- Level
- 2-Year Associate Degree
- CIP code
- 24.0101
- Duration
- 2 year associate degree
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreSep 2027
- Field
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A two year associate degree in arts, covering breadth requirements across humanities, social sciences and English, designed to transfer into the third year of a bachelor degree.
Associate of Arts is a recognised British Columbia transfer credential that carries block transfer rights into universities across the province, which is a genuine advantage over an ordinary diploma.
Associate of Arts is delivered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, a designated learning institution. Because Associate of Arts is a two year associate degree rather than a degree, the Canadian field of study requirement applies to it, so the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on this programme sitting inside an eligible field at the moment you apply. Where VIU offers the same subject as Associate of Arts at degree level for the same tuition, the degree removes this risk entirely. The eligible field list is revised by the Canadian government, and eligibility for Associate of Arts is tested when you apply rather than when you enrol. The study permit application for Associate of Arts also requires a British Columbia attestation letter, which VIU issues with the letter of acceptance.
Applicants to Associate of Arts need Grade 12 or Class 12 with a minimum of 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for Associate of Arts is recorded at CAD 24,963 a year with a CAD 156 application fee, with a recorded initial deposit of CAD 10,000. No scholarship is recorded against Associate of Arts. September entry across the three listed years. Apply Study Visa manages the Associate of Arts application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 with the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with at least 20 in each section, PTE Academic 60 with no component below 60, or the Duolingo English Test at 115 with no sub score below 105.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 156 applies. An initial deposit of CAD 10,000 is recorded, which is substantial and should be confirmed in writing before any money is sent.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Programme availability: VIU is working through a published Deficit Mitigation Plan and has cancelled or suspended a number of programmes since 2025. Confirm in writing that this programme is running for your intake before you pay a deposit.
- Work permit: Associate of Arts is a two year associate degree rather than a degree, so the field of study test applies and PGWP eligibility must be confirmed in writing for your intake before you commit. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer. A British Columbia attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the British Columbia attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Transfer to a Degree: entering third year at a BC university
- Administrative Officer: organisational roles
- Communications Assistant: public and non profit sector
- Programme Assistant: community organisations
- Research Assistant: with further study
- Degree Completion: at VIU or a partner institution
Reality check: the associate degree is designed as a transfer step rather than a terminal qualification, and it is subject to the work permit field of study test in a way a full degree is not.
About Vancouver Island University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #1366
- Established
- 1936
- Reference No.
- O19395299688
