International Students

VAM/S.K. Lee College encourages all qualified international students to apply.  Students who are not Permanent Canadian Residents may be admitted only if they have legal status in British Columbia for the duration of their proposed studies.

Canada Study Permit: To find out more about an international Study Permit, see Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration website under “Study”:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study

VAM’s Designated Learning Institution Number (DLI#) for the Canada Study Permit: O19280560262

Health Insurance: All students are required to have health insurance for their full period of study at VAM.

After  living in British Columbia for three months, you can receive BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) health insurance; you can apply as soon as you arrive in Canada.  For more information, see the government website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

If you need help with temporary medical insurance for your first 3 months in Canada, you can contact us: [email protected]

Accommodation: VAM does not provide accommodation.  If you require assistance with this aspect of your studies, please visit Study in BC for more information on finding housing. Link to the Residential Tenancy Act HERE.

English Language Requirements: Applicants must possess a level of English fluency which will make it possible for them to meet successfully course requirements in music as well as those in other disciplines.

See “Admissions” for details on English proficiency requirements

Upon Arrival: Please book an appointment with the Director of Enrolment upon arrival for your Orientation Information

Important Things to Know:

Childcare information

Public transit information

Health Clinics information

Grocery Stores information

Be A Part of the Local Community and join MeetUp  to meet new friends, network and take part in endless fun activities around the city!

Activities range from exploring the city’s attractions and outdoors to joining clubs and events, with options like: 

  • Hiking & Nature: Explore stunning mountains in North Vancouver, hike in Lynn Canyon, or visit the Rocky Mountains. 
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, white-water rafting, or surfing in Tofino. 
  • Scenic Drives & Excursions: Take a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island or Whistler for skiing/snowboarding in winter and hiking/mountain biking in summer. 
  • Stanley Park: Bike or walk through this iconic park. 
  • Beaches: Mingle with locals, play volleyball, or have a beach BBQ. 
Cultural & Educational:
  • Festivals & Concerts: Attend Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concerts or Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival in Whistler. 
  • Attractions: Explore attractions like Museum of Vancouver or Science World. 
  • Tours: Consider a float plane tour or a tour of sustainable buildings like Rogers Arena or the Vancouver Convention Center. 
Social & Recreational: 
  • Sport Events: Attend Canucks NHL hockey games or Whitecaps soccer games. 
  • Pub Nights: Enjoy pub nights for socializing. 
  • Wellness Events: Participate in wellness events like Bell Let’s Talk Day or Beyond the Blues Education and Screening Days. 
  • Fitness: Utilize the Fitness Facility at Ron Zalko, walking distance from Campus. 
Stay in BC After Studying: While VAM’s Diploma programs are not eligible for a Post-Graduate work permit on their own, a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) degree can be earned from Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning, by block transferring your MPD credits to TRU-OL and adding 7 specific non-music courses. TRU is a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution. Click HERE for more information on other ways you can apply to stay in B.C. after graduating.