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In short
Pacific International College in British Columbia offers career-focused diploma and certificate programs for international students, with shorter durations and dedicated support services. It provides a cost-effective pathway to Canadian post-secondary education and workforce entry.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 2000
- Students
- 300
- International students
- 150
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–13k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Pacific International College (PIC) is a private career college in British Columbia, Canada, offering practical diploma and certificate programmes for students seeking to enter the workforce quickly. Programmes focus on business administration, healthcare support, and other vocational fields. The college welcomes international students and provides dedicated support for study permit and immigration processes. Programmes are typically 1–2 years in duration, providing a cost-effective Canadian post-secondary credential.
Why study here
- Shorter programme duration (1–2 years) compared to traditional university degrees.
- Practical, career-focused curriculum designed to meet employer needs.
- Welcoming environment for international students with dedicated immigration guidance.
- Registered with PTIB, ensuring quality assurance and consumer protection.
- Located in British Columbia — one of Canada's most desirable provinces for international students.
Student life
Pacific International College fosters a close-knit student community with small class sizes and attentive faculty. Students benefit from hands-on learning and can explore the diverse culture and natural beauty of British Columbia. The province offers vibrant cities, outdoor activities, and a welcoming multicultural environment. Student services assist with accommodation, orientation, and settling into life in Canada.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CAD 10,000–18,000 per year for international students depending on the programme (approx. EUR 7,000–13,000).
HomeDomestic Canadian students typically pay CAD 6,000–12,000 per year.
LivingLiving costs in British Columbia are approximately CAD 12,000–18,000 per year including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Tuition varies by programme. International students may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completing an eligible programme.
Admissions
High School DiplomaSecondary school graduation or equivalent is typically required for most programmes.
Application FormCompleted application form along with required supporting documents.
English ProficiencyDemonstrated English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
Study PermitInternational students require a valid Canadian study permit.
IELTS5.5 overall (or equivalent)
TOEFL iBT60 or above
University scholarships
Early Registration DiscountPartial tuition reduction for students who register and pay early.
International Student BursaryLimited merit-based financial assistance available for qualifying international students.
Accreditation
Pacific International College is registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia, Canada.
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 types of programs does Pacific International College offer?
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Pacific International College offers practical diploma and certificate programs focused on vocational fields such as business administration and healthcare support. These programs are designed to prepare students for quick entry into the workforce.
How much does it cost to study at Pacific International College for international students?
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International students can expect tuition fees to be approximately CAD 10,000–18,000 per year, depending on the specific program. Living costs in British Columbia are estimated at CAD 12,000–18,000 annually.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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International students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrated English proficiency with scores like IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 60, and a valid Canadian study permit. A completed application form with supporting documents is also required.
Does Pacific International College offer any financial assistance for international students?
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Yes, the college offers an Early Registration Discount for a partial tuition reduction and a limited International Student Bursary for qualifying students based on merit.
What support is available for international students at Pacific International College?
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The college provides dedicated support for study permit and immigration processes. Student services also assist with accommodation, orientation, and settling into life in Canada, fostering a welcoming environment.
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