New Westminster is BC's oldest city, set on a slope above the Fraser River, and it sits right in the middle of the SkyTrain network. Sprott Shaw's campus here teaches health care, early childhood education and business programmes. The college is private and has been around since 1903. Programmes are short and practical, though graduates usually can't get a post-graduation work permit.
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: sprottshaw.com
Private career college
1903
New Westminster, Metro Vancouver
CA$14,000 – CA$20,000
International students, full programme fees vary
CA$16,000 – CA$21,000
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.
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
Medical Office Assistant Diploma
DiplomaDuration
9 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Business Administration Diploma
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
A central Metro Vancouver location on SkyTrain.
Practical health and care training with placements.
Many start dates a year.
Health care assistants work at hospitals and care homes in Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.
Medical office assistants join clinics and hospital admin teams.
Graduates of private career colleges generally cannot get a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Monthly for many
Postgrad
No PG intake
New Westminster is compact and hilly, with the Fraser River Quay along the waterfront. Royal Columbian Hospital is one of the region's biggest employers.
Downtown Vancouver is about 25 minutes by SkyTrain. Rent is high, though slightly cheaper than Vancouver itself.
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
Applications are rolling. Leave at least four months for the provincial attestation letter and study permit.
Most programmes have monthly or frequent starts through the year.
You'll need a study permit. Sprott Shaw 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.
Health care assistant, early childhood education, medical office assistant and business administration are common. You'll need high school completion and English, usually IELTS 6.0.
There are no regular international scholarships. Ask about instalment payment plans.
