Vancouver is a bustling west coast seaport city situated in Canada’s British Columbia province. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is considered one of the best student cities in the world. The credit here goes to the world-class universities in Vancouver that offer outstanding facilities and thrive towards providing quality education and research opportunities for the students. Over 10,000 foreign students from over 80 countries choose to study at universities in Vancouver. In this blog, we introduce you to the best universities in Vancouver and everything else that you need to know about studying in Vancouver Canada.
Table of Contents: |
Why Study at Universities in Vancouver Canada?
The New York Times quoted Vancouver as “the Manhattan with mountains. It’s a liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France, and the Pacific Northwest. It’s the cool North American sibling.” So let’s begin our discussion by knowing the benefits of studying at universities in Vancouver:
- Quality of education: Vancouver is home to some of the best universities in the world, two of them being the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. The higher education institutions in Vancouver are well-equipped with modern facilities, including research laboratories and academic libraries to provide the best learning experience to the students.
- Student friendly: Vancouver achieves a high ranking of 18th in the desirability indicator according to QS Best Student Cities 2022, which reflects its popularity among prospective students and all-around high quality of life. Vancouver is also is a safe city with low crime rates.
- Hub of innovation and technology: According to Vancouver Economic Commission, Vancouver is the second-fastest-growing city in British Columbia. The city is known to be a hub for Information technology for the tech-savvy generation. It has a promising scope for those looking to secure a job in the tech industry.
- Blooming careers prospects: Graduates from the best universities in Vancouver Canada land crack reputed jobs in leading organizations. Vancouver is amongst the top 50 cities of the world for employer activity. The city offers a range of opportunities and business opportunities to graduates, specifically within its major economic sectors which include international trade, film and television, construction, and tourism.
Suggested: Top 5 colleges in Vancouver for international students
Top 5 Universities in Vancouver Canada
Now that we discussed the perks of living, studying and working in Vancouver, let’s take a look at the best universities in Vancouver Canada for international students:
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University Canada West
- Vancouver Island University
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Now let’s dive deeper into each university one by one:
1. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia tops the Vancouver university list. It is ranked 34 according to QS World University Ranking 2024. The university is globally recognized for excellence in teaching, education and research. UCB has a low-base fee structure for international students as compared to other institutions of similar reputation. It offers high-quality education and believes in innovative teaching and learning.
University Type |
Public |
Establishment Year |
1908 |
Popular Programs |
MS in Computer Science, MS in Data Science, Masters in Management, BSc Psychology, Bachelors in Media Studies, Bachelors in Cyber Security |
Intakes |
Summer, Winter |
Fees Per Year |
42,000 CAD - 55,000 CAD |
Admission Requirements |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 PTE: 65 CAEL: 70 GMAT: 550 |
2. Simon Fraser University
Ranked 318 according to QS World University Rankings 2024, Simon Fraser University occupies a prominent place amongst the best universities in Vancouver. The university has a substantial international student population and worldwide research and program linkages. Its new tagline is: “Canada’s engaged university.” The globally recognized graduate and undergraduate programs expand the intellectual horizons and skill set of the students.
University Type |
Public |
Establishment Year |
1989 |
Popular Programs |
MA Archeology, BSc Biochemistry, MA Fine Arts, Msc Health Sciences, BSc Data Science |
Intakes |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Fees Per Year |
31,460 CAD - 60,000 CAD |
Admission Requirements |
IELTS: 6.5 - 7.0 TOEFL(iBT): 93 PTE: 65 CAEL: 70 GMAT: 550 |
Suggested: Top 10 cities in Canada for international students
3. University Canada West
Canada Vancouver university list is incomplete without the mention of University Canada West. It is an innovative business and technology-oriented, teaching-focused institution in Canada, offering different applied undergraduate and graduate degrees. According to QS, there has been 100% employment within six months with 88% of them securing employment within 3 months of graduation.
University Type |
Private |
Establishment Year |
2005 |
Popular Courses |
MBA, MS in Computer Science, Graduate Certificate in Business Management, BBA, Bachelor of Education |
Intakes |
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
Fees Per Year |
36,840 CAD (MBA) |
Admission Requirements |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL(iBT): 88 PTE: 61 DET: 110 GMAT: 560 |
4. Vancouver Island University
While discussing the best universities in Vancouver Canada, the name of Vancouver Island University is worth mentioning. VIU provides an ambiance that balances academic accomplishments with the goal of developing students’ social and relationship skills. It offers a range of programs from graduate and undergraduate degrees to vocational and trades diplomas and certificates, as well as continuing education programs.
University Type |
Public |
Establishment Year |
1969 |
Popular Programs |
MBA, Masters in Geographic Information Systems, Masters in Community Planning, BBA in International Business |
Intakes |
Fall, Spring |
Fees Per Year |
16,680 CAD - 28,743 CAD |
Admission Requirements |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL(iBT): 88 PTE: 60 CPE/CAE: 176 |
5. Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Amongst all universities in Vancouver, Emily Carr University is the only university in British Columbia dedicated solely to art, media, and design. It is a specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university that offers various undergraduate, graduate, and continuing programs. It provides a unique learning environment with a diverse faculty and student body from over 50 countries.
University Type |
Public |
Establishment Year |
1925 |
Popular Courses |
MDes in Design, BDes in Industrial Design, BFA in Visual Art, BFA in Illustration |
Intakes |
Fall, Spring |
Fees Per Year |
18,299 CAD - 35,888.20 CAD |
Admission Requirements |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL(iBT): 84 PTE: 56 CAEL: 76 DET: 110 |
Suggested: What is it like to study in Canada for Indian students?
Vancouver is Canada’s densest and most ethnically diverse city. If you are looking forward to studying in a technologically advanced place surrounded by natural landscapes and welcoming people, Vancouver is your place. There is huge competition to make it to the best universities in Vancouver. For guidance and assistance get in touch with our counselors at Yocket today!
Let’s discuss some of the frequently asked questions about universities in Vancouver Canada before concluding this blog: