Sprott Shaw has been training people for jobs in British Columbia since 1903, and its Abbotsford campus serves the Fraser Valley. It is a private career college. Most students here take health care, early childhood education and community support programmes that lead to entry-level work. Graduates of private career colleges generally can't get a post-graduation work permit, so international students should weigh that carefully.
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: sprottshaw.com
Private career college
1903 in Vancouver
Abbotsford, Fraser Valley
CA$14,000 – CA$20,000
International students, full programme fees vary
CA$14,000 – CA$18,000
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 sprottshaw.com before you apply.
Practical Nursing Diploma
DiplomaDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
Health Care Assistant Certificate
CertificateDuration
8 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Early Childhood Education Certificate
CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Community Support Worker Diploma
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Short, job-focused health and care programmes.
Practicum placements in local care homes and centres.
Frequent start dates.
Health care assistants work in Fraser Valley care homes and home support.
Early childhood educators can apply for BC certification and work in daycares.
Private career college graduates are generally not eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Monthly for many
Postgrad
No PG intake
Abbotsford is surrounded by berry farms and dairy land, with Mount Baker on the skyline. Abbotsford Regional Hospital is a large local employer for health graduates.
Rent is lower than in Vancouver, about an hour's drive west. Public transit is limited, so many students need a car.
Letter of acceptance from Sprott Shaw 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
Sprott Shaw has rolling admissions and many start dates. International students need a provincial attestation letter, so apply at least four months ahead.
Many programmes start monthly or every few months. Practical nursing has fewer, fixed starts.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Sprott Shaw College and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
Practical nursing, health care assistant, early childhood education and community support work are common. Entry needs high school completion and English, usually IELTS 6.0, with higher scores for nursing.
Sprott Shaw does not generally offer scholarships to international students. Some programmes allow payment in instalments.
