Frequently Asked Questions

In order to apply for a Canadian study permit, prospective international students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact the desired institution(s) individually.

• The University of British Columbia: Commonly referred to as UBC, this is one of the highest-regarded universities in Canada, with a strong international reputation for research and academics. While research is a main focus, the university has recently developed partner programs with community groups, and students have access to a number of co-op placements and community involvement opportunities. UBC offers over 200 undergraduate programs in 14 faculties, including the province’s only medical school. o Signature programs include Commerce, Sciences, Medicine, Film, and Law.
  
•  Simon Fraser University: With its interdisciplinary approach and a three semester system, Simon Fraser University has some notably unique aspects. It is regularly ranked within the top universities in Canada, and worldwide. o Signature programs include Kinesiology, Criminology, Computer Science, Business, and the Humanities.
  
• The University of Victoria: A lower student-teacher ratio and a small-town community setting lend an intimate feeling to this university, which nonetheless has big aspirations. Ranking within the top 200 universities worldwide, the University of Victoria — or “UVic” — is well-regarded abroad for its research. International tuition fees at UVic are among the lowest in the province for university-level education. o Signature programs: Biomedical Engineering, Economics, Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Health Information Science.

Tuition for international students varies widely, depending on the institution and study program. As a rough estimate, international students in British Columbia may expect to pay around CAD $14,000 per year at a college. At the undergraduate level, international students may expect to pay between $18,000 and $25,000 per year at a university, depending on the program of study (certain specialized post-graduate programs may be more expensive). Language school and graduate school tuition may differ significantly.

• International students studying in Canada are required to purchase health insurance before arriving in Canada. Often, this is organized through the post-secondary institution.
  
• International students may be eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). The MSP is mandatory for anyone who lives in BC for six months or longer. International students are advised to apply for the MSP as soon as they arrive in BC, as it takes three months to become eligible for the MSP. Individual educational institutions may offer health plans for students before they become eligible for the MSP.
  
• If an international student is not eligible for MSP, he or she must subscribe to another healthcare plan.

In order to apply for a study permit, a potential international student must show that he or she has $10,000 in addition to tuition fees to cover living expenses in BC. This equates to $833 per month.

International students in BC may have access to private loans on the same terms as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Loans may be offered by banks, student organizations, or other groups. It is important to properly research loan options, and understand the interest and repayment plans, before committing to any contract. Many organizations and institutions may offer scholarships or bursaries to international students studying in BC. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the international student services department of their institution. Graduate programs in particular often have funding options for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD program. It is important to contact the educational institution directly for more information.

• As a popular study area across Canada, many BC universities and colleges offer Engineering programs.
  
• Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia are all ranked by Maclean’s magazine in the top 10 Canadian universities for Engineering.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. While careers in STEM fields are popular, there is no specific program entitled “STEM” in a BC college or university. Prospective students are encouraged to research programs in their particular area of interest.

Graduates from a DLI in BC may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduating from an eligible study program.

• The BC Transfer System allows students to undertake studies at one school and then transfer seamlessly to another, allowing for easier second- or third-year admission to some of the most competitive universities in the country. Many international students take advantage of academic upgrading programs at colleges like Columbia College and Douglas College, before transferring to another university.
  
• BC’s government is the only provincial government that endorses certain schools under an “Education Quality Assessment”. This helps international students choose schools that they may not have visited before, and offers them some consumer protection.