About Vancouver
Vancouver has been called “the Manhattan with mountains” by The New York Times. It’s a vibrant city that blends influences from India, China, England, France, and the Pacific Northwest. Some even describe Vancouver as the hip sibling of North American cities.
Vancouver, the largest city on Canada’s west coast, offers a picturesque natural backdrop against the stunning coastal range and Pacific Ocean. The city enjoys a mild climate and has a vibrant culture that captivates its residents. For students considering Vancouver as their study destination, here are some essential aspects to know about this remarkable and breathtaking city.
Top benefits of studying in Vancouver, Canada, for international students
An incredible academic opportunity:
Vancouver has a renowned educational history that has gained recognition worldwide. Institutions like Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia have attracted international students for their diverse programs. These universities and colleges prioritize a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. With dedicated faculties committed to providing exceptional education, these institutions consistently rank among the top universities globally.
One of the best student-friendly cities:
Vancouver is consistently recognized as a top destination for students. According to QS World University Rankings, it ranked in the top 6 for student attraction and overall desirability in their Best Cities for Students list in 2017. The Economist also ranked Vancouver second overall in their report on global livability in 2016. Additionally, Vancouver stands out as an excellent city for international students seeking to improve their English language skills, making it a compelling choice for studying abroad.
Vancouver is committed to a green and sustainable future:
The City of Vancouver is leading the way with its 2020 Green City initiative, aimed at reducing waste and emissions throughout the region. By studying in Vancouver, you can be part of this revolutionary movement towards greener living and sustainability for all residents. This initiative will also help to limit carbon production within the city.
Security is on top Priority:
Safety is a primary concern for students, and Vancouver has consistently ranked high in overall wellness and safety. With its diverse population, the city upholds a zero-tolerance policy against crime and discrimination based on race, caste, religion, or ethnicity. Vancouver boasts low crime rates, providing a secure environment for residents and students alike. Whether enjoying the vibrant nightlife or navigating the city streets at any hour, individuals can feel safe in Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport, a beautiful global gateway:
Vancouver International Airport, also known as YVR, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top airports. It proudly holds the 13th position overall in global airport rankings. From the moment you step off the plane, you are met with a welcoming atmosphere filled with natural light, captivating First Nations artwork, refreshing water fountains, and much more. Additionally, YVR offers convenient direct flights to numerous destinations across Europe and Asia.
Center of innovation in the technology industry:
Explore the rapidly growing sector in British Columbia, as highlighted by the Vancouver Economic Commission. This vibrant city offers international students opportunities to kick-start their businesses or secure jobs in the thriving tech industry. Renowned as a hub for programmers and those passionate about information technology, studying here increases your chances of finding employment in this exciting field.
Diverse population:
Vancouver is a diverse city that takes pride in its multicultural heritage. Its residents celebrate various vibrant festivals, including Chinese New Year, Italian Day, German Christmas, Sikh Vaisakhi, Persia’s Nowruz, and many more. These celebrations bring music, fantastic food, and performances from around the world to the city. Both international students and residents are fortunate to experience the richness of different cultures while living here.
Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Vancouver hosts a wide range of festivals and events that cater to different interests. Whether you’re a fan of fireworks or parades. There’s something for everyone. Some notable examples include the Celebration of Light, Santa Claus Parade, and Sikh’s Vaisakhi Parade. These events add a vibrant atmosphere.
Work part-time while you study:
International students studying in Canada can work part-time jobs alongside their studies. During regular academic periods, students can work up to 20 hours per week. However, during summer and winter breaks, they are allowed to take on additional hours, with a maximum of 30 per week. Job opportunities for these students include roles both on-campus, such as in libraries or administrative offices, and off-campus at places like Subway or computer labs.
Good food:
Having a diverse population brings numerous benefits, including the incredible culinary experiences that come with it. In Vancouver, for example, the city hosts an annual food festival where immigrants showcase their exquisite cuisine from various countries such as India, China, Little Italy, and Portugal Village. This event is a testament to the outstanding local flavors brought by different cultures to enrich the city’s culinary scene.
Universal healthcare:
Studying in Vancouver offers the advantage of free healthcare for international students. International students in British Columbia are eligible for Medical Services Plan (MSP), which provides them with universal health coverage at no additional cost.
International students can now enjoy the convenience of affordable healthcare, costing just C$75 per month. It eliminates the burden of expensive medical fees. In addition, any medical expenses related to allergies or disabilities are fully covered by the government’s healthcare coverage.
Free public transportation:
International students have the advantage of free public transportation, which is already covered by their tuition fees. To enjoy this benefit, students need to obtain their campus ID card, sign in, and tap it on the bus for validation, and they can then travel freely to their desired destinations.
Top 10 Universities in Vancouver for International Students:
Whether you’re looking to attend a community college, non-profit institution, or public and private universities, Vancouver offers a wide range of educational options. As the largest city and capital of British Columbia, there is something for everyone in terms of pursuing higher Education.
