Learning doesn't always start with a program.
Take individual, college-level credit courses at Okanagan College without applying to a full program. Explore your interests, build skills and plan your next step with flexibility and support.
Open Studies at Okanagan College lets you take individual, college-level credit courses without applying to a credentialed program.
It's a flexible option for exploring interests, building skills or preparing for future studies - on your own terms. This option is best for learners who want to try courses before committing.
Open Studies is only available to domestic students at this time.
Open Studies is an admissions and registration option that allows you to take one or more courses without enrolling in a credentialed program.
It gives you the flexibility to explore your interests, build skills or prepare for further education. You choose your courses based on your goals and readiness. Once registered, you are expected to complete course work and meet the same academic expectations like all students.
Courses taken through Open Studies are credit-bearing and will appear on your academic transcript.
Looking to apply directly to a credentialed program? You can find and apply for a specific program using our program search tool.
Open Studies is open to a wide range of learners, including:
If you're not sure whether Open Studies is the right fit, an Education Advisor can help you assess your goals and readiness.
Open Studies is only available to domestic students at this time.
Open Studies may be a good fit if you want to:
Open Studies is not a program and does not lead to a credential on its own. Courses may count toward a future program, depending on course and credential requirements.
Talk to an Education Advisor to explore your options.
Open Studies has no admissions requirements, but Open Studies students are encouraged to have the skills needed to succeed in college-level learning, including the ability to:
If you're unsure about your readiness, Education Advisors can help you determine next steps and available supports.
The following courses are available through open studies with no pre-requisites:
The following courses that are available through open studies have pre-requisites. Prior to registration, interested individuals need to submit a prerequisite knowledge equivalency waiver form showcasing how they have achieved the pre-requisite knowledge for the course.
Have questions about how Open Studies works? This section covers common topics like eligibility, course limits, fees, credits and next steps, so you can decide if Open Studies is the right choice for you.
Open Studies allows you to take courses at Okanagan College without being admitted to a program. It is a flexible way to explore subjects, build skills, or prepare for future studies.
Open Studies is currently available to domestic students.
No. Open Studies does not have general admission requirements. However, some courses have recommended preparation or required prerequisites.
No. Not all courses are available through Open Studies. Course availability may be limited based on capacity, prerequisites, or program priority.
You can take up to 2 courses per term.
Yes. You can take up to 15 credits total through Open Studies.
You will need to apply to a program if you wish to continue taking courses.
High school prerequisites are not enforced, but you are expected to have the required knowledge and skills. Post-secondary prerequisites must be met or demonstrated through equivalent knowledge and a prerequisite knowledge equivalency waiver. Approval is not guaranteed and is based on demonstrated readiness to succeed in the course.
If a course has a post-secondary prerequisite, you can submit a waiver request with information about your experience or prior learning. Approval is not guaranteed.
The Open Studies webpage listing of available courses includes information about expected skills and knowledge. It is your responsibility to review this information and ensure you are prepared.
Open Studies students register after program students. You will receive an email with your earliest registration date. For Fall 2026, Open Studies registration starts on Augus 1, 2026 and for Winter 2027, it starts November 1, 2026.
No. Registration is subject to availability, and seats may fill before Open Studies registration begins.
Yes. You pay the same tuition and fees as students in programs for the same courses. In addition, a $50 administrative fee per term applies.
Yes. You will complete coursework and receive grades like any other student.
Yes. Open Studies students can choose to audit a course, following standard College policies.
Yes. You can apply to a program at any time, but you must meet the admission requirements and submit a new application.
No. You can only be registered in one student type at a time.
Taking courses may help you prepare or meet admission requirements, but it does not guarantee admission to a program.
You can find key dates, including tuition deadlines and registration dates, on the important dates page.
Get personalized guidance on course options, readiness, and next steps to make the most of your Open Studies experience.
Submit your application online and start taking credit courses without committing to a full program.
Browse eligible credit courses to find the ones that match your interests, goals and schedule.