Program Length
- 1 Year
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Cowichan
- Nanaimo
Aboriginal students seeking to bridge the gap between post-secondary education and their educational aspirations can begin their journey at VIU.
The Aboriginal University Bridging Certificate is a customizable program for Indigenous students who want to upgrade their courses and acquire the necessary prerequisites to begin their desired post-secondary education programs. Select the Adult Basic Education courses you need to meet pre-requisite requirements, and consider the option of taking additional entry-level university courses.
You will find the support and encouragement of instructors who care about your success, Aboriginal Elders in Residence who can support and guide you on your path, and a network of staff and other students that provide a true sense of belonging.
The Indigenous University Bridging Certificate Program
The Indigenous University Bridging Program (IUBP) is a customizable program that is designed to support Indigenous adult learners who need to upgrade their education before entering university-level courses and programs. The program provides a supportive, culturally grounded learning environment where students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for the transition into a post-secondary program. Learners upgrade skills while receiving guidance and encouragement throughout their educational journey.
The program is guided by the First Peoples Principles of Learning, recognizing that learning is holistic, relational, experiential, and rooted in lived experience. Students are supported as whole people and encouraged to bring their identities, knowledge, and experiences into the learning process. Learning happens through relationship, reflection, and connection to community and place. By valuing Indigenous ways of knowing alongside academic learning, the Indigenous University Bridging Program helps students prepare not only for university studies, but for long-term success in education and beyond.
What is the IUBP about?
- Holistic personal and academic growth that nurtures spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being
- Culturally responsive access to post-secondary prerequisite courses
- Learning in a safe, welcoming, and supportive community
- Learning in circle and in relationship with others who share common goals, values, and experiences
- Goal setting and educational planning grounded in personal vision, purpose, and community connection
- Academic skill development supported through Indigenous perspectives
- Collaborative and relational learning, including group work rooted in reciprocity and shared responsibility
- Building confidence, self-determination, and leadership capacity in preparation for future academic pathways
Students are supported by culturally grounded services, including an ACP Student Success Advisor – Indigenous Specialty, and the dedicated team at Shq’apthut, who provide wraparound supports rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural safety, and community care.
Program Curriculum
To obtain your IUBP certificate, you will need to complete:
- ILRP 100 - (Indigenous Learning and Recognition Portfolio)
- A documented and agreed upon individually selected program that includes:
- At least 4 Adult Basic Education courses at the 04/06 level (grade 11/12), or,
- At least 3 Adult Basic Education courses at the 04/06 (grade 11/12) level and STCE 110 - (Striving and Thriving in Colonized Education)
Adult Basic Education (ABE) Courses
Courses are available starting from literacy levels up to Grade 12 including Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Education and Career Planning, and Study Skills. Please see: ABE course descriptions and prerequisites.
Note: Availability of course options are subject to funding and enrollment.
For more information, please contact our ACP Student Success Advisors.
Required University-Level Courses
ILRP 100 - (Indigenous Learning and Recognition Portfolio)
Optional University-Level Courses
STCE 110 - (Striving and Thriving in Colonized Education) is suggested as part of program completion.
Students may have the opportunity to take other introductory university-level courses or participate in orientations to VIU programs, helping them build familiarity with post-secondary expectations and learning environments.
Financial Support
You may qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) and/or other financial supports. Talk to our ACP Student Success Advisors for more information or contact Financial Aid and Awards.
If you are planning on seeking sponsorship from your nation, the government, or another agency, please ensure they complete VIU’s Application for Sponsorship.
To obtain your IUBP certificate, you will need to complete:
- ILRP 100 - (Indigenous Learning and Recognition Portfolio)
- A documented and agreed upon individually selected program that includes:
- At least 4 Adult Basic Education courses at the 04/06 level (grade 11/12), or,
- At least 3 Adult Basic Education courses at the 04/06 (grade 11/12) level and STCE 110 - (Striving and Thriving in Colonized Education)
Talk to our ACP Student Success Advisors to review what courses you need to obtain your IUBP certificate. VIU offers a wide variety of ABE courses. Not all courses will be available every term.
Our ACP Student Success Advisors will help you choose the courses you need. Ask them about online and evening courses if you need more flexibility in your schedule.
- This program is designed to support students who identify as Indigenous in Canada, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.
- All ABE courses have prerequisites. Students must meet the prerequisites for each course. You can meet these prerequisites in two ways: through providing a recent high school/post-secondary transcript (within 5 years) or by taking an ABE assessment.
- Students must be 18 years or older or have special permission.
Note: An ABE assessment may be required for placement purposes prior to course registration. For questions, please contact our ACP Student Success Advisors.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - Two Semesters | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (ABE courses x $0 + 10 academic credits x $173.12 per credit) | 1,731.20 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) | 166.24 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) | 183.52 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) | 400.64 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 2,766.60 |
The above table is based on two 3-credit courses and four ABE courses over two semesters. Students taking additional courses should adjust the fee total accordingly.
Approximate cost for books and supplies: $50 - $150 per semester. Costs vary depending on courses selected.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Cowichan | ||
|
Application Fee:
46.98
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoë Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Shiyu Huang Phone: 250.746.3500 Email: ABE.Cowichan@viu.ca
Comments:
Applications are now being accepted through Education Planner BC. Paper applications can be downloaded or printed. Apply to VIU. |
|||
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Application Fee:
$46.98
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Sara Fulla Email: ABE.Advising@viu.ca
Comments:
Applications are now being accepted through Education Planner BC. Paper applications can be downloaded or printed. Apply to VIU. Please contact Sara Fulla, Student Success Advisor - Indigenous Specialty, for further information. You can reach Sara by email to ABE.Advising@viu.ca
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Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.