CANADA · SQUAMISH
Quest University
non-profit · Founded 2002 · Languages: English
In short
Quest University Canada is merging with Columbia College to form a new university in British Columbia. Prospective students should check the official website for updates on new programs and application details.
Key facts
- Type
- Non-profit
- Founded
- 2002
- Students
- 500
- International students
- 100
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €20–24k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Squamish, Canada
Quest University Canada, a non-profit institution, is currently undergoing a strategic merger with Columbia College to establish a new university in British Columbia. This collaboration aims to combine decades of academic excellence from both institutions. The university is actively preparing new academic programs and admission requirements, with applications expected to open for future offerings. Prospective students are encouraged to monitor the official website for updates regarding new programs and application timelines as the merger progresses.
Why study here
- Distinctive block plan with one immersive course at a time.
- Small, discussion-based seminars rather than large lectures.
- Personalised interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree.
- Spectacular mountain setting in Squamish between Vancouver and Whistler.
- Close-knit residential and outdoor-oriented student community.
Student life
Quest University fostered an intimate, residential community in Squamish, with most students living on campus and a culture built around outdoor recreation such as hiking, climbing and skiing. Small class sizes, student-led clubs and the block-plan rhythm created close relationships between students and faculty.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences was set at a flat rate in the region of CAD 30,000+ per year, the same for domestic and international students. Prospective students should confirm current figures given the institution's transition.
HomeAs a private institution, Quest charged the same set tuition to domestic and international students rather than subsidised provincial rates.
LivingOn-campus residence, meals and personal expenses in Squamish typically added several thousand Canadian dollars per year to the cost of study.
Because the institution has been winding down and transitioning, fee and program details should be verified directly before any application.
Admissions
Bachelor of Arts and SciencesStrong secondary-school record assessed holistically, with supporting essays and proof of English proficiency for international applicants
IELTS (Academic)Typically 6.5 overall for non-native English speakers
TOEFL iBTTypically around 88 for non-native English speakers
University scholarships
Entrance and Merit AwardsVaries
Accreditation
Quest University Canada was established under British Columbia legislation as a private, not-for-profit, degree-granting institution; prospective students should confirm its current accreditation and operating status.
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 is the current status of Quest University?
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Quest University Canada is currently undergoing a strategic merger with Columbia College to establish a new university in British Columbia. Prospective students should monitor the official website for updates on new programs and application timelines as the merger progresses.
What programs were offered at Quest University?
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Historically, Quest University offered a personalized, interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree. Given the institution's transition, new program details should be verified directly with the new university.
What is the tuition fee for Quest University?
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As a private institution, Quest University charged a flat tuition rate, historically around CAD 30,000+ per year, for both domestic and international students. Prospective students should confirm current figures directly as the institution transitions.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students typically needed an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of around 88. It is essential to verify current English proficiency requirements directly before applying.
Where is Quest University located?
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Quest University Canada was located in Squamish, British Columbia, situated in a mountain setting between Vancouver and Whistler.
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