Sign Language Interpretation

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Broadway

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A diverse group of people engaged in a discussion or activity, with some gesturing and others observing. The setting appears to be a bright indoor space with large windows.

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Overview

Learn to become a sign language interpreter. Facilitate the communication between hearing and Deaf and hard of hearing communities using American Sign Language (ASL).

Tuition N/A
Credential Diploma
Length The program is taught full-time over two years. The maximum time for completion is five years.
Hours
Delivery Class-based
Campus Broadway
Start Dates Sep
Tuition N/A
Credential Diploma
Length The program is taught full-time over two years. The maximum time for completion is five years.
Hours
Delivery Class-based
Campus Broadway
Start Dates Sep
PGWP Not listed as eligible

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Admission Requirement

Admission to the Sign Language Interpretation Diploma program is through a competitive selection process. Throughout the selection process, applicants are assessed for proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, an understanding of the Deaf community, Deaf culture, the field of Sign Language interpreting, and knowledge of social justice issues. Admission Requirements
  • ENGL 1100 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
  • An ASL and Deaf Studies Certificate, or equivalent, or permission of the department
  • Submission of a CASPer test score. CASPer test scores are valid for one admission cycle.
  • Successful ASL panel interview including a faculty member, Deaf community member, and professional interpreter
Upon Acceptance to the Program
  • Criminal Record Check Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate assertively
  • Ability to mentally process information very quickly
  • Fluency and versatility in ASL and English (spoken and written)
  • Empathy and respect for people of diverse identities and experiences
  • Awareness of your positionality, power and privilege
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Self-care strategies for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health
  • Determination, perseverance and ability to follow through

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee $36
Tuition $7,870 Year 1 - $4,308
Year 2 - $3,562
Student union $362
College initiative $181
Materials not including textbooks
Campus resource $158
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $892 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $10,112

Books & Supplies

  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Tuition deposit $10,350 $10,000 non-refundable

Tuition deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee $145
Tuition $38,657
Student union $362
College initiative $190
Materials not including textbooks
Campus resource $158
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149 Medical Insurance for International Students
U-Pass $892 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $41,395
  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.

Application Process

Interview and Video Submission: See the Sign Language Interpretation Diploma Program Interview & Video Submission Guidelines for important information. How to apply: STEP 1: Start your application
  • Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
  • Submit your one-page letter of intent
  • Remember to submit your official transcripts
STEP 2: Complete the CASPer assessment
  • Register for one of the following dates on the CASPer website
    • Nov 30, 2025 - 1:00 PM PST
    • Dec 2, 2025 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Jan 8, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Jan 22, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Feb 19, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Mar 5, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Apr 9, 2026 - 5:00 PM PDT
STEP 3: Check your email regularly
  • Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
  • If you are selected, you will receive an email to attend an online interview.
  • If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
STEP 4: Participate in online interview
  • You will be invited to interview on one of the following dates:
    • April 29, 2026
    • April 30, 2026
    • May 1, 2026
STEP 5: Meet the Faculty Event
  • May 2, 2026: Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged. This is an opportunity to engage with a professional interpreter panel and a current interpreting student panel, meet the program faculty and staff, and learn more about the program. Interpretation will be available.
STEP 6: Check your email regularly
  • After all interviews are complete, you will be notified of your standing by email.
  • If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines.
  • If you are not accepted, you will receive an email informing you of the decision.

International students must contact International Education advisors to confirm their study eligibility and the Continuing Studies (CS) department to verify their program eligibility.

Interview and Video Submission: See the Sign Language Interpretation Diploma Program Interview & Video Submission Guidelines for important information. How to apply: STEP 1: Start your application 
  • Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
  • Submit your one-page letter of intent
  • Remember to submit your official transcripts
STEP 2: Complete the CASPer assessment
  • Register for one of the following dates on the CASPer website
    • Nov 30, 2025 - 1:00 PM PST
    • Dec 2, 2025 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Jan 8, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Jan 22, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Feb 19, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Mar 5, 2026 - 5:00 PM PST
    • Apr 9, 2026 - 5:00 PM PDT
STEP 3: Check your email regularly
  • Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
  • If you are selected, you will receive an email to attend an online interview.
  • If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
STEP 4: Participate in online interview You will be invited to interview on one of the following dates:
  • April 29, 2025
  • April 30, 2025
  • May 1, 2025
STEP 5: Meet the Faculty Event
  • May 2, 2025: Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged. This is an opportunity to engage with a professional interpreter panel and a current interpreting student panel, meet the program faculty and staff, and learn more about the program. Interpretation will be available.
STEP 6: Check your email regularly
  • After all interviews are complete, you will be notified of your standing by email.
  • If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines.
  • If you are not accepted, you will receive an email informing you of the decision.
Questions? Join an info session to find out more.

Contact us

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Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca

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Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.