Study in British Columbia
Universities and colleges in British Columbia are consistently ranked among the top-ranked institutions in Canada, with many also renowned globally.
The highly integrated education system in British Columbia is a global model for progressive, flexible education. In addition, the province provides a wide array of employment and immigration options once you have completed your studies.
With its cosmopolitan cities, lush rainforests, coastal waters, and colossal mountains, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most exciting and beautiful provinces. B.C. is a peaceful and rewarding place to live and study.
Population
4.7 million
International Student Population
96,516 (2014 figures)
Main Study Destinations
Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna
Studying in British Columbia: The Advantages
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The B.C. Transfer System
British Columbia has far and away the best credit transfer program in Canada. The B.C. Transfer System allows students to undertake studies at one school and then transfer seamlessly to another, allowing for easier 2nd or 3rd year admission to some of the most competitive universities in the country.
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Education Quality Assessment
British Columbia is the only provincial government that endorses certain schools under an “Education Quality Assessment”. This helps international students choose schools that they may not have visited before, and offers them some consumer protection.
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Employment Options After Graduation
British Columbia has a diverse and growing economy, with a broad range of employment opportunities for graduates upon completion of their studies in the province. B.C. is projected to have the highest level of job growth in Canada over the coming years.
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Moderate Climate
British Columbia's climate is influenced by the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges. Areas along the south coast have a mild climate year-round. Summers on the coast are warm, with daytime temperatures around 20°C or higher. B.C.'s coastal regions have the mildest winters in all of Canada, and, unlike most of Canada, temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
Immigrate After Studying in British Columbia
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The BC PNP International Post-Graduate Category
Graduates from an eligible B.C. public post-secondary institution with an eligible Master's or Doctorate (PhD) Degree in the natural, applied, or health sciences may apply to this immigration category without first obtaining a job offer. Individuals with graduate degrees in the sciences are highly sought after by employers in the technology, health care and other sectors.
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The BC PNP International Graduate Category
Graduates from an eligible Canadian, public, post-secondary institution, with an eligible degree, diploma or certificate within the past three years may be eligible to apply under this immigration category.
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Express Entry
Candidates for immigration to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system who have completed their education at a school in British Columbia may be awarded a significant number of points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.
Destination Schools in British Columbia
These institutions are featured due to their size, proximity to urban centres, and tradition for enrolling international students into their student bodies.
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University has been ranked by the Times Higher Education list as one the top 100 universities under 50 years old in the world. Established in 1965, the university is no longer on this list for 2017.
Signature programs: Kinesiology, Criminology, Computer Science, Business
Location: Burnaby
The University of British Columbia
UBC has an international reputation for leading research and academic programs at all levels, with 14 faculties offering more than 200 programs in undergraduate, graduate and continuing education studies. It's also B.C.'s only medical school.
Signature programs: Commerce, Science, Medicine, Film, Law
Location: Vancouver
The University of Victoria
Ranked in the top 200 universities globally, the University of Victoria has a reputation for groundbreaking research that has carried itself around the world.
Signature programs: Biomedical Engineering, Economics, Social And Political Thought, Health Information Science
Location: Victoria
Camosun College
Camosun really takes care of its international students, having welcomed people from all over the world since 1983. Camosun is also one of Victoria's top employers, and a credential from the school is very well-recognized the larger community.
Signature programs: Trades and Technology, Engineering
Location: Victoria
Other Select Schools in British Columbia
Select Schools are those that has been assessed for quality, value, and competency with international students. These schools are accredited by Colleges and Institutes Canada (formerly the Association of Community Colleges of Canada) or are chosen because of proven pathway programs and exemplary student services.
Alexander College
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Capilano University
College of the Rockies
Columbia College
Douglas College
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Langara College
North Island College
Northwest Community College
Okanagan College
Royal Roads University
Selkirk College
Thompson Rivers University
Trinity Western University
University of Northern British Columbia
University of the Fraser Valley
Vancouver Community College (VCC)
Vancouver Island University