Columbia College's mission is to foster student success, build a desire for lifelong learning, and provide higher education pathways. Columbia College nurtures community engagement and prepares international students for life in Canada. Through teaching excellence and a commitment to student support, the Columbia College community values an inclusive and mutually respectful learning environment.

- Columbia College Mission Statement

Established in 1936, Columbia College is British Columbia's oldest university transfer educational institution where thousands of Canadian and international students have completed their qualifications. Over the years, Columbia College has consistently been one of the top three providers of international students to the University of British Columbia. It also sends large numbers of students to Simon Fraser University, another major university in Vancouver.

Campuses

• Main Campus

Columbia College’s Main Campus is a 73,000 square foot building east of Vancouver’s downtown core at 438 Terminal Avenue. The building provides well-equipped facilities to students and staff, including science laboratories, a library, and student lounges.

• North Campus

The North Campus serves the Columbia College High School and English for Academic Purposes students and is well-equipped with essential facilities that enable a successful learning environment.

English Proficiency

Students may be placed in university transfer (credit) English or university preparatory (non-credit) English, based on Columbia College’s Language and Writing Assessment (LWA) results or based on acceptable external standardized English test scores. For the minimum scores for placement in an English course, click here.

Programs

• High school programs

High school programs are designed for students who would like to gain admission to a Canadian university. Columbia College offers four distinct program options: Senior Secondary (Grade 10, 11, 12), Accelerated Secondary (Grade 11 & 12), Adult Secondary (Grade 11 & 12), and University Preparatory.

• Associate degree programs

An Associate Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year university degree. Students can enter the third year of a bachelor's degree program with an Associate Degree.

• University transfer programs

British Columbia has the smoothest college-to-university transfer system in Canada. Students can take up to 60 credits at first- and second-year level at Columbia College, and then transfer those credits to any university in British Columbia and across Canada.

• English for Academic Purposes

Students will be placed at the English level right for them before entering a high school or university program. Also, students can still take a high school or university-level course at the same time.

Scholarships

• (NEW) Columbia College Entrance Scholarship
• Columbia College Academic Scholarships
• The Jason Graham Memorial Scholarship
• The John Helm Memorial Scholarship
• Guard.me Scholarship for International Business Students
• Outstanding Student Scholarship
• The Gary Swanson English Preparation Scholarship

*For the details of scholarships, click here.

Interested in starting your study journey at Columbia College? Check Global Study Guide for more information about student life, programs, and international student support, and register a free account to apply today!