FAQs*: University/Post Secondary Study

From  2019 September, international students are required to complete the following with a BC Certified teacher at a Ministry of Education accredited school:

• English 11
• English 12
• Career Life Education
• a Science 11 or 12
• a Math 11 or 12
• Social Studies 11 or 12
• Career Life Connections

Students also need to write Numeracy and Literacy Assessment.

Yes, credit for course work completed at a student’s school in his/her home country will be given whenever possible. Students must provide official school transcripts from their home schools.

The BC Dogwood Graduation diploma is recognized at universities throughout North America and in some countries around the world for post-secondary education entry.

All universities in North America, and some overseas, accept Burnaby School District International student graduates if they meet their specific admission requirements set by their institution.

International students who are unable to complete their graduation requirements before aging out from secondary school eligibility may continue to finish their requirements at summer school or with the Burnaby School District’s Adult Continuing Education Department.

International students who are assessed to be at Grade Level (ELL Level 4) AND who have completed enough coursework in their home country schools AND who are able to complete the specific courses required by the Ministry of Education for International Students (English 11 AND 12, Social Studies 11 or 12, a Science 11 OR 12, a Math 11 OR 12, Career Life Education, and Career Life Connections) MAY be able to achieve graduation in one year but in most cases, students will need to finish off the final requirements by attending summer school or another semester, or take additional courses outside of regular school hours to satisfy all of the requirements for International student graduation.

Each year, secondary school schools offer post-secondary institution fairs and information sessions with representatives from numerous BC and Canadian universities for students to access. Secondary school counsellors are available to answer students’ questions and queries and to direct them to the information they may be seeking. However, students should be proactive and choose 3-4 universities or colleges they are interested in before seeking more help from school counsellors.

Yes, students can make appointments with their school counsellors to request assistance with completing their applications. Each year school counsellors provide information to students with regards to accessing post-secondary institution information regarding admissions and deadlines for submitting applications.