Vancouver, British Columbia, is not only a vibrant city but also a hub for some of the top universities in Canada, North America, and the world. Let’s explore the top 10 universities that call Vancouver home.
Vancouver Community College:
At Vancouver Community College’s public campus, students from over 150 countries converse in more than 50 different languages.
At VCC, most programs require students to gain job skills by training at local companies or facilities. The school is specifically designed to provide students with immersive experiences in real-world work environments.
The place provides a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, an auto shop, a spa, and a salon. These establishments offer affordable services to the Vancouver community.
Kevin Cherkas is an excellent example of a successful graduate from VCC. He has achieved celebrity chef status and has previously worked under the renowned chef Daniel Boulud.
In 2009, Vancouver Community College (VCC) unveiled the Broadway Campus Expansion, a state-of-the-art facility spanning 133,000 square feet. This impressive $55 million building serves as
No matter what career path students are passionate about, they can be confident that they will have access to top-notch facilities and experienced faculty who are dedicated to their success.
Colombian College:
Columbia College, established in 1936, is distinguished as being Canada’s oldest not-for-profit international university. It has consistently been ranked among the top three institutions for higher education that attract and prepare international students for admission to the prestigious University of British Columbia. Columbia College provides a senior high school program as part of its offerings for high school students. This program allows seniors to accelerate their coursework compared to a traditional high school setting
Students who have finished grade 10 but do not want to continue with high school graduation can choose to participate in the Accelerated High School Program. This program fast-tracks them into the transfer program at Columbia College.
In addition to its direct admission to a university, Columbia College offers a College Preparatory Program for high school graduates who need additional preparation. They also have a Refugee Scholarship Program that allows refugee high school students to complete their Education or earn an associate degree without any cost.
Every year, Columbia University holds the Limitless Academic Conference, a gathering where students present their research findings to the community and engage in meaningful discussions.
Canada West University:
University Canada West (UCW) was established in 2005 and is owned by Global University Systems. Global University Systems operates various institutions worldwide, including those in the UK, Canada, Israel, India, Germany, and Ireland.
UCW has recently achieved a prestigious 5-star rating from the highly regarded QS Stars higher education rating system. It makes it the first university in British Columbia and the third Canadian university to receive this outstanding distinction.
ApplyBoard ranks its MBA program as the fourth best in Canada, and the university receives consistent praise for its high-quality online learning programs.
UCW graduates can look forward to securing employment quickly after graduation. In fact, within six months of completing their studies, 100% of UCW graduates are employed. Additionally, an impressive 88% find employment within three months, and a significant 67% are hired within a month of graduating. These statistics highlight the strong job prospects and successful outcomes at this university.
British Columbia Institute of Technology:
As one of the most prominent universities in British Columbia, the BC Institute of Technology significantly contributes over $800 million to the economy.
With nearly 50,000 students, the campus is home to six schools specialize in various fields: these include Computer Science and Academics, Construction and Environment, Energy, Transportation, and Health Sciences.
The BC Institute of Technology is the first business school in British Columbia that offers permanent programs. It emphasizes the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Almost all BCIT graduates, a whopping 96%, find employment after completing their program. Additionally, within just one year of graduation, an impressive 97% of trainees secure jobs.
The success of BCIT alums continues to be remarkable. Most recently, Kevin Hatch, an alumnus of the BCIT woodworking program, was honored with the prestigious Forty Under 40 award by Business in Vancouver. As a testament to his skill and expertise, he frequently accepts apprentices from BCIT’s woodworking program.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design:
The university is named after the famous Canadian artist Emily Carr. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest universities in British Columbia and is unique in its sole focus on providing professional arts, design, and media education.
Emily Carr has been recognized as the top university for art and design in Canada for 2021, earning a notable ranking of 30th globally.
Emily Carr University recently established a cultural development center focusing on Aboriginal culture. This center hosts events such as exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and talk circles centered around Aboriginal traditions and issues. In addition, in 2009, ECU partnered with Kerner Studio, known for their work with Lucasfilm, to create a cutting-edge research studio specializing in stereoscopic 3D movie production.
Capilano University:
In honor of Chief Joe Capilano, a prominent leader of the Squamish Nation of the Coast Salish, Capilano University was established in 1968 by residents and school boards in Vancouver. In its early years, classes were conducted exclusively in the evenings.
Capilano University stands out for its dedication to high-quality Education. It holds the distinction of being the first Canadian university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. In an exciting development, the university will commence constructing a new Childhood Studies Center in mid-2022, with plans for its completion by late 2024. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance the learning environment and further support Capilano’s commitment to excellence.
Sports enthusiasts at Capilano University are drawn to the thrilling games of the Blues. As proud members of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, the university’s teams have claimed an impressive 14 national titles.
Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is among the notable alums of Capilano University, having earned her Ph.D. in Fine Arts from the institution. Over the years, graduates from Capilano have achieved recognition and success in various fields. 2017, for instance, seven alums from the jazz program and two faculty members were nominated for prestigious Juno Awards.
