Here is the step-by-step process to apply to Capilano University as a Visiting International Student Program (VISP) student.
Our Global Engagement Team is here for you from the moment you apply.
Dedicated to making your short-term study abroad journey at CapU exceptional, we support your academic success at CapU and desire to travel to and explore the many spectacular destinations across British Columbia and Canada!
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Choose an area of study and your specific courses
Choosing courses in your program area
Once you know which program you are interested in, you will select your desired courses from that program and note them on the Visiting Student Course Approval Form (pdf).
At CapU, most courses are 3.0 credits each. Full-time status at CapU is a minimum of nine credits. To ensure you are successful in your studies, we recommend taking 3-4 courses.
You can also select courses outside the specific program that you’re applying for.
However, while we make every effort to approve your desired courses, any courses outside your specific program are subject to departmental approval and availability.
This is because the course approval priority is always given to students in the program they’ve been accepted into.
Being a quality-focused, accredited public institution, CapU offers courses that are widely recognized both across Canada and around the world.
If you wish to transfer CapU courses, be sure to check with your current or future Home Institution if credits earned at CapU are transferable.
CapU uses a letter grade system to determine a student’s grade point average (GPA). Upon successful completion of your term, you may request your official transcript through your myCapU Account.
For details, see Transcripts and Forms.
CapU’s Global Engagement Team will also email a digital copy of the official transcript directly to your Home Institution. Upon successful completion of your short-term abroad with CapU, you will receive a Certificate of VISP Term Abroad Completion.
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Learn about CapU's admission requirements
Most CapU programs need proof that you:
- Have completed or are in the process of completing secondary school.
- View our International Secondary School Equivalencies (pdf) for more information.
- Meet our English language proficiency requirement.
- Have completed or are in the process of completing secondary school.
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Submit your application via EducationPlannerBC
In your application, include:
- A non-refundable application fee of C$135.
- Visiting Student Course Approval Form (pdf).
- Proof of English Language Proficiency based on regular English Language Requirements.
- If submitting DET or TOEFL, you must assign your report to CapU for verifications at DET - Duolingo English Test and TOEFL (CapU code: 0505).
Students with lower English proficiency may be eligible for selected courses. Visit VISP Study Options.
Apply on EducationPlannerBCIn your application, include:
- International high school transcript and proof of graduation, including certified translation in English, where applicable. Scanned copies are acceptable before the term starts.
If you are a current post-secondary student, you must include post-secondary transcripts, including a certified translation in English, when applicable. Scanned copies are acceptable before the term starts.
You also need to include a Letter of Permission from your home institution.
This letter must state that the applicant is currently a student in good standing at the home institution and has been permitted to spend a semester abroad as a VISP student at CapU. It must also indicate the program the applicant is approved to take at CapU and the term in which the program may be taken.
Finally, you must include a Financial Guarantee Letter if you have one.
If you noted more than one program choice on your application and have submitted a Financial Guarantee Letter, you will receive your Letter of Acceptance directly for your first program choice, provided your application is successful.
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Receive an acknowledgement letter
After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC, you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.
- This email will include your Student ID number, your myCapU account and email address.
- Any missing application documents and instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
- All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
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Receive your letter of offer
If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.
- You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
- This deposit will go towards your first semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.
If you submitted your Financial Guarantee Letter under Step 3, you will not receive your letter of offer. Instead, we will issue your letter of acceptance directly.
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Receive your letter of acceptance
Once your application is complete, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox.
This letter includes details such as course registration, accommodation, and orientation and may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.
Depending on your citizenship and Government of Canada guidelines, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
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Visa and Study Permit
Before applying for your visa/study permit and/or planning to travel to Canada, find out if you need a study permit or visa.
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Get started with support and your first day at CapU
Your VISP term abroad includes five key supports, tailored specifically to short-term incoming VISP (and Exchange) students.
These supports include course planning and registration, academic and study tips, accommodation move-in, travel documents, cultural immersion, life in North Vancouver and Canada, socials, peer-to-peer supports and more.
Contact CapU's Global Engagement Team
If you have questions about course selection, approvals, visas, or are looking for a one-on-one advising session, our team is here to help.
We are available by Zoom, MS Teams, in-person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT and via email at visp@capilanou.ca.