 credits first-year biological or physical sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Geology)
  • MATH 100 (C or higher), or equivalent

  University Transfer
  Alexander College offers a wide range of first- and second-year university courses that are transferable within the BCCAT system and beyond. This allows students to receive credits for courses taken in Alexander College at the university of their choice.
  Academic Advisors help students understand university and faculty admission requirements and create a study plan that would put them on a path of fulfilling a Bachelor’s degree program requirements. Students can reference some of our pre-made transfer plans to popular BC universities such as SFU, UVIC and UBC on our Sample Study Plan page.

• What is an Associate Degree? How long is the program?

  An Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate degree offered by many institutions in the province of British Columbia and beyond. The Associate Degree program is designed to provide broad-based knowledge and experiences in preparation for entering the workforce, or as a foundation for further undergraduate study.

• What is the total cost of tuition?

  Information about tuition fees can be found here: https://alexandercollege.ca/admissions-and-registration/tuition-fees-and-refunds/

• Which universities can I transfer to under the University Transfer Program?

  You can transfer to any university within BC including UBC, SFU, UVic, and to some universities outside of BC such as the University of Toronto. For specific program requirements, we recommend speaking to an Academic Advisor or taking a look at the BC Transfer Guide.

• Are Associate Degree programs eligible for the post-graduation work permit?

  International students completing the Associate Degree program at Alexander College are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

• Do I need IELTS/TOEFL/LPI to apply for Alexander College?

  All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English prior to course registration; and we do accept standardized test scores to meet this requirement (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).

  Students who do not have proficiency test results may write our internal English placement test. For detailed information about the various ways to satisfy the English language requirement, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/admissions-and-registration/admission-requirements/english-proficiency-requirements/

• What documents do I need to apply for Alexander College?

  Information about documentation requirements can be found within the introduction to our online Application for Admission, found here: https://myac.alexandercollege.ca/online-application/

• Which intake is currently open? And when is the deadline for application?

  We normally accept applications for intake term 1 year in the future, based on the current term underway. For example, if the current term is Spring 2020, applicants may apply to terms up to and including Spring 2021. Admission to specific intake terms may be closed earlier if capacity is reached. To learn more, contact your Enrolment Advisor, or check out the available intake terms by completing the first steps of the online Application for Admission, found here: https://myac.alexandercollege.ca/online-application/

• As an international student, can I work while studying?

  International students are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while enrolled on a full-time basis, and may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during regularly scheduled breaks (e.g. Christmas break, the days or week between terms, or Summer intensive term). For more information, please visit the Canadian Immigration website.

• How many semesters in a year?

  The academic year is divided into 3 regular semesters, and 1 intensive semester. The regular semesters are: Fall semester (September to December), Winter semester (January to April), Spring semester (April/May to July). Our intensive semester is the Summer semester, which runs from July to August.

Course Planning & Registration

• When do classes start?

  The academic year is divided into four terms: Fall (Sept-Dec), Winter (Jan-Apr), Spring (April/May-July) and Summer intensive (July-Aug).

  Upcoming Important Dates

• Where should I go to get help with course planning?

  An Academic Advisor can provide you with information on transfer planning, degree program planning, and career applicability. To book an appointment, email academicadvising@alexandercollege.ca

• How do I know what courses are offered?

  Visit the Semester Schedule to view the full list of courses offered.

• What will my schedule be?

  3-credit courses are typically scheduled two days per week, and 4-credit laboratory courses are typically scheduled three days per week. You can select the courses and sections that best fit your schedule. The earliest morning classes begin at 9:00am, and the latest evening classes start at 7:00pm. The majority of classes begin at 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, and 4:30pm.

• How many classes do I have to take each term to be a full-time student?

  Winter, Spring or Fall term:

  3 or more university level courses; or

  EASL 068 – EASL089

  ENGL 098 plus one university transfer level course

  ENGL 099 plus one university transfer level course

  UPRE 099

  Summer term:

  2 or more university transfer level courses

  *UPRE and EAP courses are not offered during the summer term due to the shortened length of the term.

• I took some courses at another post secondary institution in BC. Can I use these courses to meet prerequisites for higher level course at Alexander College?

  Yes, if the course is listed as equivalent to an Alexander College prerequisite according to the BC Transfer Guide. The BC Transfer Guide can be found online at: http://www.bctransferguide.ca/

• I know which courses I want to take. How do I register?

