Sprott Shaw started in Vancouver in 1903, and its downtown campus still teaches in the city where the college began. The focus here is business, hospitality and office programmes, alongside some health and care training. It is a private career college. That matters for international students, because its graduates usually aren't eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: sprottshaw.com
Private career college
1903 in Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver
CA$14,000 – CA$20,000
International students, full programme fees vary
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 sprottshaw.com before you apply.
Business Administration Diploma
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Hospitality Management Diploma
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Health Care Assistant Certificate
CertificateDuration
8 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Medical Office Assistant Diploma
DiplomaDuration
9 Months
Intake
Multiple
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
The college's home city since 1903.
Business and hospitality programmes in the downtown core.
Short programmes with frequent starts.
Hospitality graduates work in downtown hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses.
Business and office graduates take admin and customer service roles.
Graduates of private career colleges generally cannot get a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Monthly for many
Postgrad
No PG intake
Downtown Vancouver is walkable, with SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses meeting at Waterfront Station. Stanley Park and the seawall are close to the centre.
Rent is the hardest part. Many students share flats in East Vancouver, Burnaby or further out along the SkyTrain lines.
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
Admissions are rolling. Apply at least four months before your start date so the attestation letter and study permit can come through.
Most programmes start monthly or every few weeks.
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.
Business administration, hospitality management, health care assistant and medical office assistant are common. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
There are no regular international scholarships. Ask about instalment payments.
