A Practical Guide to Applying to CapU

Take the application process one step at a time with advice from a CapU student.

Applying to university or college for the first time, including Capilano University, can feel overwhelming. You or your parents will probably be asking whether you meet the requirements, let alone where to start. I've gone through this process myself, and if you're patient and take it one step at a time, the application can feel much more straightforward.

1. Figure out what you want to do

The most important part is knowing what you want to do; for me, that was Communication Studies. Start your search in Find a Program or Course to see if we offer what you're interested in learning. To make things easier, programs are listed alphabetically and, depending on what you choose, are available as certificates or post-bachelor diplomas.

Pay close attention to the Admissions tab, since Intakes lists critical deadlines and How to Apply outlines eligibility requirements for your programs. While Admission Requirements include graduating from high school with at least 60% in English 12 or an equivalent course, not all prerequisites are the same.

Applying to our flagship programs in applied or fine arts is especially competitive. Additional requirements can include auditioning, passing other Grade 12 courses they lay out, having a portfolio of your work, or meeting certain resume requirements.

2. Get your application together

After figuring out what program I wanted to take, I realized applications are only submitted through EducationPlannerBC. While I set up my account using my personal email, you can also set up your application through your B.C. Service Card. After choosing Capilano University as your institution, select the programs you're interested in and a backup second choice, complete the online form, and attach a PDF of your transcripts and any supporting documents.

Like me, if you want to submit your transcripts from your previous college or university, make sure they're sent directly to us with their official seal and authorized by their representatives. If you can only give us a photocopy, that's okay. Just make sure your previous institution or its representative authorizes it. The same applies to any academic documents verified by the Ministry of Education, your high school, university, college, the apostille*, or the appropriate examination board. Keep in mind, though, we don't accept notarized documents.

If you're still in Grade 12, you'll need the Ministry of Education to submit your transcripts. Start by ordering a copy through Student Transcript Services with your BCeID. If you don't have one, register for a Basic BCeID before ordering.

You'll then need to pay a $50.00 application fee by Visa or Mastercard to complete your application.

Finally, because all our course lectures and discussions are in English, you'll need to meet our English Language Requirements.

3. Set up your online credentials and put them to good use

You should then receive an acknowledgement email from us that includes your Student ID number, myCapU account, and email address. You can also use your account or email to apply for entrance awards or student housing. I also can't stress enough how important it is to follow instructions on tracking your applications, as you'll need to stay on top of your deadlines, whether it's for the above or course registration. If you want to email staff or your instructors, please use your myCapU email to keep communications internal.

If you're interested in entrance awards as a first-year student, select Apply for SBAs, then Entrance Awards in your myCapU account. Follow the instructions, complete the online form, read the declaration, and click Yes to accept. Depending on the award, you may need to submit additional documentation. Visit Future Students to learn when applications open and close.

What if you want to live on campus? You can log in with your student email credentials through the Capilano University Residence Portal if you want to apply. Deadlines for application and moving in can be found on Apply under About Residence Life. Here, you can find out more about expectations for living on campus, associated costs, events, and on-site support.

4. Prepare for your courses

You'll eventually be notified through your myCapU account and student email if you're accepted. Be patient, as the timeline depends on your program's faculty; my application to Communication Studies took a few weeks. Once you're accepted, visit New Students for your next steps, depending on whether you're enrolling in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.

If you have post-secondary credits you want to transfer to your upcoming program, fill out and submit a university, college, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) transcript, which you can send electronically or by mail.

Finally, if you have more specific questions about applying, feel free to Book Your Appointment and Meet the Recruitment Team. Their guidance helped me determine that the Bachelor of Communication Studies was my best fit. Since then, studying in the program has been the most fulfilling experience in my academic life so far.