In short
Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary offers career-focused diploma, certificate, and English programs for international students. Many programs are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, and the college provides dedicated support services.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1965
- Students
- 13,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–15k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Calgary, Canada
Bow Valley College (BVC) is a public college in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada, founded in 1965. It specialises in career-oriented education, offering diplomas, post-diplomas, certificates, and English language programs across Business, Technology, Health & Wellness, Community Studies, and Entertainment Arts. BVC is one of Alberta's largest colleges by international enrolment, with strong pathways to Post-Graduation Work Permits.
Why study here
- PGWP-eligible programs open the door to Canadian permanent residency after graduation.
- Downtown Calgary campus connects students directly to Canada's energy and business sectors.
- Dedicated international student advisors guide you from application through to graduation.
- Practical, industry-aligned curriculum ensures job-ready skills upon completion.
- Affordable tuition relative to Canadian universities, with a wide range of program levels.
Student life
Student life at Bow Valley College is designed to foster personal growth and a vibrant campus experience. The college offers various services and opportunities, including involvement in esports, to enrich the student journey. Located in downtown Calgary, students have access to numerous city attractions, events, and community engagement possibilities.
Fees
InternationalApprox. CAD 13,000–17,000 per year (EUR 9,000–12,000) for full-time diploma programs. Certificate and post-diploma programs vary.
HomeApprox. CAD 4,500–6,000 per year for domestic students.
LivingCalgary living costs approximately CAD 15,000–18,000 per year including housing, food, and transport.
International students should budget for a health insurance surcharge and student association fees on top of tuition. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs are available.
Admissions
High School DiplomaSecondary school completion or equivalent required for most diploma programs.
English ProficiencyIELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalent.
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT71 overall
PTE Academic50 overall
Duolingo English Test95
Rankings
Alberta CollegesTop public college in Calgary by international enrolment
University scholarships
BVC International Student AwardCAD 1,000–3,000
Alberta Student Aid (domestic)Need-based grant and loan
Accreditation
Bow Valley College is a publicly funded post-secondary institution established under the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta and is a member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
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
Programs
a selectionScholarships
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 are the estimated annual tuition fees for international students at Bow Valley College?
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International students can expect tuition fees to range from approximately CAD 13,000–17,000 per year for full-time diploma programs. Fees for certificate and post-diploma programs may vary, and additional costs for health insurance and student association fees should be budgeted.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT with a score of 71 overall, PTE Academic with a score of 50 overall, or Duolingo English Test with a score of 95.
Does Bow Valley College offer programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
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Yes, Bow Valley College has numerous PGWP-eligible programs, which can open the door to Canadian permanent residency after graduation. This is a significant benefit for international students seeking to build a future in Canada.
Where is Bow Valley College located and what are the living costs in the city?
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Bow Valley College's main campus is in downtown Calgary, Alberta, providing easy access to city amenities and industry connections. Living costs in Calgary, including housing, food, and transport, are estimated to be around CAD 15,000–18,000 per year.
What kind of academic programs does Bow Valley College offer?
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Bow Valley College specializes in career-oriented education, offering diplomas, post-diplomas, certificates, and English language programs. These are spread across fields such as Business, Technology, Health & Wellness, Community Studies, and Entertainment Arts.
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