Langara College:
Langara, also known as the “house of teachings,” is named after the Musqueam First Nation, on whose land it sits. The name of the neighborhood, however, pays homage to Admiral Juan de Langara of Spain, a renowned figure in cartography.
Langara is a highly regarded undergraduate institution in British Columbia. It offers a wide range of programs, including professional studies, continuing studies, and university studies.
One example of a notable figure in the Canadian film industry is Kathryn Shaw, who directs films and oversees Studio 58 at the School of Theater Arts. This school is regarded as one of Canada’s top 5 theater schools and has rigorous acceptance criteria. Each semester, they accept only 16 students out of hundreds of auditions for their highly competitive 2-year production or 3-year acting programs.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, founded in 1981, is the only polytechnic university in Canada that emphasizes practical skills. The majority of its programs incorporate a field experience component.
KPU provides exclusive programs that are not offered at any other Canadian or North American institutions. For instance, their fashion, technology, and product design degrees are unique to Western Canada.
The university is breaking new ground as the first public institution to provide a program in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
Kwantlen offers the only brewing diploma program in British Columbia. It is also the first brewing program recognized by the Master Brewers Association. In addition, Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Horticultural Sciences in Urban Ecosystems is unique and has no equivalent program on the continent.
The Wilson School of Design welcomed its first students in 2018. In addition to their design programs, students can take advantage of other amenities such as English language studies and complimentary gym memberships (which are also available to alums and employees).
Simon Fraser University:
Simon Fraser University’s Vancouver Campus, established in 1989, has become renowned as the “intellectual hub of the city.”
The school consistently earns high rankings as one of the best universities in Canada and among the top 250 universities worldwide.
Furthermore, Maclean’s University Rankings recognized them as the top comprehensive university in Canada. They also achieved the notable position of #2 for Research Impact among the top 15 research universities in the country.
SFU is known for its student business incubator, the Coast Capital Venture Connection. This program helps students at SFU bring their research to market and learn how to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Additionally, SFU has a highly regarded cooperative education program that offers global corporate placements for students. This program has placed over 8,500 students in industry positions around the world. As a result of these initiatives, SFU has been recognized as a Top Employer by Forbes magazine.
Simon Fraser University is widely acclaimed thanks to its distinguished graduates and esteemed faculty. Notably, Ernest Becker, the renowned author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Denial of Death,” spent his final years as a professor at SFU.
The school has an impressive record, boasting three Rhodes Scholars and having 11 SFU Scholars recently awarded the Royal Society of Canada, which is regarded as the highest academic honor in the country.
University of British Columbia:
With a rich history dating back to 1915, the University of British Columbia has solidified its place among the top 20 public universities worldwide. The institution has allocated an impressive $759.1 million towards various projects, encompassing a staggering 10,000 initiatives.
According to Timer’s World Ranking of Higher Education Universities, they have recognized this university as the second-best in Canada for 2022 and seventh among North American public institutions.
In other global rankings, he has achieved third place and tied for first place in the impact on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Notably, his research has given rise to 233 startups.
Given its esteemed reputation, it’s no wonder that students will find a wealth of renowned alums who have made significant contributions across diverse fields.
The list of distinguished individuals associated with the institution includes eight Nobel Prize winners, five of whom were professors, including the renowned economics professor Daniel Kahneman. Additionally, there are 71 Rhodes Scholars among its accomplished alums.
UBC has a proud history of producing victorious Olympians, with 63 medals earned by athletes who have represented the university. Out of these medals, an impressive 19 are gold. Additionally, UBC can also boast the distinction of having three Canadian prime.
Top International student accommodation in vancouver:
Finding accommodation in Vancouver as an international student offers a variety of options. Here are some suggestions:
On-campus accommodation: Numerous universities and colleges in Vancouver provide on-campus student housing. This option offers convenience and security, allowing you to live with fellow students and access campus resources easily.
Homestay: You also have the option to participate in a homestay program, where you stay with a Canadian host family. It can provide an excellent opportunity to experience Canadian culture and fully enhance your language abilities.
Off-campus housing: If you’re looking for off-campus housing in Vancouver, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can find apartments, condos, and houses available for rent. To start your search, you can explore rental listings online or consult a local real estate agent who can assist you in
Residence inns and hotels: If you’re in need of temporary accommodation while searching for a more permanent place, residence inns and hotels offer a convenient option.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to research and compare prices and amenities for each option. Additionally, visiting the accommodation beforehand is recommended before committing to a lease or contract.
Don’t miss it:
Vancouver offers breathtaking beauty, along with renowned academic institutions and welcoming hospitality. International students will find endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the city and its surroundings, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Vancouver provides everything that international students desire in terms of lifestyle, inclusivity, and affordability. If you’re considering pursuing a full-time academic program, it’s worth exploring what Vancouver offers.
When it comes to choosing the right educational institution for yourself, there are numerous options to explore. It is highly advisable to conduct thorough research into programs and universities that align with your specific requirements. Fortunately, Vancouver boasts a wide array of exceptional academic institutes. However, an essential factor to consider before making your final decision is the overall quality of life in Vancouver.
