Universities and Colleges in Vancouver, Canada

November 21, 2022   |   7 Min. Read

Are you planning to pursue your studies in Vancouver, BC, Canada?

At GEC Living, we are Vancouver’s largest provider of off-campus student accommodation.

Based on feedback from the more than 10,000 students we have welcomed over the years, we have prepared a comprehensive overview of the major schools in Vancouver for your information.

Public Universities

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC is one of Canada’s most well-known universities in the world. Ranking the 2nd best in Canada and th 40th best university in the world. Undoubtedly, UBC is most students’ priority choice when it comes to pursuing their post-secondary education in Vancouver.

Popular Program at UBC

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Health
  • Social Science and Humanities

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at UBC

  • International student – $45,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $7,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about UBC.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)

SFU is possibly the 2nd most popular university after UBC in Vancouver. It’s Canada’s #1 comprehensive university according to Maclean’s Magazin. Its Computing Science, Education and Business Programs rank in the top 10 among all other universities in Canada.

Popular Program at SFU

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Health
  • Social Science and Humanities

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at SFU

  • International student – $32,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $7,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about SFU.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)

KPU is Canada’s only polytechnic university. Many of its programs include work experience terms, and they have deep relationships with industry partners and organizations. If all you want to do is graduate and start working in your field, KPU is a fantastic choice.

Popular Program at KPU

  • Accounting
  • Marketing Management
  • Criminology
  • Human Resources Management

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at KPU

  • International student – $20,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $9,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about KPU.

Capilano University (CapU)

CapU is the only Canadian university located in a rainforest. Its 100 career-oriented programs offer a great option for students who want to focus on building their careers right after graduation.

Popular Program at CapU

  • Kinesiology
  • Early Childhood Care and Education
  • Jazz Studies

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at CapU

  • International student – $20,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $6,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about CapU.

Trinity Western University (TWU)

TWU is the premier Christian University in Canada and brings the country’s greatest and the largest liberal arts university. At TWU, you’ll experience an authentic and engaging community capable of helping you create connections between biblical truth and every area of your life and work.

Popular Program at TWU

  • Media and Communication
  • Arts
  • Political Studies
  • Psychology

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at TWU

  • International student – $22,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $22,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about TWU.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD)

Emily Carr University (ECUAD) has ranked the top university in Canada for art and design, number 30 in the world according to the (QS) World University Rankings. It is definitely the most wanted university for the student who wants to pursue a career in arts and design.

Popular Program at ECUAD

  • Visual Arts
  • Interaction Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Illustration

Approximately the Annual Tuition Fee at ECUAD

  • International student – $20,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $5,500 CAD

Learn more FAQs about ECUAD.

Public Colleges

Langara College

Langara College is a reputable public college located in central Vancouver. Langara’s vision is to be Canada’s pathways college – many students first attend Langara College and further their studies at SFU or UBC with Langara College’s bridge program.

Popular Program at Langara

  • All Pathways Programs

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at Langara

  • International student – $22,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $5,700 CAD

Learn more FAQs about Langara College.

BCIT – British Columbia Institute of Technology

BCIT is the most popular college when it comes to Construction & Trade, as well as Business and Engineering. BCIT is closely linked with global industries, with programmes taught by industry leaders on campus and in the field. It has one of the highest employment rates for degree grads in Canada.

Popular Program at BCIT

  • All Programs

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at BCIT

  • International student – $24,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $5,700 CAD

Learn more FAQs about BCIT.

Douglas College

Douglas College is the largest degree-granting college in British Columbia, Canada. Like Langra College, its Pathway Programs are popular with students who want to further their studies at other distinguished universities.

Popular Program at Douglas College

  • All University-transferable Programs

Approximately Annual Tuition Fee at Douglas College

  • International student – $20,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $5,700 CAD

Learn more FAQs about Douglas College.

VCC – Vancouver Community College

VCC is one of the largest government-accredited colleges in B.C. Canada and its main campus are located very close to Downtown Vancouver. Like Langara and Douglas Colleges, it offers small classes with instructors with real-world experience.

Popular Program at VCC

  • Culinary Arts
  • Health Sciences
  • Transportation Trades
  • Music
  • Design

Approximately the Annual Tuition Fee at VCC

  • International student – $20,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $5,700 CAD

Private Universities & Colleges

UCW – University Canada West

UCW is one of the most popular private schools that offer MBA programs in Canada. In September 2021, University Canada West (UCW) received an overall 5 Star rating from QS Stars higher education rating system.