  Registration

  If you would like help with course registration, you can drop in and meet with an Academic Advisor (academicadvising@alexandercollege.ca).

  If you wish to register at home, you can find a video tutorial from the left navigation panel of your MyAC student portal.

  Payment

  Tuition fee payment must normally be received within 5 business days of course registration during the Regular Registration period or within 1 business day if you are registering during the Late Registration period.

• The class I want is full. What is a waiting list and how does it work?

  While you are on the waiting list for a course, you are responsible for watching your position on the list. If a seat becomes available, you will see an option to accept or reject the seat from your MyAC Student Portal. You have just 24 hours to accept the seat so that we can cycle through the list and offer the seat(s) to as many students as possible. If you do accept the seat within 24 hours, the course will be added to your registered courses. Alternatively, if you do not accept the seat within 24 hours, or if you reject it, your place on the waiting list will be removed and the seat will be offered to the next student on the list.

  If a course has a waiting list, the course is full. You cannot register for a course that is full, but you can add your name to the waiting list provided that there are fewer the 50 students already on the waiting list. This list allows interested students to line up and wait to see if any seats become available in the course. When you add your name to the waiting list for a course, you will see a number, for example 4/4. This means that you are the fourth person on a list of 4 people.

• I tried to choose classes, but I am seeing an error message. What should I do?

  The error message should explain the reason and provide instructions for how to get in touch with the correct department. In most cases, an error message shows because there is a hold on the student account. Within the registration system, the following are some common error messages:

  Suspension hold – A Suspension hold is applied when a student has been suspended from the College for reasons of poor academic performance, academic or non-academic misconduct. Contact the Office of the Registrar: studentrecords@alexandercollege.ca

  Registrar hold – A Registrar hold is applied when there is an unresolved disciplinary case or if the Registrar wants to block a student from registering due to some kind of misconduct. Examples include: plagiarism and cheating, fraudulent documents, academic or non-academic misconduct. Contact the Office of the Registrar: studentrecords@alexandercollege.ca

  Time Conflict – If you receive a time conflict message, two or more of your courses have a time conflict. In the event that a student enrolls in two or more courses at different campuses, an allowance of 1 hour travel time between campuses is automatically calculated. Contact the Office of the Registrar: registration@alexandercollege.ca

  Cheque hold – A Cheque hold is applied when a student has paid fees by personal cheque. Payments by personal cheque are subject to a 10-day clearing period. Contact the Student Financial Services unit, studentfinancialservices@alexandercollege.ca

  Financial hold – A Financial hold is applied when a student has an outstanding fee balance that is past due. Examples include: library fines, tuition fees, NSF cheques, etc. Contact the Student Financial Services unit, studentfinancialservices@alexandercollege.ca

• I have been accepted, but I am an international student and I haven’t received my study permit yet. Can I register for classes?

  No. You need to be authorized to study in Canada before course registration. If you do not receive your study permit by the add/drop/change deadline, contact your Enrolment Advisor or the Admissions unit (registration@alexandercollege.ca) office to defer you start date to the next term.

• I have chosen the classes I want. What next?

  Print your class schedule and tuition and fees invoice. Pay the tuition and fees before the deadline.

BC Transfer Guide

• One of the courses I want to take says it ‘precludes additional credit’ for another course I’m interested in. What does that mean?

  Two courses that have very similar or overlapping material cannot both count as credit toward your degree. Precluded courses are not necessarily equivalent. Never assume that one course can substitute for another simply because it precludes. Always check with your academic advisor.

• A course I want to take at Alexander College transfers to UBC as ‘UBC 1st’. Does this mean it’s not transferable?

  No –this means that you will receive credit for this course but UBC does not have a course which is an exact equivalent. This is called “Unassigned Credit”. For example, if you take ECON 210 at Alexander College and see how it transfers to UBC, you will see this:

  UBC will give you 3 credits for this course but it is not the exact equivalent course.

• I want to take a course at Alexander College and transfer it to another University but when I check with BCCAT, it transfers but a specific end date is listed under ‘effective dates’. Does this mean I can’t use it to transfer?

