With more than 700,000 students coming from the international boundaries, Canada is one of the top most study abroad destinations among the likes of international students. British Columbia being one of the most important education and career hubs in Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities and colleges. Colleges in BC are known to offer international students with an excellent education along with some outstanding industrial exposures in Canada. Let us help you explore some of the top colleges in British Columbia to help choose the right fit for you!
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Why Study in British Columbia?
British Columbia is a blend of opportunities and academic potential. Classified as one of the top study destinations within Canada, let us look at some reasons to choose British Columbia as your dream place to study:
- Popular Study Destination: BC is one of the highly chosen places to study in Canada, by international students. Vancouver in British Columbia has been ranked #18 for being the most student-friendly cities in Canada, by the QS Rankings, 2022.
- Desirable Qualities: Be it the location of the universities and colleges in British Columbia Canada, or the extremely flexible academic practices, BC is quite desirable among the international student population.
- Highly Ranked Institutions: British Columbia as a study destination is filled with highly ranked colleges and universities. Both private and public colleges in British Columbia offer students with academically rich and potentially valuable study experiences.
- Outstanding Job Opportunities: Colleges in British Columbia Canada are known for providing their graduate students with a high employability rate along with the best industrial exposures in terms of internships, training and job opportunities in Canada.
Having discussed the benefits of choosing to study in British Columbia colleges, let us take a look at the type of institutions, the city has to offer:
Types of Colleges in British Columbia
Colleges in BC are distinguished on the basis of two types: private and public colleges in British Columbia. Let us understand what exactly do these two types refer to:
1. Public Colleges
Public colleges in British Columbia are generally accredited and recognised by the Canadian government under the Provincial College and Institute Act. Also, programs offered at these colleges are accredited by specific accreditation bodies and organisations. Some of the top public colleges in BC are:
- Coast Mountain College
- Langara College
- Camosun College
2. Private Colleges
The private colleges in British Columbia Canada are accredited by the private training branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. Also, private colleges in British Columbia may have a tuition fee slightly higher than that of public colleges in BC. Some of these private institutions are:
- Academy of learning college, Surrey
- Academy of learning college, Victoria
- Academy of excellence hair design & aesthetics Ltd., Victoria
Now that we are clear about the categorisation of colleges in British Columbia, let us now take a look at the top colleges in British Columbia.
Top Colleges in British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia colleges and universities are some of the most attractive institutions in the world. Top colleges in British Columbia are home to international students from over 140 countries around the globe. Let us now go through the British Columbia Colleges list below:
- Camosun College
- Coast Mountain College
- Langara College
- Douglas College
- Northern Lights College
- Okanagan College
- North Island College
- (FIC) Fraser International College
Of the colleges listed above, here’s a little more information about the top 8 British Columbia colleges for international students:
1. Camosun College
Founded in 1971, Camosun College is known to be the largest public community college in BC. The college houses approximately 2100 international students from over 80 countries. Famous for being one of the finest British Columbia colleges for international students, Camosun College offers around 140 programs to students.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Victoria |
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Average Tuition Fee |
15,190 to 31,950 CAD per year (924695.05- 1944964.24 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
BBA Marketing, Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Diploma in Environmental Technology |
2. Coast Mountain College
Located in the most picturesque setting, Coast Mountain College offers post secondary education to both domestic and international students. The college has 5 campuses and is known to be a top candidate in the British Columbia colleges list. One of the most popular programs offered here is the Diploma in Business Administration.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Terrace, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Hazelton, Haida Gwaii |
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Average Tuition Fee |
12,602 CAD per year (767149.90 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
Diploma in Business Administration, Associate Degree in science-General Studies |
3. Langara College
One of the best colleges in British Columbia is the Langara College offering education to over 23,000 students every year. The college is famous for offering continuing education, career studies along with well acclaimed undergraduate studies. Also, counted among the best in all the British Columbia colleges and universities, international students at Langara come from more than 102 countries.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Vancouver |
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Average Tuition Fee |
