University of the Fraser Valley

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a Canadian public university, with campuses across Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Hope and Agassiz. The University offers over 100 study programs in over 30 subject areas, ranging from accounting to graphic design.

There are over 75 study abroad destinations to choose from at the institution, allowing students to have the opportunity to learn in another country as part of their degree. As well as meeting new people and learning about another culture, students also benefit from enhancing their CV as global citizens and standing out from the crowd after graduation.

The University encourages students to get involved with extra-curricular activities and there are over 60 clubs and societies on offer, ranging from sports teams to subject-specific groups. New students are welcomed during New Student Orientation, where they have the chance to get to know the campus and their surroundings, take part in activities and meet their new classmates.

Students receive plenty of support during their time at UFV, with services including an international center, financial information, confidential counselling and additional help for students living with a disability. There are also supported learning groups for those wishing to study with other people and improve their knowledge with the help of trained students.

By the time they graduate, students are job-ready after seeking support from the Career Center. As well as booking a one-to-one appointment with a career coach to get assistance on things such as writing a CV and a cover letter, they can also find information on upcoming careers fairs and internship opportunities.

Academic excellence

The University fosters excellence in teaching and research, maintaining high standards, balanced with accessibility for students. The University's professors focus on teaching and deliver a high-quality education. UFV undergraduate students get more research, conference, and publication experience than at larger institutions, and are well prepared for advanced education.

Student satisfaction

Based on the Canadian University Consortium Survey and the Baccalaureate Graduates Survey for the province of British Columbia, 98% of UFV degree graduates are satisfied with the education they received, and 99% are satisfied with the quality of instruction.

Accreditation

The University of the Fraser Valley is an accredited public university and was one of the first universities to be granted the Education Quality Assurance from the province of British Columbia. Nationally, UFV is a member of Universities Canada, formerly known as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and is a post-secondary institution with recognized credentials nationwide. UFV is also recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

College of Arts

Students at the UFV College of Arts encounter an integration of theory and practice in their programs, online and workplace opportunities, and international educational partnerships among others.

Faculty of Health Sciences

This School offers programs which are recognized for high standards of practice, advanced educational technologies, and student-centered learning. Employers choose these graduates based on their comprehensive knowledge, critical thinking, skill expertise and professional practice.

Faculty of Professional Studies

The Faculty is made up of the School of Business, the School of Social Work and Human Services, and other departments and programs including Teacher Education, Adult Education, Aviation, and Child, Youth, and Family Studies.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty offers several disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computing science, mathematics and statistics, physics, physical geography, and engineering.

School of Graduate Studies

The School offers certificate programs in Child Life & Community Health, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, Program Evaluation, as well as a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work.

Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies

The Faculty provides various certificate and diploma programs -- many recognized as a Red Seal trade – that respond to industry needs. These cover a broad range of technical areas, ranging from Automation and Robotics to Welding.

The study areas students can choose from include Agriculture, Arts: Humanities, Arts: Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Business, Professional Studies, Computer Information Systems, General Studies, Science, Trades and Technology, and Health Sciences.

International students often opt for courses such as Aviation, Business Administration, Computing Science, Data Analysis, Economics, Computer Information Systems, Kinesiology, and Science.

International students must meet the following admission requirements to study at UFV:

High school graduation

The equivalent of Canadian (BC) high school Grade 12. Students need to provide UFV with official transcripts of the documents.

English language proficiency

English is the language of instruction at UFV, so students must show English language competency prior to admission into UFV programs. They can do this by providing a score from any of the following standardized international tests:

• IELTS - overall score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT- minimum score of 88, no section below 20 (UFV's TOEFL code is 9736)
• BC English 12- C+ or higher

If students have completed any English courses or tests outside of UFV, they need to submit an official transcript or official test score. The test center must report their test results directly to UFV. Copies of results, or results that are more than two years old, are not acceptable as proof of language proficiency.

Find out more details about the admission requirements here…

Check out the full listing of English entrance requirements for academic programs, Qualifying Studies, Foundations, and ESL.

English Language Studies (ELS)

If students need to upgrade their English to get ahead in their profession or pursue University studies, UFV's ELS and Upgrading & University Preparation (UUP) department options are designed for that purpose.

If they are full-time international students, UFV offers intensive English upgrading‌, ranging from intermediate to pre-university levels, with access to University courses at the highest levels.

