26 best universities in Vancouver, British Columbia 2024

The largest city in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver, is a modern metropolis surrounded by water and amazingly beautiful mountain landscapes. It is a major port, an economic centre and a stylish city with a high standard of living.

There are dozens of major best universities in Vancouver; it is an educational, scientific centre. Simon Fraser University is located right on the top of the mountain, the university is known for its discoveries in medicine and biology. The University of British Columbia is famous for its campus — students conduct their research on a huge farm, there are many modern laboratories. Langara College is strong in teaching humanities and language courses. The British Columbia Institute of Technology is world-famous for its developments in engineering.

The universities in Vancouver specialize in studying specialists from different fields, especially the law and medical faculties are considered prestigious in Vancouver. At universities, students are awarded degrees corresponding to the graduation of the Bologna Process:

• Bachelor (duration of studying is 2 years)
• Master (postgraduate programs,4-5 years of studying)
• Doctor of Philosophy (research program, 1-2 years).

The application process is generally online, with document evaluation taking time. Aspiring learners should initiate this process around September or October, and no later than November, to meet application deadlines. Application acceptance for the fall semester typically concludes by February or early March.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Work-Study Options

International learners can work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, usually earning about 12 CAD per hour.

Scholarships and Grants

Financial aid is available for students with high academic performance and language proficiency (minimum IELTS 7.0). Postgraduate students can apply with their research projects.

Under-18 Student Requirements

Younger international students need an official guardian and must have their certificates validated by authorized organizations.

Accommodation Choices

Students can opt for host family living or boarding accommodations, often residing on campus.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduates can remain in Canada for one to three years to pursue employment in their field or an academic career.

• Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Founded in 1981 by the Government of British Columbia, it offers over 200 programs, including diplomas, bachelor's degrees, certificates, and citations.

• University of British Columbia: Ranked as the 37th best university globally by THE (Times Higher Education) in 2022, it offers various programs leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and vocational degrees, located near Vancouver's southwest coast.

• Simon Fraser University: A leading institution with over twenty-four thousand students, it's situated in Burnaby, downtown Vancouver, and Surrey. It provides comprehensive programs for bachelor's, co-education specialist, master's, and postgraduate degrees. Simon Fraser is also noted for being a popular filming location for film and TV.

The cost of higher education in Vancouver varies depending on the program and institution. For example, Vancouver Island University typically charges international attendees about 14,000 CAD per year, while the University of British Columbia can exceed 45,000 CAD. Note that these tuition figures do not include living expenses during the study period.

Determining the "best" institution is subjective, hinging on individual goals and needs. Maclean's magazine's annual rankings, accessible online, offer insights into various options. Regardless of the choice, the quality of education at Vancouver's top academic centers is widely acknowledged for its excellence.

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