Columbia College is a private, not-for-profit college in downtown Vancouver that has run university transfer programmes since 1936. Most students do one or two years of university-level courses here and then transfer into Simon Fraser, UBC or other BC universities. It's a common route for students whose school grades don't quite meet direct-entry requirements.
Vancouver, Canada
Official website: columbiacollege.ca
1936 in Vancouver
Private, not-for-profit college
Credits transfer to universities through the BC Transfer System
CA$18,000 – CA$22,000
International students, associate and transfer programmes
CA$18,000 – CA$24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on columbiacollege.ca before you apply.
Associate of Arts Degree
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Associate of Science Degree
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
University Transfer (Business)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Academic Upgrading and Secondary Completion
High SchoolDuration
12 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 60
University transfer since 1936.
Three start dates a year.
Downtown location on Main Street near SkyTrain.
Most students transfer into bachelor's programmes at BC universities.
Associate degree graduates may qualify for a post-graduation work permit; check current rules.
Transfer into SFU business and UBC arts is common.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The college is a modern building near Main Street-Science World station, with classrooms and labs rather than residences.
Vancouver is a coastal city with mountains, beaches and one of Canada's highest rents.
Letter of acceptance from Columbia College
BC provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Columbia College accepts applications all year. Apply four to six months before your term so the study permit comes through in time.
Terms start in January, May and September.
You'll need a study permit. Columbia College sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and business transfer are the main routes. Entry needs completed high school and IELTS 6.0, or you can start with upgrading courses.
The college offers some entrance scholarships based on grades. Check the website for amounts.