  Always pay attention to the dates under “effective dates” in the far right hand column. Some courses may have been equivalent at one time but may no longer be equivalent due to changes in curriculum, course content, etc. For example, let’s say you want to take MATH 232 AT Alexander College and transfer it to UVIC. You will see the following:

  This means that between January 2007 and August 2009, this course was equal to UVIC MATH 233A. Now however, it is no longer equivalent to that course. You will see in the line above that MATH 232 at Alexander College is still transferable to UVIC but as UVIC MATH 211 from September 2009 – present day:

  ALEX MATH 232 (3)=UVIC MATH 211(1.5) Sep/09 to-

Tuition and Fees

• I am an overseas international student, and I need to apply for a study permit to come to Canada. How much money do I need to pay as a tuition deposit?

  The tuition prepayment deposit amount is specified with your offer of Admission and invoice. Please inquire with your Enrolment Advisor.

• When do I need to pay tuition? Is there a tuition deadline?

  Information about tuition payment deadlines can be found here: https://alexandercollege.ca/admissions-and-registration/tuition-fees-and-refunds/

• How can I pay my tuition and fees?

  For complete information on accepted payment methods, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/bookstore/

• What does the Student Association & Activities fee include?

  The Student Association and Activities fee funds the Alexander College Student Association (ACSA), which all students are a members of automatically, and also sponsors student activities and clubs. More information about ACSA can be found here: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-life/acsa/

• How do I apply for Financial Aid?

  Educational student loans are available for domestic students of Alexander College from the national government of Canada, as well as from the province of British Columbia. If you have questions, please visit the Office of the Registrar for assistance. If you have already been admitted to Alexander College, you can also apply online at https://studentaidbc.ca/

• If there is an emergency in my family, or I change my plans, will I be able to get a refund?

  Refunds will be granted only for courses officially dropped prior to the published deadline. Eligibility for a refund will be determined by the date the course is dropped.

  International students who have been issued an Official Letter of Acceptance from Alexander College are not eligible for a refund, unless the student is required to withdraw from their program of study due to denial of Study Permit authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

• How can I defer my start date?

  As soon as you are aware of the need to defer your start date, contact your Enrolment Advisor to request a new Letter of Acceptance for a future intake term.

• I have registered for classes and paid my tuition and fees. What next?

  Now you can print your course schedule from your MyAC Student Portal, explore the campuses to get familiar with your surroundings, buy your textbooks from the bookstore, receive your AC Student ID from the library and attend the New Student Orientation. For more information about New Student Orientation, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/new-student-orientation/

Registrar Services

• I took some courses at another post secondary institution in BC. Can I transfer these courses to Alexander College? What is the process?

  Students who wish to transfer credit from another BCCAT member institution are required to submit a completed Application for Transfer of Credit form and an official transcript from the transferring institution to the Office of the Registrar. Transferability of courses with the BC Post-Secondary Transfer System is determined by articulation agreements between member institutions. Course transferability is viewable online using the BC Transfer Guide, www.bctransferguide.ca.

• I took some courses at another post secondary institution outside of BC or in a different country. Can I transfer these courses to Alexander College? What is the process?

  Alexander College does not guarantee transferability of courses taken outside of the BC Transfer System, however students who have completed undergraduate studies outside of Canada are eligible to request assessment of their coursework for transfer credit. To learn more about this process, see the Office of the Registrar or visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/admissions-and-registration/credit-transfer/#12

Student Success Services

• Is medical coverage mandatory?

  Yes. Proof of medical insurance coverage is mandatory for all students prior to course registration. All students are expected to maintain valid medical insurance for the duration of their studies.

• How can I purchase or renew medical insurance?

  The College provides information and assistance by helping students to secure access to provincial healthcare or by connecting students with a suitable insurance provider. Medical insurance information, assistance, and application forms are available to be picked up from the Office of the Registrar at both campuses.

• How much does medical insurance cost? Are there any options?

  The cost of medical insurance coverage is approximately $70 per month for Medical Services Plan. This covers the cost of all medical care received in Canada, but does not cover prescription medications, vision, dental, or illness/injury during travel outside of Canada. Extended health plans are offered through Guard.Me, and this plan covers newly arrived international students for the 90 days in Canada, and covers urgent medical care and some other paramedical benefits, and depending on the plan, may also offer coverage for international travel outside of Canada.

• I am an international student with questions about my study permit. Who can help me?

  Detailed instructions for obtaining an initial study permit can be found online at www.cic.gc.ca

  Detailed instructions for renewing an existing study permit can be found online at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/extend-study-permit.html

• Is the New Student Orientation mandatory? Where can I find the details about this event?