Read more about ELS here.

UFV has many services available to help students succeed in their studies and adjust to life in Canada:

UFV International

The UFV International office provides multilingual student support services and information about programs, housing, academic advising, study permits, medical insurance, and more.

International student orientation

These are special events for new international students through which they will learn the basics of living in Canada and how to succeed in their studies — and also get to know other new students at UFV.

Academic Success Centre

The center's peer tutors provide writing and subject-area support and will help students develop their personal learning strategies. They can benefit from tutoring, workshops, online resources, and academic support.

Math & Stats Centre

Students can get help with their math or statistics problems or gain the extra insight they need to take their math understanding to the next level.

International Academic Advising

If students need help planning their courses, the University's expert international student advisors will help them make an education plan.

Career Centre

Students work, learn, and earn with co-operative education and work-study programs. They can build their CV with help from the Career Center.

Counselling Services

UFV counsellors can help students learn new ways to cope with personal issues, improve mental health and wellbeing, explore career options through self-reflection and assessment tools, and study smarter, through a variety of study strategies.

Centre for Accessibility Services

The Center for Accessibility Services is dedicated to meaningful and supportive academic access for students with diagnosed disabilities. It promotes diversity, upholds principles of equity, and advocates for empathy and self-determination in accessing education and achieving success.

Peer Resource and Leadership Centre

UFV peer leaders help students find information in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space by identifying resources available to them and providing peer-to-peer support and mentorship. Here, you can get help with your academic, social, and personal needs.

University of the Fraser Valley Regional Entrance Scholarship

Open to all new international students entering their first year of study. Applicants must meet a minimum CPGA of 3.0 in their high school studies. CAD 5,000 award applied toward tuition fees for the first year (2nd semester) of study.

All international students who meet the eligibility requirements will automatically be considered.

University of the Fraser Valley International Excellence Scholarship

Open to international students who have been admitted to UFV and are enrolled in full-time undergraduate 4-year degrees. Applicants must meet a minimum CPGA of 3.75 in their high school studies. CAD 10,000 to recipients, applied toward tuition fees for the first year of study.

Students must submit a scholarship application after being admitted to UFV.

International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship

To recognise academic achievement, UFV offers fifteen CAD 1,000 entrance scholarships to the top 10 incoming international students from recognized post-secondary institutions who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.33 (B+).

All eligible international applicants who apply to UFV are considered for the scholarships automatically. Scholarships are issued as a tuition credit in the recipients' second semester of studies at UFV.

International High School Diploma Entrance Scholarship

A scholarship of CAD 1,000 is awarded to the top four international high school applicants who apply to study at UFV in their graduating year from an international high school with an equivalent BC high school diploma and a minimum overall GPA of 3.33 (B+) on all grade 12 courses (minimum three approved grade 12 courses required).

International Student Academic Excellence Award

Two of the top UFV international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement (minimum 3.67 GPA) in their programs and who are planning to continue UFV studies, are awarded CAD 1,000 each.

The University of the Fraser Valley is proud to welcome international students to pursue their studies with us. As a public Canadian university, all of its four-year degree programs qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Additionally, several of its diplomas and certificates in eligible fields of study are also eligible for PGWP.

Successful applicants who submit their tuition deposit will receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the university, which is required for applying for a study permit. Fraser Valley looks forward to supporting students in their educational journey.

Finances

Students can find updated fees on the university website.

Support from Canada's largest credit union

Canada's largest credit union by membership, Coast Capital Savings, has provided the University of the Fraser Valley with an amount of CAD 50,000 to help towards the institution's student success. This fund will boost the UFV Coast Capital Peer Resource and Leadership Center (PRLC) which uses a peer-to-peer support model for its activities. Student peer leaders at the Coast Capital PRLC, provide students with a secure, and harmonious space by recognizing the means available to them, and providing peer-to-peer mentorship and support.

"UFV is very pleased to continue offering new ways of supporting student success," said UFV President Joanne MacLean. "It is well documented that peer-to-peer engagement helps students learn and further develop their skills. Since launching the Coast Capital Savings Peer Resource and Leadership Center with the generous support of Coast Capital Savings, we have been able to implement student support and referral services that strengthen a sense of community at UFV. Community supporters like Coast Capital Savings help make UFV the kind of university that embraces a holistic view of student success."