On the University of British Columbia's Point Grey campus, the Gothic Iona Building houses the Vancouver School of Theology. VST is an ecumenical graduate school formed in 1971 from Anglican and United Church colleges. It trains ministers, chaplains and scholars through the Master of Divinity and several master's degrees in theology and public leadership. Its Indigenous studies programme is one of the oldest of its kind in Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: vst.edu
1971
Ecumenical graduate theological school
Iona Building, UBC Point Grey
CA$12,000 – CA$18,000
International students, master's programmes, approximate
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 vst.edu before you apply.
Master of Divinity
Masters DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MA in Theological Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MA in Public and Pastoral Leadership
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Master of Theology
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Graduate theology taught inside UBC's campus.
Ecumenical training rooted in Anglican and United Church traditions.
A long-running Indigenous ministry and studies programme.
Graduates serve as ministers, chaplains and faith leaders in Canada and abroad.
Some go on to doctoral study in theology or religion.
Check current IRCC rules before counting on a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
VST students can use UBC's libraries, and the campus has beaches, forest trails and the Museum of Anthropology within walking distance.
Point Grey is at the western tip of Vancouver, about half an hour by bus from downtown. Rent in the city is among the highest in Canada.
Letter of acceptance from Vancouver School of Theology
British Columbia provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
VST reviews applications on a rolling basis, but international students should apply by early spring for September. That leaves time for the study permit.
Most programmes begin in September. Some courses run in summer intensives.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Vancouver School of Theology and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
The Master of Divinity, MA in Theological Studies and MA in Public and Pastoral Leadership draw most students. You need a recognised bachelor's degree, references and strong English, around IELTS 7.0. The Master of Theology needs a prior theology degree.
VST has bursaries and awards funded by churches and donors. International students can apply, though amounts vary. Ask the admissions office about current funding.
