Inbound Mobility
Eligibility
If you are a student at one of Okanagan College’s partner institutions, you are eligible to apply to attend Â黨´«Ã½as an exchange student.
Program availability
Associate of Arts
Intake
Fall, Winter
Campus
Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm
Business Administration
Intake
Fall, Winter
Campus
Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Intake
Fall, Winter, Summer
Campus
Kelowna
Fall: Sep – Dec
Winter: Jan– Apr
Summer: May – June and July – Aug
Important dates
Nominations open
January 1
Nomination deadline
February 1
Application deadline
March 1
Learning agreement submission deadline
April 1
Fee payment deadline
Generally 3 weeks before start of program
Arrival period
3 weeks before start of program
International Orientation
May 2
Classes begin
May 5 (English as a Second Language)
Classes end
August 20 (English as a Second Language)
Nominations open
October 1 of the previous year
Nomination deadline
May 1
Application deadline
June 1
Learning agreement submission deadline
July 1
Fee payment deadline
Generally 3 weeks before start of program
Arrival period
3 weeks before start of program
International Orientation
TBD
Classes begin
September 3
Classes end
December 18
Nominations open
February 1 of the previous year
Nomination deadline
September 1
Application deadline
October 1
Learning agreement submission deadline
November 1
Fee payment deadline
Generally 3 weeks before start of program
Arrival period
3 weeks before start of program
International Orientation
TBD
Classes begin
January 5
Classes end
April 22
Application process
1. Nomination
Students wishing to study at Okanagan College as an exchange student need to meet program admission requirements and be nominated by their home institution. Your home institution will forward your nomination to Â黨´«Ã½ Outgoing exchange coordinators can contact us at mobility@okanagan.bc.ca with details below.
- Student's name
- Intended program at Okanagan College
- Field of study at the home institution
- Length of study (either one or two semesters)
- Email address
English requirements:
- ESL students need either a Duolingo English test or Academic IELTS for English level placement.
- Academic students need to meet minimum English requirements:
- Duolingo English test: overall 105
- TOEFL internet-based test: total 79
- Academic IELTS: all bands 6.0
2. Application
After being nominated, students fill out the Admission Notification form. Once the form is completed, send the following documents as one package to mobility@okanagan.bc.ca.
The application package will contain the following documents:
- Admission Notification form
- Copy of passport
- Academic Transcript (in English)
- English proficiency test report
3. Acceptance
Accepted students will be contacted by Â黨´«Ã½
ESL students will receive their Letter of Acceptance (LOA) via Applyproof
Non-ESL (Academic) students will receive a Learning Agreement form as well as their Letter of Acceptance (LOA) via Applyproof. See Step 5 below for details about the Learning Agreement.
4. Immigration
Find out if you need a study permit at the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website:
It is important that universities check the IRCC website to confirm if their students need a temporary resident visa (entry visa) or study permit prior to departure. Study permit approval is required prior to entering Canada if a student will be staying for more than six months. An LOA is required before students can apply for a study permit. To check study permit processing times, go to the IRCC website: . Please note we do not assist students with their initial study permit application.
5. (Non-ESL students only) Learning Agreement
Incoming students are expected to work with their academic advisors at their home institution to select appropriate courses for both registration and transfer credit. These selected courses need to be recorded on a Learning Agreement form. Once the form is completed and signed by the home institution, it should be forwarded to mobility@okanagan.bc.ca for review and approval by Â黨´«Ã½
Please note that the Learning Agreement must be approved by both the home institution and Okanagan College before students can proceed with course registration.
Additional details
Tuition fees are payable to your home institution.
Fees payable to Â黨´«Ã½include Student Association, Student Association Media, BC Fed of Students, International Activity, International Â黨´«Ã½Development*, International Education Technology*, Extended Health and Dental Plan, guard.me medical insurance.
While fees vary, an average exchange student should budget approximately $700-750 CAD per semester for Â黨´«Ã½fees.
*Assessed based on the number of registered courses
For fee payment deadlines and information on how to pay, Tuition and fees | Â黨´«Ã½
Okanagan College requires that all exchange students have valid medical coverage for the duration of their studies. Students will be enrolled with guard.me and/or Extended Health and Dental plans based on their program of study and registration status. Fees are charged to student account.
|
|
Guard.me |
Extended Health and Dental Plan |
|---|---|---|
|
Applies to |
All exchange students |
Academic students with 3 or more courses |
|
Cost |
$250/semester (approx. $2/day) |
$250/year |
|
Administered by |
International Education |
Okanagan College Students’ Union |
|
Opt-out |
No |
Available by submitting proof of equivalent coverage by deadline |
|
Information |
|
| Books and materials | $100 |
|---|---|
| Transportation (bus pass) | $55 monthly |
| Food | $1600 |
| Accommodation (homestay) | $3800 |
| Accommodation (Student Housing - studio) | $775-$1050 |
| Accommodation (Student Housing - pod) | $625-$950 |
| Accommodation (private rental) | Varies |
Disclaimer
- Fees subject to change
- Approximate cost for food
- The cost for books and materials will vary depending on programs and courses.
- Does not include personal spending (i.e., Entertainment, travel sports, clothes, off campus activities, etc.)
- Approximate cost for private accommodation
- Accommodation fees do not include damage deposit.
Student housing on-campus (dormitory)
Okanagan College student housing offers you furnished, non-smoking accommodations at the Kelowna campus. The housing is located only steps away from classrooms, libraries, recreational and fitness facilities, and food services. Public bus service connects you to local beaches, recreation areas, downtown, the airport, and shopping districts within the city.
Private rental off-campus housing (private rental)
Upon arrival, students may wish to consider staying at a hotel/hostel while looking for a permanent accommodation. Off-campus housing is also available. Apartments and houses can be rented near the campus. Students can look for room and board accommodations, private suites or rent a place with friends. If the student chooses private accommodation, the student is responsible for all arrangements.
Homestay
The Homestay program is an opportunity for cultural exchange between Canadians and International students, where students live with a host family for a period of time. Host families learn about other countries and cultures and help students adjust to living in Canada. Students have more opportunities to practice their English and learn about Canadian lifestyles, values, and customs.
For more information on above housing options, visit the housing page.
Students are expected to be available during the exam period, and out of time exam requests will be approved only if the circumstances are exceptional. Check exam dates prior to booking your return flight home.
For academic schedules and other important dates, Important dates | Â黨´«Ã½
See more details for orientation dates: International Orientation
Contact Us
If you have any questions about studying at Okanagan College as an exchange student, please contact the Recruitment Specialist.