Dispersed Teacher Education program

• Completion of a minimum of 66 post-secondary credits acceptable in content to the VIU Faculty of Education, VIU Admissions and Registration, and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch, as follows:
  • 18 credits of Elementary prerequisite coursework, including:
    • 6 credits of Degree English Requirements
    • 6 credits of approved Mathematics
    • 3 credits of approved Science
    • 3 credits of approved Canadian studies
  • 15 credits of approved Teacher Regulation Branch elective coursework
  • 33 credits of any undergraduate electives or transfer courses (excluding practicum based courses)
• Completion of the Casper CSP-10209 test for Years 1 and 3 Bachelor of Education entry
• Completion of an Applicant Profile within the VIU Student Record
• Two letters of support and/or recommendation from a direct supervisor and/or community leaders attesting to program suitability 

• Admission rankings are determined by a combination of GPA (60%) on 48 most recent credits and Casper test results (40%).

Vancouver Island University is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of Indigenous students. The University also recognizes that Indigenous applicants have traditionally been under represented in teacher education, as articulated in the Accord on Indigenous Education (2025).

The Faculty of Education’s Access Initiative is designed to give access to individuals who are members of groups in our society who have historically been under-represented in the teaching profession in BC. In order to achieve this objective, we encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify and apply under the Access Initiative housed within the Applicant Profile for Year Three entry. Year One applicants can apply under the Access Initiative by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

• Program enrolment is limited and prospective teacher candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and program seats may fill prior to the application closing date.
• As a limited-entry program, applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Applicants are advised that pre-admission competencies include excellent proficiency in the English language (i.e. reading, writing and speaking), strong inter-personal skills including the ability to work in groups and speak in front of others, and the ability to work with a computer and various digital platforms.
• All B.Ed. courses utilize a variety of technologies, online services, and tools in providing an array of pedagogical experiences. An up-to-date laptop with a working camera and microphone is essential for this program.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to use their VIU student number when registering for the Casper test.
• Admission to the dispersed program option is offered on a three-year cycle. Entry to the dispersed program option is limited to those from rural and remote communities, particularly from Indigenous and First Nations communities served by VIU, and those currently working full-time in schools, such as Educational Assistants in one of VIU’s Faculty of Education partner School Districts (e.g.: SD68, SD69, SD71, SD79, etc.) who wish to become certified teachers. Two letters of support/recommendation are needed to attest to this context.
• Applicants working in schools will need to seek leaves of absences to complete the practicum components of the program.
• The Applicant Profile is accepted after successful submission of a VIU Application Form and is accessed online in the VIU Student Record. The Applicant Profile asks applicants to document how they have met BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Certificate of Qualification (i.e. teacher certification) requirements. Applicants are encouraged to submit a completed Applicant Profile as soon as possible to support the ongoing admissions process.
• Transcript Submission:
  • Official transcripts showing secondary school completion are due one week (7 calendar days) after the application deadline however timely submission supports the ongoing admission process.
  • Submission of official transcripts, including those for interim course work, from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding VIU), is due as per VIU application procedures. Photocopies/faxed copies of transcripts are not acceptable.
  • Submission of official final grades: June 15
• For advice on program admission, support in application, advance standing status or review of credentials, and transfer credit acceptability, please consult with Program Coordinator at DTEP@viu.ca
• Applicants will require a satisfactory Criminal Record Check as processed by the British Columbia Criminal Records Review Program through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in conjunction with the Criminal Records Review Act. The Criminal Record Check is requested through VIU upon program application and applicants are responsible for completing all required steps for a Criminal Record Check in the allotted time.
• A Criminal Record Clearance Letter as issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is required prior to commencing the program.
• A Criminal Record Check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements for the program, nor is a previous Criminal Record Clearance Letter issued prior to program commencement.
• To ensure applicants are suited to work with children and vulnerable adults throughout the duration of the program, the Faculty of Education may require additional screening to the satisfaction of individual practicum placements and/or submission of new Criminal Record Clearance Letter. This may include individuals re-entering the program after a leave.
• Applicants are advised that a criminal record may limit program entry, practicum placement possibilities and/or limit work in the field.
• Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offense or given an absolute or conditional discharge must consult with and be deemed eligible for certification by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) prior to making an application to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to keep all records of correspondence with the TRB in case it is necessary to demonstrate compliance.
• Due to the intense nature of the B.Ed. program and external credentialing requirements for professional certification as a teacher, attendance in all in-person and online synchronous classes, and field experience, including all practica, is mandatory.
• Absenteeism in the B.Ed. program for any EDUC, EDTE, EDPB or EDFE coded course is recorded centrally by the Faculty of Education.

Accepting applications now!

Apply to VIU Online or complete and submit an Application for Admission Form.  An application fee is required.

Program contact

Dr. Liana Appelt
Program Coordinator
DTEP@viu.ca