Popular Program at UCW

  • Master Programs
  • Online Education Programs

Approximately the Program Fee at UCW

  • International student – $37,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $26,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about UCW.

LaSalle College

LaSalle College Vancouver is a boutique design school offering applied arts programs that help graduates build rewarding, lifelong careers. It ranked as #1 Game Design School in Canada for 10 Years in a row.

Popular Program at LaSalle College

  • Game Design
  • VFX
  • Fashion
  • Culinary
  • Interior Design

Approximately Program Fee at LaSalle College

  • International student – $99,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $76,000 CAD

VFS – Vancouver Film School

VFS is well-known for its unique, accelerated one-year education model balances intensive and industry-led theory with direct production experience. in 2021, VFS alumni were credited for 516 nominations and 118 wins at the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and Game Awards.

Popular Program at VFS

  • Animation & Visual Effects
  • Games, Design & Technology
  • Film & Television Production

Approximately Program Fee at VFS

  • International student – $50,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $25,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about VFS.

FDU – Fairleigh Dickinson University

FDU is the largest private university in New Jersey, and its Degree programs are offered on its campus in Vancouver, Canada. “FDU’s International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management is ranked seventh among the best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the world (2022)”

Popular Program at FDU

  • Hospitality Programs

Approximately Program Fee at FDU

  • International student – $30,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $8,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about FDU.

NYIT – New York Institute of Technology

NYIT ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges in Regional Universities North, #22. Its Vancouver, Canada campus offers great master programs mainly for international students.

Popular Program at NNYIT

  • MBA
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Energy Management Programs

Approximately Program Fee

  • International student – $40,000 CAD

Learn more FAQs about NYIT.

Acsenda School of Management

Acsenda School of Management is a private post-secondary insitution located in Downtown Vancouver, which offers competitive undergraduate degress in both Business Administration and Hospitality Management.

Popular Program at Acsenda

  • Bachelor of Hospitality Management
  • Bachelor of Business Administration

Approximately Program Fee at Acsenda

  • International student – $64,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $30,000 CAD

City University

CityU is an innovative, not-for-profit university that changes students’ lives for good by offering high-quality and relevant education to prepare students to graduate with the competitive skills needed to be succeful in their future career.

Popular Program at CityU

  • Bachelor of Arts in Management
  • Master of Counselling

Approximately Program Fee at CityU

  • International student – $42,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $24,000 CAD

VanArts

VanArts was founded in 1995 with Academy-Award winning animator/director Lee Mishkin, and it’s consistently ranked in the list of top schools for Animation worldwide. Its Degree Pathways programs also enables students to futher purse their studies at distinguished schools like BCIT and Emily Carr.

Popular Program at VanArts

  • 2D/3D Character Animation
  • Game Art & Design

Approximately Program Fee at VanArts

  • International student – $42,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $24,000 CAD

Sprott Shaw College

Sportt Shaw College is one of the oldest and largest private college in Canada, and is a provincial leader in early childhood, special education, counselling, and community support training. Since 1903, Sprott Shaw has trained over 2500 students each year, and built a solid reputation based on training excellence and their graduates’ enviable record of securing sucessful jobs after training.

Popular Program at SSC

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electrician
  • Health Care
  • Practical nursing

Approximately Program Fee at SSC

  • International student – $40,000 CAD
  • Domestic student – $20,000 CAD

FAQs About Universities and Colleges in Vancouver

Is Vancouver good for studying and pursuing your further education as an international student?

The short answer is YES! Vancouver ranks as one of the most popular destinations for international students. It provides world-class prestigious universities like UBC, as well as tons of quality schools in both the public and private educational sectors.

Is studying in Vancouver expensive for students?

Yes, the cost of living in Vancouver is expensive in general, especially for students. You can check our blog post about the estimated cost of living in Vancouver as a student.

Is Vancouver good for international students?

Vancouver ranks as one of the most liveable cities on the planet. So yes, it’s good for international students not just because of its good education system, but also because it’s a world-class modern city surrounded by its beautiful nature.

Which is the cheapest University or College in Vancouver for international students?

Tuition fees are quite similar in general if you compare within universities or colleges category. However, tuition fees might be a lot different depending on the program you choose.

What’s the best college or university in Vancouver, Canada?

According to QS World University Rankings, UBC is the best university in Vancouver in terms of its overall education. However, the “best” is really depending on which program you are planning to study, for example; Emily Carr has been named one of the top universities in the world for Art and Design according to QU World University Rankings as well.