74 Weeks
Diploma In Paralegal Studies
Train for a career as a paralegal by mastering legal research, case preparation, and administrative duties. Gain hands-on experience through a 600-hour paid co-op placement.
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Empower Your Legal Career
The Diploma in Paralegal Studies at Western Community College equips students with the necessary skills to excel in the legal field. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students learn to conduct preliminary legal research, prepare legal documents, and perform essential administrative tasks under the supervision of a lawyer. The inclusion of 600 hours of paid co-op experience ensures that graduates are job-ready and confident in their abilities.
- 600 hours of paid co-op experience for hands-on learning.
- In-depth understanding of legal facts, theories, and practical applications.
- Development of skills to assist lawyers in case preparation and administrative functions
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Career Opportunities
Excel as a Paralegal Professional
$48*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
Graduates can pursue various roles in the legal sector, including:
- Paralegal: Assist attorneys with case preparation, research, and client communication.
- Legal Assistant: Manage administrative tasks within law firms or legal departments.
- Legal Researcher: Conduct in-depth legal research to support ongoing cases.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path
Admission Requirements
- Possess grade 12 education or its equivalent (i.e. secondary school graduation) or mature student status (19 years of age or over), OR
- Possess previous post-secondary education (diploma or degree), and
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) with a minimum grade of C is required.
This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.
Option 2: 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test
Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) | Minimum overall score of 160 or ‘C’. Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.
Option 4
Mature student applicants:
Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.
Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
| Accuplacer Component | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 235 |
| Reading | 235 |
| WritePlacer | 4 |
Note: Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
As an option for proof of English language proficiency, institutions may accept evidence that an applicant has successfully completed a specified minimum of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. Documentation demonstrating this evidence must be provided in English.
Education completed (in English) in the following countries will be considered as counting toward an assessment of prior education in English:
The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
| Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
| Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
| Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
| Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
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Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
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Core Courses in Diploma in Paralegal Studies
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Paralegal Assistant.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
1950
Total program
hours
600
Co-OP HOurs
$45*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
Program Duration
Hours: 1950
Weeks Full-Time: 74
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options