1. Q: How do universities in BC recruit students?
A: Students in BC are recruited from two different paths: 1) high school 2) transfer students from accredited colleges.

2. Q: What is the university transfer program?
A: The university transfer program, through the BCCAT (British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer), ensures that member institutes accept other accredited members’ courses for credit in their institute. Credits from the Associate of Arts Degree program at Alexander College are accepted, as negotiated, by all universities in BC. Students who finish the first and second year can apply to the third year directly, including UBC, SFU, UNBC and UVic. Note: Each university has its own requirements for GPA and prerequisites.

3. Q: What is Alexander College’s Associate of Arts Degree?
A: Alexander College’s Associate of Arts Degree is a 2-year program designed to meet the standards approved by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and published by BCCAT. Students receive 60 credits in a variety of disciplines that can be transferred as a block to other universities, including UBC, SFU and UVic.

4. Q: Does every college provide an Associate Degree?
A: No. The BC Ministry of Advanced Education must approve all colleges offering any Degree. Accreditation required approval by this board of both the institution’s organization and its proposed program. In BC, very few private colleges have been approved to offer academic degrees; Alexander College is one.

5. Q: After getting an AA degree from Alexander College, can I transfer all of my 60 credits?
A: Yes! Most public colleges and universities in BC have agreed to grant 60 credits to anyone who has completed an Associate of Arts degree. Transfer credits for individual courses are subject to transfer guide between Alexander College and the various institutions.

6. Q: Is it better to go to university directly or transfer into third year after completing an Associates Degree?
A: This decision should be based on an individual’s situation:
1) Local students can choose to go directly to university if their academic background and English level is strong enough to participate in university level courses. Students may choose to enroll in an Associate of Arts Degree program in a smaller college even if they are fluent in English for other reasons such as: smaller class size, more direct contact with instructors, lower cost, etc.
2) International students, who may have difficulty adapting to the Western university environment due to cultural and language difficulties, may enroll in a private college to complete first and second years. Alexander College prides itself on personal attention to students’ needs.

7. Q: When I transfer to university for third year, do I need TOEFL, LPI or IELTS?
A: No. As long as you have completed the required first and second year English courses, you can transfer directly into third year at university without taking an entrance or placement exam.

8. Q: Do I need TOEFL or IELTS to enroll at Alexander College?
A: No. If you have not completed either exam, then you will be given an English placement test. Depending on the result, you may be able to enter directly into first year university courses at Alexander College. If results are below set requirements, you will be entered into our Academic Foundation program.

9. Q: What are the advantages of attending Alexander College?
A: Alexander College is one of only a few colleges that provide both the University Transfer program and the Associate Degree. It has the highest quality instructional faculty, student services, and social program. We offer individual academic planning from the point of enrollment through to your entrance into university.

10. Q: What is tuition at Alexander College compared to the cost of attending university?
A: Compared to BC universities, the tuition fees at Alexander College are approximately 2/3 to 1/2 of the cost.

11. Q: After obtaining an Associates Degree with Alexander College, can I transfer to a university in another province in Canada or take my AD to a university in the United States?
A: Yes. In most cases, universities outside of BC will accept the Associate Degree you receive from Alexander College if you are applying to third year in the same program. Each university has its own policies regarding admission and students will be assisted by their Academic Advisor to ensure the transfer goes smoothly.

12. Q: Do I need medical insurance? Can I apply for the BC Medical Services Plan?
A: Yes, you must have medical insurance; all BC residents need to have BCMSP coverage. The cost per month is $54. Alexander College advisors will help you to organize this protection. Please note that all international students require private medical insurance for the first 90 days until their BCMSP becomes effective.

13. Q: How can I apply for a study permit?
A: Please see the International Student Application Procedure and Check List (p. ). You can contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain an application form.

14. Q: How long will it take to apply for a study permit?
A: Application processing times depend on the student’s country of origin, but can normally be expected to take from 1-4 months.

15. Q: After I receive my Associate Degree from Alexander College, can I work in Canada?
A: Yes. You will be able to work for up to one year without needing to contact HRDC (Human Resources and Development Canada). After finding suitable employment and obtaining a letter from your prospective employer, you will need to be approved by CIC (Canadian Immigration Council).