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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Admission Requirements for ABT Online

  • Grade 12 preferred.
  • C grade or better in English 12 and C grade or better in Math 10
    or completion of English and Math assessments.
  • Touch keyboarding skill of 25 nwpm is highly recommended.

What is the Application Process?

  • Apply for admission to Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo campus
    • In Person:n Go to Building 200, Admissions Department. Take an official high school transcript with you.
    • By Mail: Out-of-towners may print the Admissions Form from the website, fill out the form, and mail it and high school transcript to Vancouver Island University, Admissions, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5 or fax to 250-740-6479.
    • Online: Go to ApplyBC.

      NOTE: All applications must include a stable email address.
  • Pay application fee.
  • Once Admissions has reviewed the application, you will receive a letter advising you if you have met admission requirements for ABT Online or if you are required to complete an assessment.

Is Online Learning for You?

  • Do you have (or are you willing to obtain) access to a computer, internet connection and email address?
  • Do you feel that you will be able to learn without having face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow students?
  • Can you dedicate the required hours per week (anytime during the day or night) to participate in your online course?
  • Are you a self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized person?
  • Are you comfortable communicating in writing, and do you have confidence in your writing abilities?
  • Do you feel comfortable asking questions and asking for help when you need it?
  • Are you able to take time during the day during the week to write on-site invigilated mid-term and final exams?
  • Can you meet deadlines?

How is the program delivered?

ABT Online courses are offered through BCcampus. BCcampus is a consortium of post-secondary institutions in British Columbia that collectively offer the ABT online program. Students log into a common web site and may be taught by ABT instructors from anywhere in British Columbia. Students participating in courses may also be from anywhere throughout British Columbia or even from other parts of Canada.

All courses are taught using Desire2Learn (D2L), a teaching software package that allows students to learn via a web connection. Students do not have to purchase D2L but will need a computer and an internet link (see hardware and software section of this document for details). All students are required to take a free prerequisite course called Online Learner Success, which will teach them how to use D2L and the various tools needed to continue with their studies.

How long do I have to complete the program?

Generally, students have up to 20-24 months (4 terms) to complete the program. Full-time students commencing instruction in September may expect to complete in 15 to 18 months, depending upon availability of course sections.  Part-time students commencing instruction in September may expect to complete in 20-24 months.  Completing of the program is dependent upon availability of courses and student success in all required courses.  Starting the program in September offers students the best opportunity to access courses that they require.

What is the difference between part-time and full-time study?

All the courses have a defined start and end date and are instructor-led.  There are no part-time courses. When a student start a course, they are required to log in every day to keep up with the assignments and quizzes. Final exams are required to be completed by a certain date.  Several of the final exams require students to be supervised so they will need to take time during business hours to attend VIU to write their exams on specific defined dates and times.  If students do not live in Nanaimo, they will need to make appropriate arrangements where they live to have their exams supervised.

The program as a whole can be taken as a full-time or part-time student.  This is defined by the number of credits a student takes in any one term.  If students are funded by Student Loans, they are required to carry a minimum of 18 credits over 10 months.  Other funding agencies define full-time by the number of hours a student is required to study (eg 25 hours per week). 

If a student is not funded, full-time will mean that a student will be timetabled so that they finish the program in about 15 to 18 months or up to 22 months if they are part-time. Every effort will be made to timetable students to meet these standards, however, this is dependent upon course availability.