Bachelor Of Arts - Child And Youth Care - Year 3 Entry 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 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, complemented by two practicums totaling 850 hours, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges in the Child and Youth Care (CYC) field. With a focus on practical experience, students will gain the confidence needed to excel in various roles within educational, residential, and community settings.

Program Structure

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

Program Length: 4 Years
Credits Required: 120 credits
Practicum Hours: 850 hours (900 hours for Child Protection Specialization)
Program Options: Child Protection Specialization available for a limited number of students

This full-time program includes a variety of courses that prepare students for diverse employment settings, including early intervention programs, youth corrections, and community-based programs. The curriculum integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural safety skills, responding to the increasing demand for skilled practitioners in the field.

Featured Experiences

Two practicums: one 200-hour in the second year and one 300-hour in the third year, culminating in a 350-hour practicum in the fourth year.
Child Protection Specialization available, requiring additional practicum hours with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Field experience is a core component, with partnerships with various agencies and organizations in child and youth care.
Students must maintain Standard First Aid with Infant/Child CPR certification during their practicum.
Practicum locations may vary across Vancouver Island, necessitating potential travel.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care can pursue a variety of rewarding 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 to ensure the safety and well-being of children in potentially harmful situations.
Community Support Worker: Assist individuals and families in accessing community resources and services.
Youth Worker: Engage with youth in various settings, including schools and community centers, to promote positive development.
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 admission as an international student at Vancouver Island University (VIU), you must meet the following 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-speaking countries:

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 from countries 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 for students who meet academic requirements but not the English language requirement, pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program.

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 recognized English Language Proficiency tests (valid within the past 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
C1 Advanced: 176 overall
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!