Academic Requirements
Before you apply to Douglas College for the Opticianry (Diploma) program, it's essential to ensure you meet the necessary Academic Requirements. Here are the key points to consider:
1. Academic Requirements:
- High School Graduation: You must have completed high school or be at least 19 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry.
- Minimum Overall Grade Average: A minimum overall grade average of 60% (or equivalent) in the final year of high school is required.
- Mathematics Requirement: A minimum final grade of “C” or 60% (or equivalent) in Grade 11 Mathematics or an equivalent course is necessary for most programs.
2. Other Academic Requirements:
- Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 17 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry.
- Transfer Students: For students transferring from other recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required based on the most recent full-time studies.
- Competitive Admission: Due to the competitive nature of admissions into many programs at Douglas College, merely meeting the minimum Academic Requirements does not guarantee admission.
Additionally, 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 time. For any clarification or support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
Language Requirements
All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of ONE of the following:
High school grades
- English Studies 12 - minimum final grade "C", or equivalent
- English First Peoples 12 - minimum final grade "C"
- English 12 - minimum final grade "C" *
- Communications 12 - minimum final grade "B" *
- AP English Language or Literature - minimum grade 3
- IB English Language (SL or HL) - minimum grade 3
* based on both the course and provincial exam grades
Testing options
- Douglas College English Assessment
- TOEFL iBT (in-person or online) - minimum score 83
- TOEFL Essentials - minimum score of 9 (no score below 8 on any individual section)
- IELTS - minimum overall band test score 6.5 (academic module only)
- EIKEN Practical English - minimum placement of Grade 1
- CAEL - minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based)
- Cambridge English CAE - minimum score 75 or "B"
- Cambridge English CPE - minimum score 60 or "C"
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
- Duolingo English Test Minimum overall score of 110. Official test scores must be sent directly to Douglas College.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - minimum score of 56
Douglas College course options
- ENGU 0350 and 0360 – Mastery
- ENGU 0355 - Mastery
- ENGU 0356 - Mastery
- ENGU 0390 - Mastery
- ENGU 0450 - minimum grade "P" and 0460 - Mastery
- ENGU 0455 - minimum grade "P"
- ENGU 0480 - minimum grade "P"
- ENGU 0490 - minimum grade "P"
- ELLA 0360 - minimum grade "C"
- ELLA 0460 - minimum grade “P”
- Assessed at ENGU 0455
- Assessed at ENGU 0480
- Assessed at ENGU 0490
- Assessed at ELLA 0460
- Mastery or assessment exemption in any three of the following courses:
- ELLA 0310
- ELLA 0320
- ELLA 0330
- ELLA 0340
Language school pathway options
- Completion of the Advanced Level of the University Preparation program at EC English Language Centers (ECAD)
- Global Village English Centres Level 7 - minimum score of C
- Completion of Level 16 (Pathway 3.3) of the Academic pathway program at Int’l Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)
- Completion of Level A2 of the University Pathway program at Int’l Language School of Canada (ILSC)
- Completion of Kaplan International Centres Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level C1
- Completion of VGC International College Advanced University Preparation course level 7 with 75% or higher
- Completion of Bayswater University and College Pathway Program level C1 (or level 9) with satisfactory attendance
- Completion of Education First (EF) University Preparation Program level C1 completion with satisfactory attendance
Other options
- Currently enrolled or successful completion in a college-level English, Written Communications, Creative Writing or Literature course from an English speaking post-secondary institution. Note:If the course has been completed, a minimum grade of “P” is required.
- Enrolment in the BC Adult Graduation program including English 12 with a minimum grade of C (provincial exam is optional)
- Undergraduate Bachelor degree (or higher-level credential) from an English-speaking post-secondary institution
- GED (Fourth Test Series) Language Arts Writing & Reading - minimum score 450
- ABE English course equivalent to ENGU 0355
Students without this level of English-language proficiency are not admissible to College-level courses and programs but can register in Douglas College upgrading courses.
Note: For certain limited-enrolment programs and for certain individual courses, the English-language proficiency requirement may be different (refer to the particular program section or the course prerequisite information for further details).
BC secondary school students
BC secondary school students must write provincial exams in any subject where it is mandatory in order to meet graduation requirements. The provincial exam for English 12 (or equivalent) is required for all students except for those who are completing the Adult Graduation program.
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.
