In short
Ashton College is a private institution in Vancouver, BC, offering practical certificate and diploma programmes for rapid entry into the Canadian workforce. It provides flexible learning options and is well-suited for international students seeking Canadian credentials and potential immigration pathways.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1998
- Students
- 1,200
- International students
- 400
- Acceptance rate
- 85%
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–14k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Ashton College is a private designated post-secondary institution in Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 1998. It offers certificate and diploma programmes in business administration, immigration consulting, human resources, healthcare, and professional trades, designed to give students practical skills for rapid entry into the Canadian workforce. With flexible online and on-campus delivery, the college serves both domestic students and international students seeking Canadian credentials and immigration pathways.
Why study here
- Practical, career-focused credentials recognised in the Canadian job market.
- Flexible online and in-person delivery options suited to working adults and international students.
- Small class sizes ensuring personalised instruction from industry-practitioner instructors.
- Located in downtown Vancouver — one of Canada's most economically vibrant and multicultural cities.
- Strong focus on immigration consulting and HR programmes aligned with Canadian regulatory bodies.
Student life
Ashton College's downtown Vancouver location places students at the heart of one of North America's most liveable cities. Students have access to a diverse urban environment with a strong job market, multicultural communities, and numerous recreational and cultural amenities. The college provides academic advising and career support services to help students transition smoothly into employment or further study.
Fees
InternationalApproximately 7,000–14,000 EUR per year for international students, depending on programme.
HomeDomestic Canadian students pay lower regulated rates; specific fees vary by programme.
LivingMonthly living costs in Vancouver are approximately 1,200–1,800 EUR, covering rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Vancouver is one of Canada's more expensive cities to live in; budgeting carefully is advised. Some programmes offer part-time enrolment.
Admissions
General AdmissionSecondary school graduation or equivalent; mature student admission available for applicants 19+ with relevant work experience.
International StudentsValid study permit required; proof of English proficiency and academic transcripts must be submitted.
IELTS6.0 overall
TOEFL iBT80+
University scholarships
Ashton College Merit ScholarshipVaries — partial tuition discount for high-achieving applicants
Accreditation
Ashton College is a designated private post-secondary institution under the Private Training Act of British Columbia. Immigration consulting programmes are aligned with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) requirements.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What programmes does Ashton College offer?
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Ashton College offers certificate and diploma programmes in areas such as business administration, immigration consulting, human resources, healthcare, and professional trades. These programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills for the Canadian job market.
What are the estimated international student fees at Ashton College?
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International student fees at Ashton College range from approximately 7,000 to 14,000 EUR per year, depending on the specific programme chosen. It is advisable to budget carefully, as Vancouver is a relatively expensive city for living costs.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students must demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT with a score of 80 or higher.
What are the general admission requirements?
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General admission requires secondary school graduation or its equivalent. Mature students aged 19 and above with relevant work experience may also be considered. Specific requirements can vary by programme.
Does Ashton College offer scholarships?
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Yes, Ashton College offers the Ashton College Merit Scholarship, which provides a partial tuition discount for high-achieving applicants. The specific amount varies.
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