In short
Selkirk College is a publicly funded college in British Columbia offering applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates, known for its stunning natural setting and career-focused programs. It provides a more affordable tuition option compared to larger universities, with small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1966
- Students
- 2,500
- International students
- 350
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–14k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Selkirk College is a publicly funded regional college in Castlegar, British Columbia, founded in 1966. Serving the stunning West Kootenay and Boundary region of southeastern BC, it operates campuses and learning centres in Nelson, Trail, Grand Forks, Kaslo, and Nakusp. Selkirk offers applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates in trades, health sciences, digital arts, business, hospitality, aviation, and outdoor recreation management. Its rural mountain location near world-class ski and outdoor adventure destinations is a major draw for both domestic and international students.
Why study here
- Unique aviation programme delivered at Castlegar/West Kootenay Regional Airport — one of few college-based flight training programmes in BC.
- Outdoor recreation management diploma in a region globally recognised for skiing, mountain biking, and wilderness adventure.
- Affordable tuition compared to larger Canadian universities, with a strong applied and career-focused curriculum.
- Small class sizes and personalised instruction in an intimate college community.
- Stunning mountain setting in the Kootenays with access to Whitewater and Red Mountain ski resorts, river kayaking, and extensive trail networks.
Student life
Life at Selkirk College is defined by its spectacular natural surroundings. Students have access to some of Canada's finest backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and river recreation minutes from campus. The Nelson campus sits in one of BC's most vibrant arts and culture communities. Campus-supported housing is available in Castlegar and Nelson, though demand typically exceeds supply — early booking is strongly recommended. The college's Outdoor Recreation Management students effectively use the entire Kootenay backcountry as a classroom.
Fees
InternationalInternational student tuition at Selkirk College is approximately CAD 14,000–20,000 per year (approx. EUR 9,500–13,500) depending on programme.
HomeDomestic BC students pay approximately CAD 5,000–7,000 per year for diploma programmes.
LivingMonthly living costs in Castlegar or Nelson are approximately CAD 1,200–1,600 (EUR 800–1,100), or EUR 9,600–13,200 per year. Housing is in limited supply and should be arranged well in advance.
Selkirk College assists students in locating private accommodation. On-campus housing is available in limited numbers at the Castlegar and Nelson campuses.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryBC Secondary School Graduation Certificate or equivalent with programme-specific prerequisites
Aviation programmeAdditional medical and English requirements apply; Class 1 or Class 3 Medical Certificate required
Health sciencesProgramme-specific prerequisites in biology and chemistry typically required
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT78
CAEL60 overall
PTE Academic56
University scholarships
Selkirk College Foundation BursariesCAD 500–3,000 per year
International Student Entrance AwardVaries — contact enrolment services
Government of Canada IRCC ScholarshipsVaries
Accreditation
Selkirk College is a designated institution under the British Columbia Degree Authorization Act and is registered with BCIT's Industry Training Authority for trades programmes. It 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
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 are the approximate tuition fees for international students at Selkirk College?
+
International student tuition at Selkirk College is approximately CAD 14,000–20,000 per year, depending on the specific program of study.
What are the estimated monthly living costs for students in Castlegar or Nelson?
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Monthly living costs in Castlegar or Nelson are estimated to be between CAD 1,200–1,600. Students are advised to arrange accommodation well in advance due to limited supply.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
For IELTS Academic, a minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 is required. Alternatively, TOEFL iBT requires a score of 78, or CAEL requires an overall score of 60.
What kind of programs does Selkirk College offer?
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Selkirk College offers applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various fields including trades, health sciences, digital arts, business, hospitality, aviation, and outdoor recreation management.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, Selkirk College offers scholarships such as the Selkirk College Foundation Bursaries and the International Student Entrance Award. Students may also inquire about Government of Canada IRCC Scholarships.
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