- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- CIP code
- 51.2309
- Duration
- 4 month university certificate including two pract
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreJan 2027
- Field
- Social and Community Services
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2027-01-01
Program overview
A four month university certificate preparing graduates to run activity programmes in care settings, covering recreation planning for older adults, dementia awareness, group facilitation and two practicums.
University Certificate in Activity Assistant is the shortest and cheapest programme in this catalogue at four months and CAD 9,985, and it requires an existing post-secondary certificate to enter.
University Certificate in Activity Assistant is delivered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, a designated learning institution. Because University Certificate in Activity Assistant is a four month university certificate 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 University Certificate in Activity Assistant 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 University Certificate in Activity Assistant is tested when you apply rather than when you enrol. The study permit application for University Certificate in Activity Assistant also requires a British Columbia attestation letter, which VIU issues with the letter of acceptance.
Entry to University Certificate in Activity Assistant is a recognised post-secondary certificate at 50 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for University Certificate in Activity Assistant is recorded at CAD 9,985 a year with a CAD 156 application fee, with a recorded initial deposit of CAD 10,000. No scholarship is recorded against University Certificate in Activity Assistant. January entry only, in 2027 and 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the University Certificate in Activity Assistant 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: A completed post-secondary certificate in a related subject.
- 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: University Certificate in Activity Assistant is a four month university certificate 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
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- 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:
- Activity Assistant: long term care and assisted living
- Recreation Aide: seniors programmes
- Community Programme Worker: adult day services
- Care Support Worker: residential settings
- Volunteer Coordinator: care organisations
- Further Study: recreation and care diploma routes
Reality check: four months is far too short to support a viable study permit and work permit plan on its own, so treat this as an add on for someone already in Canada rather than a route from India.
About Vancouver Island University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #1366
- Established
- 1936
- Reference No.
- O19395299688
