Columbia College in Vancouver, Canada, offers university transfer, high school, and Associate Degree programs with small class sizes and personalized learning. The non-profit institution provides comprehensive support for a diverse international student body and features flexible academic pathways.
Columbia College, established in 1936, is a non-profit institution located in downtown Vancouver, Canada. It specializes in university transfer and high school programs, designed to prepare students for higher education in Canada and beyond. The college emphasizes small class sizes to foster a personalized learning environment and promote interaction between students and instructors. Columbia College's flexible programs allow students to transfer credits to various universities, ensuring their academic progress is recognized. The college also offers an Associate Degree program, providing a pathway to further university studies. With a diverse international student body, Columbia College focuses on providing comprehensive support services, including assistance with immigration-related questions. Committed to accessibility, Columbia College reinvests all revenues into education, offering various financial aid options, including scholarships for high-achieving students and bursaries for those with refugee backgrounds. The college aims to equip students to become responsible global citizens who can think critically and make a positive impact.
Student life at Columbia College extends beyond academics, encouraging international students to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and build lasting connections. The college offers numerous opportunities to join clubs (covering academic, cultural, activism, and creative arts interests), attend events, volunteer, and take on leadership roles. As an enrolled student, you automatically become a member of the Columbia College Student Association (CCSA), which has an elected Executive Committee that organizes events and advocates for student interests. The college regularly hosts welcome week activities, hobby clubs like Chess and Music, and workshops, creating a vibrant and engaging community.
All fees are in CAD and are effective from September 2025 to August 2026, with some changes noted for September 2026. An application fee of $50 CAD applies for domestic students. Students with Permanent Residence (PR) status may be eligible for financial aid through Student Aid BC.
Columbia College is incorporated as a Non-Profit Society under the Societies Act of British Columbia. Its Associate Degree Programs are offered with the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education of British Columbia, and its Senior Secondary Program is certified by the Province of British Columbia. The college has met the EQA (Education Quality Assurance) eligibility requirements set by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and is a full member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the Association of Registrars of Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), and the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA).
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.
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.
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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Accelerated Secondary Program at Columbia College offers a fast-track route for academically strong Grade 10 students to complete their secondary education. Upon successful completion, students receive a Columbia College Graduation Certificate, enabling direct entry into the college's University Transfer or Associate Degree programs. This pathway prepares students for seamless transition to the second or third year at a Canadian university.
This program is designed for students aged 18 and over who wish to earn a BC Adult Dogwood Diploma, certified by the BC Ministry of Education. It requires the completion of fewer courses than the standard Senior Secondary Program, making it a focused path to graduation for adult learners.
Columbia College offers two Associate Degrees: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. These programs are designed to cover the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree. Upon completion, students can transfer to a university to finish their bachelor's degree. The programs allow for personalization through various concentrations and pathways, requiring students to complete 20 courses across different subject areas, including English, Mathematics/Science, and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.
This English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is designed to help you improve your English communication skills for living, working, and pursuing further education in Canada. With a focus on developing essential language abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, the program also includes modules on grammar, numeracy, pronunciation, presentation skills, and computer literacy. Students benefit from small class sizes and available tutoring support, with various specialized modules to enhance specific skills. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person learning. The EAL program offers several levels, from CLB 5 up to CLB 8. Upon successful completion of CLB 8 in all four skill areas, graduates are eligible to apply for other programs at Columbia College, sometimes without further English assessment. The program may be eligible for funding from the Government of Alberta for full-time or part-time studies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
full fundingOpen 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.
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.
Columbia College specializes in university transfer and high school programs designed to prepare students for further education. They also offer an Associate Degree program, providing flexible pathways to various universities.
International tuition fees range from $610 CAD per credit. University Transfer and Associate Degree programs typically cost around $18,300 CAD for one year or $36,600 CAD for two years. High school programs, such as the Senior Secondary program, can cost up to $48,800 CAD.
Columbia College provides comprehensive support services tailored for international students, including assistance with immigration-related questions. They also focus on creating a diverse and engaging student community with opportunities for clubs, events, and leadership roles.
Applications are submitted through an online portal, and the college operates on a tri-semester system (Fall, Winter, Summer). An application fee of $200 CAD is required for international students. Early application is recommended to allow time for visa processing.
Yes, Columbia College offers financial aid options, including the ScholarPath Scholarship for outstanding students and Student Refugee Program Bursaries which can cover full costs for students with refugee backgrounds.