16,000 CAD per year (974004.00 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
BBA, Diploma in Food, Nutrition, and Health Transfer, Diploma in Marketing Management |
4. Douglas College
The largest degree granting college in British Columbia, Canada, the Douglas College has its two major campuses in Westminster and Coquitlam. Known for granting both international and domestic students with public degrees at the UG and PG levels. The total student population at Douglas College stands somewhere around 20,000 students.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Surrey, Westminster, Coquitlam |
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Average Tuition Fee |
18,360 CAD per year (1117669.59 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
BBA Accounting, Diploma in Biochemistry, BEng Engineering and Fabrication Technologies |
5. Northern Lights College
Known as BC’s Energy College, the Northern Lights College is a highly recognised and one of the next colleges in British Columbia. The college has several campuses, and is a member of the British Columbia colleges (a group of 11 provincial colleges in BC). The college offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates to both international and domestic students.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Atlin, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Dease Lake, Fort Nelson, Fort St John, Tumbler Ridge |
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Average Tuition Fee |
12,000 to 15,000 CAD per year (730503.00- 913128.75 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
Diploma in Criminology, Certificate in Business Management, Practical Nursing |
6. Okanagan College
Home to around 15,000 students, the Okanagan College is regarded as one of the best colleges in British Columbia for international students. The average class size observed at the college is 18, thereby providing international students an ample space to dwell in the diverse culture. International student population lies somewhere at 1,500 students at all of the Okanagan College campuses.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton |
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Average Tuition Fee |
25,000 to 50,000 CAD per year (1521881.25 - 3043762.50 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
Bba, Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Culinary Management, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering |
7. North Island College
North Island College is one of the best colleges in BC for international students having 4 campuses and 3 centres spread over an extensive area of about 80,000 square kilometres and a population of about 157,000 people. The College provides over 80 programs in areas including health care, business, fine arts and tourism. International students at NIC are provided with a wealth of learning opportunities and information resources and services, including peer tutoring, maths, research help, writing and student technical support.
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College Type |
Public |
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Location |
Comox Valley, Campbell River, Port Alberni, and Port Hardy |
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Average Tuition Fee |
12,150 - 15,750 CAD/year (739634.29 - 958785.19 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
Media films, Arts, Engineering, Information Technology, Management |
8. Fraser International College
Fraser International College is a private college for international students that offers foundation courses for students to prepare and begin their higher study at Simon Fraser University. FIC students are preserved like university students. With the additional benefits of smaller classes, students receive more modified attention in a lively and helpful environment that better equips them for life at university.
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College Type |
Private |
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Location |
Burnaby, British Columbia |
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Average Tuition Fee |
6,300 to 31,266 CAD/ year (383514.08 - 1903325.57 INR) |
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Popular Programs |
BBA, BA, BS.C, B.Tech |
Universities in British Columbia
British Columbia is definitely the best place for you if you are looking for the best of both worlds. From top notch education standards to an exemplary career environment, and a lifestyle filled with fun and frolic, you will find everything you require at an international study destination. In case you need more assistance with the admission process, you can reach out to our Yocket Counsellors for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colleges in British Columbia
Ques. How many public colleges are there in British Columbia?
Ans. There are a total of 14 public colleges across British Columbia.
Ques. Name one of the best colleges in British Columbia for international students?
Ans. One of the best colleges in British Columbia for international students is Camosun College located in Victoria, which stands at the top of the BC Colleges list.
Ques. What are the basic admission requirements to study in colleges in British Columbia?
Ans. The basic requirements are:
- High school degree
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor's degree (for PG courses)
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Additional requirements (LORs/ SOPs/ Resume/ CV/ Interviews/ Work Experience)
Ques. What is the average salary in top colleges in BC?
Ans. The average salary for most of the top colleges in British Columbia stands at 40,000 CAD per annum.
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