Bachelor Of Arts - Child And Youth Care at VIU - Vancouver Island University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-11

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is designed to create positive change and improve the lives of children, youth, and families. This program offers extensive hands-on training in the classroom, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a rewarding career in the Child and Youth Care (CYC) field. Students will complete two 300-hour practicums, which provide practical experience and confidence in their ability to work in various challenging environments. Graduates of this program will be highly sought after for counseling roles in educational, residential, and community settings.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care program is structured as follows:

Program Length: 4 Years
Credits Required: 120 credits
Practicum Hours: Total of 850 hours (900 hours for Child Protection Specialization)
Delivery Mode: Full-time

This program includes a Child Protection Specialization option for a limited number of students, which requires additional practicum hours. Students will engage in a variety of topics, including child welfare, human and family development, and activity-based interventions. The program is designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled practitioners in the field.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training in the classroom to prepare for real-world challenges.
Two 300-hour practicums to gain practical experience.
Child Protection Specialization available for students interested in working with child protection teams.
Field experience integrated throughout the program, with relationships established with various agencies and organizations.
Students are required to maintain Standard First Aid with Infant/Child CPR certification during their practicum.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Child and Youth Counselor: Provide support and guidance to children and youth facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Child Protection Worker: Work with families and children in crisis, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Community Support Worker: Assist individuals and families in accessing community resources and services.
Youth Worker: Engage with at-risk youth in community settings, providing mentorship and support.
Family Support Worker: Help families navigate challenges and improve their overall functioning and well-being.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit VIU - Vancouver Island University official website

Last updated on 2025-12-11

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - Child and Youth Care program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) as an international student, you must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. (Refer to the High school completion equivalency list by country for specific details.)
Proof of meeting English language requirements.
For applicants who attended high school in English, in a country where English is considered an official language:
- International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum grade of “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program.
- International students who have completed high school in English, in a country where English is considered the official language must have a minimum grade equivalent to a grade of “C” in English 12 in British Columbia.
For applicants who attended high school in a country where English is not the official language:
- Must submit a recognized English Language Proficiency test (valid within the past 2 years).
- Conditional acceptance may be granted pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program (Level UP5).

Additionally, please note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs at Vancouver Island University, students must have completed one of the following tests (valid test results must be no older than 2 years):

TOEFL Paper Based Test: 550 (no section below 56)
TOEFL IBT: 88 (no section below 20)
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
CAEL: 60
C2 Proficiency: 176 overall (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency - CPE)
C1 Advanced: 176 overall (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced - CAE)
English Studies 12 (BC): Min. “C”
Pearson (PTE) Academic: 60 (no section below 60)
Duolingo English Test: 125 (no band less than 115)
International Baccalaureate English A1/A2: Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
VIU English Language Centre: Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition: Grade 2 or higher
Recognized university where English is the language of instruction: Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
CAEL online: 60
Pearson (PTE) Online: 60 (no section below 60)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 88 (no section below 20)
ILAC Pathway Program: Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission, IRCC may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!