How to Apply

Choose Okanagan College for its first-class education, small class sizes, and its location: campuses are located throughout the spectacular Okanagan Valley, which may be home for you or you will want to make it your new home.

If you already know what program you want, find out how to apply and get your career started today. If not, it may be time to check out everything we have to offer in our Programs section.

Admissions Process

Once you decide Okanagan College is right for you, it is time to start the admissions process.

Get to know my program
Do I have the academic admissions requirements?
My program has other requirements
Now I want to apply
What do I do about my transcripts?
I have submitted all my documentation, what happens next?
My program has a waitlist, what do I do?
I have been admitted to my program, where do I go from here?

Get to know my program
Before you apply, you should know everything about your program. Have you read the information in the official calendar? Did you check out the department's website? Have you talked to a Recruiter or an Educational Advisor at the College, your career counsellor at your high school and maybe your family? If you answered "yes" to these questions, let's get you ready for your newest endeavour.

Do I have the academic admissions requirements?
Check our calendar to see if you meet the academic admission requirements for your program of choice such as English 12 or Math 11. If you are not sure, a Recruiter or Educational Advisor will be happy to help. And remember that we have opportunities to upgrade if you don't quite meet the requirements.

After you apply, our Admissions staff will automatically check if you meet the requirements through the courses you took.

Some programs have additional requirements: someone will advise you how you can satisfy them such as coming in for testing or submitting a criminal records check. Each program we offer has specific admissions requirements that are listed in the college calendar. 

My program has other requirements
Our Admissions staff will contact you - usually by mail, within 10 business days of applying – if you need to submit other documentation such as health records. But familiarize yourself now with your program's requirements, so there won’t be any surprises. Check our calendar for details on your program.

Now I want to apply
You think you have the academic admission requirements for your program? Review the Application Checklist (see the menu on the left), make sure you have all your information handy and apply online now.

Many programs work on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is your best bet. For these programs, it is the date you submit your application that counts regardless of when we receive your transcripts or other documentation.

What do I do about my transcripts?
You have applied online, now it is time to send us your current transcript(s). Ask your high school to fax or mail them directly to us.

If you attend or have attended high school in B.C. or Yukon, we ask you to provide your Personal Education Number (PEN) during the online application process. If you are currently attending high school, also fill out a Post-Secondary Institutions Choices Form (PSI Form) at your high school indicating you wish your final high school transcript be sent to Okanagan College. With your PEN, we will then be able to automatically access your final transcript in early August.

If you are from outside of B.C. or Yukon, please send us your final Ministry high school transcript as soon as they are available.

All transcripts should go to the Admissions office of the campus to which you are applying. If you are applying to more than one campus, you may send your transcripts to either of the campuses to which you are applying.

I have submitted all my documentation, what happens next?
When you are accepted into your program, you will receive an Offer of Admission, which is a formal letter that also includes your registration information.

You must then indicate your intention to accept this offer by paying a required non-refundable admission deposit within the time frame specified in the Offer of Admission.  

If you fail to pay the fee by the required deadline, you will risk losing your seat in your chosen program.

My program has a waitlist, what do I do?
If you have submitted all your documentation and meet the requirements for a program that is full, you will be placed on a waitlist. If a seat becomes available at a later date, you will be contacted by mail or phone to let you know you have been accepted.

This may happen well in advance of the start date of the program or last minute. We advise that you have everything in order including your finances so you can accept the seat if you wish.

Please note every intake of a program is completely separate form the next. Just because you were on the waitlist for one intake, does not mean you will be considered or get priority for the next intake. It is always a good idea to apply to more than one intake of the same program during the application process. It may give you that coveted seat. There is no extra charge to apply to more than one intake, at multiple campuses or even different programs. The application fee covers all applications received within 12 months. 

I have been admitted to my program, where do I go from here?
You have paid your deposit and have been admitted to your program. Now it is time to move on to our registration section and see what is awaiting you.

You may also want to plan your finances and consider your housing options. Check out our Money Matters and Help me Succeed section to the left for more information.