Credential recognition by B.C. institutions for study abroad
 Students who plan to study or work abroad through student exchange programs – field schools or internship placements, for example – should confirm that the courses or program they plan to take abroad will count towards their B.C. credential, or that it will be recognized by their B.C. institution. Students’ academic departments can help them carefully plan their course load to make sure they graduate within the expected timeframe.
If students plan to study abroad for a period of time independent of their institution’s study abroad programs (on a letter of permission, for example) and would like to remain registered with their home institution, they must contact their academic department and/or study abroad office to discuss available options.
Credential recognition in B.C. for credentials obtained abroad
Academic-related
Students who plan to continue their post-secondary education in B.C. following completion of a credential program abroad should be aware that B.C. post-secondary institutions have the sole authority and autonomy to recognize (or not) the courses or programs taken at other institutions, including institutions abroad. Students in these situations will have to confirm the transferability of the courses or program completed abroad with the B.C. institution at which they plan to study for a subsequent credential.
 Employment-related
Certain professions are regulated in British Columbia through the respective professional or trade associations. Examples of such regulated professions are nursing, medicine, and engineering. Students who plan to complete a program or credential overseas in a regulated profession and would like to return to British Columbia to work should confirm with the appropriate professional or trade association in B.C. that their credential will be recognized upon their return. Programs or degrees that are recognized may allow students to begin work immediately upon their return to B.C., without requiring further education and/or training. Please note that there may be examinations which students must successfully complete, as required by the provincial government and/or professional and trade associations.
For more information on the evaluation of international credentials, students can also contact the following organizations:
International Credential Evaluation Service
International Credential Evaluation Service evaluates formal for-credit education programs of study for people who have studied in other provinces or countries and determines comparable levels in British Columbian and Canadian terms.
3700 Willingdon Ave.
Burnaby BC V5G 3H2
Phone: 604 432-8800
Press Option 2, available between 8:30 a.m. and noon PST.
1 866 434-9197 (toll-free in North America)
Fax: 604 435-7033
E-mail: icesinfo@bcit.ca
website: http://www.bcit.ca/ices
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials collects, organizes and distributes information, and acts as a national clearinghouse and referral service to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications.
95 St. Clair Ave. West, Suite 1106
Toronto ON M4V 1N6
Phone: 416 962-9725
Fax: 416 962-2800
E-mail: info@cicic.ca
website: http://www.cicic.ca
| 
