Columbia College
Vancouver, Canada
"A long-running Vancouver college for university transfer and associate degrees"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
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Avg Salary/Yr
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Ranking
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PSW VISA
PGWP (check programme)
About Columbia College
Columbia College is a not-for-profit college founded in 1936 in Vancouver. In 2004 it became the first private institution in British Columbia to award associate degrees. It offers University Transfer programmes and Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees whose credits transfer to UBC, SFU, UVic and other BC universities, plus high-school completion and English for Academic Purposes. The campus is at 438 Terminal Avenue near Main Street-Science World Station, and students come from 60+ countries. In March 2026 Columbia College and Quest University announced plans to merge into a new university, pending BC government approval.
Rankings & Recognition
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Accreditations & Memberships
BC Transfer System (BCCAT)
BC Education Quality Assurance (EQA)
Languages Canada (EAP)
Designated Learning Institution
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Columbia College's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
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Employer Reputation
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Faculty Student Ratio
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Citations per Faculty
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Key Facts
1936
Founded
BC, 2004
First Private Assoc. Degree
60+ countries
Students From
3 (Sept, Jan, May)
Terms a Year
Merger plan with Quest Univ.
2026 News
Popular Programs
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Associate of Arts - Economics
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Associate of Arts - Political Science
Associate of Science - Computer Science
Associate of Science - Mathematics
University Transfer
Application Details
Application Fee (Intl)
CAD 200 (non-refundable)
Intl Tuition Deposit
CAD 15,620
Terms
September, January, May
Apply Through
my.columbiacollege.ca
Proof of funds (2026)
CAD 23,448 + 1st-year tuition
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic
|
6.0 (writing 5.5) approx. |
|
PTE Academic
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55 (writing 55) approx. |
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Duolingo English Test
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100 (approx.) |
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TOEFL iBT (new 1-6 scale)
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4.0 (approx.) |
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CAEL
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40 (approx.) |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
65%
I-20 Processing
Study permit (LOA + PAL)
Post-Study Work
PGWP: check programme
Green Card Pathway
Express Entry / PNP (PR)
Financials
Application Fee
CAD 200
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
PGWP (check programme)
Post-Study Work
20 hrs/week
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Class Size — Small classes
Support — Free tutoring
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Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
Columbia College's campus is at 438 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, next to Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station, minutes from downtown.
Campus Details
Terminal
Avenue campus
Vancouver;
students from 60+ countries
Campus Forecast
No forecast data added yet. Click "Edit Details" to add.
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Homestay programme; rentals via GEC / Places4Students
Dining
Cafes and food near Main St
Health & Wellness
BC MSP and college medical insurance
Activities & Clubs
Student clubs
Free tutoring
Transfer advising
Diversity & Demographics
Students From
60+ countries
Peak Enrolment
About 2,100
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition (Intl, from Sept 2026)
CAD 640 per credit
1 Year (30 credits)
CAD 19,200
Associate Degree (60 cr)
CAD 38,400
Intl Tuition Deposit
CAD 15,620
Study permit + biometrics
CAD 150 + CAD 85
Intakes & Deadlines
Columbia College runs three terms a year: Fall (September), Winter (January) and Summer (May). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; apply early so the deposit, LOA, PAL and study permit are done before term starts.
Scholarships at Columbia College
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Class 12 (India) equal to BC Grade 12; English shown by IELTS 6.0 (writing 5.5) or equivalent. University Transfer is 1-2 years; Associate degrees are 2 years (60 credits).
Postgraduate
Not offered: Columbia College teaches first- and second-year university transfer and associate degrees only.
English Proficiency
IELTS Academic
6.0 (writing 5.5) approx.PTE Academic
55 (writing 55) approx.Duolingo English Test
100 (approx.)TOEFL iBT (new 1-6 scale)
4.0 (approx.)CAEL
Required Documents
Valid passport
Class 10 and 12 marksheets
English test score report
Tuition deposit receipt (CAD 15,620)
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
PAL
Proof of funds (GIC / bank / loan)
Upfront medical exam
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Pick a programme and check its entry rules on columbiacollege.ca.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application, pay the fee and upload transcripts and test scores.
3
Get your offer (LOA)
Receive a Letter of Acceptance; accept it and pay the CAD 15,620 international tuition deposit.
4
PAL / TAL
The school issues a Provincial Attestation Letter for your study permit.
5
Study permit
Apply to IRCC online, give biometrics and wait for approval.
6
Arrive & study
Enter Canada, register, work up to 24 hrs/week and plan for PGWP.
Campus & Location
Columbia College's campus is at 438 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, next to Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station, minutes from downtown.
Associate Degree
4
Columbia College
📍 Vancouver
Associate Degree
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Columbia College
📍 Vancouver
Associate Degree
Associate of Arts - Economics
Columbia College
📍 Vancouver
Associate Degree
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Columbia College
📍 Vancouver
Associate Degree
Associate of Science - Computer Science
University Transfer
1
Columbia College
📍 Vancouver
University Transfer
University Transfer (1 year)
Enquire Now
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