Surrey, the fast-growing city south-east of Vancouver, is home to Western Community College, a private career college. It offers diplomas and certificates in business, hospitality and health care, many with co-op work terms. Classes are small and practical. As a private institution, its programmes are generally not eligible for a post-graduation work permit, so check current rules before applying.
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: wcc.ca
Private career college in British Columbia
Surrey, Metro Vancouver
Business, hospitality and health care
CA$13,000 – CA$19,000
International students, diplomas and certificates
CA$16,000 – CA$22,000
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 wcc.ca before you apply.
Business Administration Diploma with Co-op
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 70
Hospitality Management Diploma with Co-op
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 70
Health Care Assistant Certificate
DiplomaDuration
8 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 76
Medical Office Assistant Diploma
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 70
Career diplomas with co-op work terms.
Health care programmes aimed at BC's care sector.
A Surrey location with SkyTrain access.
Health care assistant graduates work in care homes and home support across BC.
Business and hospitality graduates find work in Surrey and Metro Vancouver.
Most private college programmes are not eligible for a post-graduation work permit; check first.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
SkyTrain's Expo Line links Surrey to downtown Vancouver in about 40 minutes, and the college teaches close to transit. There are no residences.
Surrey has a large South Asian community and lower rent than Vancouver. Retail, logistics and food service offer part-time work within permitted hours.
Letter of acceptance from Western Community 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
The college accepts applications year-round. Apply four to six months before your start date to leave time for the study permit.
Programmes start several times a year, usually around January, May and September. Check dates with admissions.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Western Community College and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
Business administration and hospitality diplomas with co-op, the health care assistant certificate and medical office assistant are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion and English at about IELTS 5.5, higher for health care.
Scholarships are limited at private career colleges. Ask admissions about current tuition discounts or payment plans.