  Alexander College Student Orientation is mandatory for all new students to Alexander College, as it is designed to inform new students about college support services, procedures, and expectations. For more information about New Student Orientation, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/new-student-orientation/

• I am having difficulty in my classes. Is there someone that can help me?

  Alexander College is pleased to offer a variety of resources, services and support to help students succeed during their time here. For more information, please visit the Writing and Learning Centre page, https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/writing-and-learning-centre/

• Sometimes I feel sad, lonely, or have trouble dealing with stress. Is there someone that I can talk to?

  Yes, Alexander College students are eligible for up to 10 free, on-site, Health and Wellness Counseling sessions each academic year. These sessions are designed to provide students with a safe, supportive, and confidential space in which to discuss issues that may be causing distress and personal struggle. Some examples of common issues that are discussed with a Health and Wellness Counselor include anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, loneliness, substance misuse, or adjustment to new surroundings. To make an appointment please email Kerry Anne Holloway at hollowaycounselling@gmail.com

Student Life

• I am having trouble settling in to College life. Is there someone I can talk to?

  Alexander College is pleased to offer a variety of activities, events and clubs to students during their time here. For more information, please visit Rebecca Spruston at the Burnaby Campus or by email at studentlife@alexandercollege.ca

• What kind of clubs does Alexander College have?

  Alexander College offers a variety of clubs; please see the list below of current clubs available to all students. For more information, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-life/acsa-clubs-and-events/

• How do I join a club?

  Clubs are organized and run by students, with new clubs developing according to student interests. Please contact Rebecca Spruston by email at studentlife@alexandercollege.ca if you would like to start a student club or find out about activities.

• How do I get involved in the Student Association?

  The executive council of the Alexander College Student Association (ACSA) are elected at the beginning of each semester by student vote. Candidates organize their speeches to gain the support of fellow students, and the voting stations at each campus open for approximately three days. Each Alexander College student is entitled to one ballot, and a student ID card is required at the voting station. Finally, the vote is closed, the ballots are tallied, and the elected council is announced. The ACSA is responsible for ensuring that the current fee of $20 per student per semester is appropriately budgeted and wisely spent for the benefit of Alexander College students. Please contact Rebecca Spruston at studentlife@alexandercollege.ca for more information.

• I saw a poster about an event that looked really fun. Where do I sign up?

  The Student Life Officer organizes events and experiences for groups of students. You contact Rebecca at at studentlife@alexandercollege.ca for more information.

Academic Advising

• How do I make an appointment to see an Academic Advisor?

  To make an appointment with an Academic Advisor, please email: academicadvising@alexandercollege.ca

• How can I find out if Alexander College courses will transfer to other colleges and universities in BC?

  The BC Transfer Guide (http://www.bctransferguide.ca/) is a tool that allows you to see how credit earned at one institution in BC will transfer to another. If you would like help interpreting the results of a BC Transfer Guide search, an Academic Advisor will be happy to assist you.

• What are the requirements for completing an Associate’s Degree program at Alexander College?

  All of Alexander College’s Associate Degree programs have different requirements. To review your degree’s requirements and make a plan for successful completion of your program, please make an appointment to see an advisor one-on-one.

• How do I apply to graduate?

  Simply make an appointment to meet an Officer in the Graduation unit, who will review your degree requirements and assess your eligibility for graduation (graduation@alexandercollege.ca). The Officer will help you fill out an Application for Graduation form, and will then submit the Application for Graduation package to the Registrar on your behalf. The Office of the Registrar will notify you of the outcome of your application and issue your documentation/credentials.

• How do I know if I should withdraw from a course or not?

  Withdrawing from a course is often a difficult decision. Some reasons that students withdraw include academic difficulty, family/personal issues, or health reasons. Choosing to withdraw is a very personal decision and it is highly recommended that you speak with your instructor and see an Academic Advisor before you decide.

  If it is past the Add/Drop course date and you are struggling with a course or worried that it will negatively affect your GPA, you have the option to withdraw from the course. You must decide to withdraw before the withdraw deadline. The withdraw deadline is posted in the Academic Calendar, and on the Important Dates page of the website: https://alexandercollege.ca/admissions-and-registration/important-dates/

  Once you have withdrawn from a course, you cannot reverse this decision. (i.e., if you change your mind and decide you want to take the course after all, you will have to wait and take the course again in a later term.)