Columbia College

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Key facts

  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    2500
  • Nationalities
    61
  • Total programs
    11

Study abroad at Columbia College

Columbia College is an independent college based in Vancouver, an eclectic city in Canada's British Columbia province. Its been delivering quality education since its founding in 1936 - it's an excellent place to study.

The College has a great range of programs available for international students to choose from. There's everything from analytical subjects like economics to creative ones like art - there's a course for all at Columbia College.

You can study university transfer programs which means taking your first and second years at Columbia College, before transferring to a university to complete the final two years of your course. Columbia also offers two-year associate degrees and English programs to help you improve your language skills.

International students enrolled at Columbia College have the pleasure of studying at its fabulous state-of-the-art campus. Students have access to a wide variety of facilities including an academic advice center, career services, and health and wellness workshops.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Columbia College

  • Specialist institution

    Columbia College specializes in international student success

  • Global campus

    The student community hails from all over the world

  • Non-profit status

    The College strives to provide the most affordable education options

Location

Columbia College

438 Terminal Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 0C1, Canada

Vancouver is a bustling city with countless student-friendly things to see and do on your doorstep. The city is bursting with shops, restaurants, attractions, and shopping outlets - it's a great place to be.

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Fees and funding

Funding

Columbia College Entrance Scholarship

  • Amount

    CAD$3,000

  • Requirements

    Academic aptitude and a commitment to success, who are facing barriers, with an opportunity to access a higher education. Students must be a new applicant to Columbia College. Successful recipients will be selected from regions around the world where there are significant, ongoing, and systemic barriers to higher education.

Columbia College Academic Scholarships

  • Amount

    CAD$2,500 per semester

  • Requirements

    Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance in the previous semester, with consideration also given to involvement in College and community activities, as well as a personal essay.

**Gerry Brown Secondary Scholarship

  • Amount

    CAD$2,500 per semester

  • Requirements

    Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance in the previous semester, with consideration also given to involvement in College and community activities, as well as a personal essay.

Top Student Scholarship in Arts/Business and Math/Science and Computer Science

  • Amount

    CAD$3,000 per semester

  • Requirements

    Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance in the previous semester, with consideration also given to involvement in College and community activities, as well as a personal essay.

The John Helm Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount

    CAD$5,000

  • Requirements

    Awarded to an outstanding student in the Math/Sciences in memory of John Helm, former Director of Admissions, Vice Principal, and longtime employee of Columbia College.

The Jason Graham Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount

    CAD$5,000

  • Requirements

    Awarded to an outstanding student in the Social Sciences in memory of a former student of Columbia College.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    CAD$17,550 per year

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Visa requirements for Columbia College

Many international students will require a visa to study in Canada, and this is a vital step in your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Canada student visa requirements

Life at Columbia College

Columbia College is a popular choice among international students. 95% of students studying at the College are from overseas, making it an ideal institution for students from abroad. Over 65 nationalities are represented on campus.

The College is home to mental health counselors, nurses, academic advisors, and student life coordinators to ensure all needs of international students are taken care of - there's always someone available to support you.

The housing office can help you secure homestay accommodation which involves living with a local family. You can also find private accommodation in the city, the College's helpful team can provide useful housing guidance and resources.

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Facilities

  • Food & Restaurants
    • 3 Restaurants
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • Campus Doctor
  • Praying Rooms
    • Individual Praying Rooms
    • Group Praying Rooms
  • Tutoring Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
  • Fitness Centre
    • Fitness Classes
  • Library
    • Quiet Areas
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Computer labs

Student reviews for Columbia College

Overall rating

4.8
1 reviews
  • Overall experience
    5
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Ester Di Maio da Cunha
br flag
Studied Social Science at Columbia College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Columbia College

Columbia College had a brand new building when I started studying. The spaces were very comfortable and easy to get around. My commute was fast, I only had to take the sky train and I used to arrive in 20 minutes.

What Columbia College says

  • Headshot of Ginny Chien
    Ginny Chien
    Ginny Chien says:

    International education is in Columbia College's DNA, with over 85 years of experience working with international students. Every member of the Columbia College community is passionate about elevating education to the next level and providing the most enriched experience possible.

    As a not-for-profit institution, we always put the students first. We value their learning experience and model positive changes to the local community and beyond. Students are supported by a close-knit network of professional, dedicated instructors and staff that they know by their first names.

    We have two newly renovated campuses dedicated to our college, high school, and English for Academic Purposes programs. In addition, students have access to a wide array of services, such as the library, learning center, academic advising, counseling and nursing, weekly student-led activities, and so much more. The Essential Technology and Workplace Skills program is the CC's newest addition, providing students with free digital literacy programs and access to LinkedIn Learning. Students receive the best education possible and have access to ongoing career development support and opportunities while they are studying. We strive to provide students with real-life work/volunteer experience through student-centered initiatives like the Community Connections Program, Employment Preparation Program, Student Engagement Ambassadors, club leaders, etc. We also continue expanding our offerings to ensure that the students are confident to enter the workforce upon graduation.
  • Headshot of Mark Friesen
    Mark Friesen
    Mark Friesen says:

    Columbia College has a long history of supporting international students; we were one of the first institutions in Canada to accept students from around the world beginning in the 1970s.

    All students at the College are international, so every semester we focus on supporting each other to build relationships and make connections with the local community.

    We have found that local relationships are a big part of each student's success, so outside the classroom, we create opportunities for international students to grow their network of peers and supporters in Canada.

    As a registered Canadian charity we have the ability to reinvest all resources into student programs and to approach education in unique ways. For example, the College provides funding through our Community Connections program to place students with local non-profit organizations for paid work experience opportunities. Many students have gotten their first job in Canada through this program. Our Learning Centre and Digital Skills program provides free training in computers and technology at no charge, so that students have the digital skills they need for the careers of the future. Our services and facilities are specifically developed to accommodate and support international students from diverse backgrounds. Support for student clubs specifically for international students and in-house counseling, peer tutoring, and academic advisors are a key focus at the College. As a University Transfer and Associate Degree College, our students are just beginning their academic journey. So we spend the time to make sure they also acquire fundamental skills required in today's workforce. Our graduates have had great success transitioning to jobs in a range of sectors, or being accepted at a local university to complete their degree for higher skill careers.