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DiplomaRecommended
Diploma of Disability Studies
- Calgary, Canada
- 1.33 years
- English
- Hybrid
- Diploma
About the program
A two-year diploma preparing students to support people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (3 years): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Develop subject knowledge in Disability Studies and apply discipline-appropriate methods
- Assess relevant evidence
- And communicate informed conclusions.
Career outcomes
- Community disability support worker
- Community outreach worker
- Development support worker
- Early interventionist
- Education assistant
- Employment assistance worker
- Home living and community access support
Curriculum
- Twenty courses over four terms: human development
- Introduction to disability studies
- Positive behaviour
- Person-centred planning
- Community participation and advocacy
- Communication and technology courses
- Disability courses I and II
- Plus field experience (400 hours) and field practicum seminar (90 hours).
Entry requirements
Academic
- Most diplomas need English Language Arts 30-1 and
- for business and technology diplomas
- Math 30-1/30-2
- or a GED or BVC Admission and Placement Test. Health diplomas set higher marks . Non-native speakers must meet English proficiency requirements; admission is first applied
- first qualified.
Accepted academic background
Alberta high school diploma or equivalent as assessed from BVC's country-specific document list, Most programmes require English Language Arts 30-1 and some Math 30-1/30-2 or Math 20-level credit, Or GED / BVC Admission and Placement Test where the programme page allows. Requirements are set per programme. Practical Nurse: English 30-1 at 60%, Math 20-1 or 60% in 20-2, Biology 30 or ANAT1101 at 64%.
Language tests
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 83
- PTE Academic 59-64
- Duolingo 110
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport
- English Language Proof
- Alberta Student Number
How to apply
- Check the programme's admission requirements
- English proficiency and intake status. Apply online through the Virtual Application System and pay the 150 CAD non-refundable application fee. Upload official transcripts
- passport
- English proficiency proof and Alberta Student Number if held. Receive the Offer of Admission and pay the 1
- 500 CAD non-refundable confirmation deposit within 21 days. It is credited to first-term tuition. Apply for the study permit with the Letter of Acceptance and DLI O19273769422
- then submit permit proof through VAS. Attend the mandatory orientation the week before classes.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $23,901 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $150 CAD |
| Deposit | $1,500 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | Calgary Downtown |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | School of Community Studies |
| Department | Community Studies |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 60 |
| Study pace | _ |
| Post-study stay | 3 years |
| Scholarship note | Institutional awards or financial assistance may be available subject to student category and the published eligibility criteria. Program-specific funding requires confirmation. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
3 Jun 2027
201 days left
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 1.33 years.
The next deadline is 3 Jun 2027. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $23,901 CAD per year. The application fee is $150 CAD. The deposit is $1,500 CAD. The estimated living cost is $23,448 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 83, PTE Academic 59-64, Duolingo 110.

