University preparation in Vancouver, British Columbia 2025

• Vancouver, acclaimed by The Economist as the "best city on Earth," is an excellent choice for international students. Its appealing aspects include:
• Exceptional ecological and cosmopolitan attributes.
• Efficient transportation networks.
• Stunning landscapes and gentle winters.
• Nearby mountains for winter sports without intense urban cold.
• Abundant parks and green spaces like Van Dusen Botanical Garden and Stanley Park.
• A multicultural population, easing adaptation for overseas learners.
• Scenic educational campuses amidst natural surroundings.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Vancouver offers several intensive courses aimed at enhancing academic and language skills, as well as cultural acclimatization:

• Transfer Program: This multi-module course often leads to direct second-year entry in higher education. Available at Fraser International College for about $18,000 CAD.
• Advanced Placement (AP): Focuses on in-depth study of specific subjects, following the American education model. Bodwell High School provides a Diploma + AP program from $38,600 CAD.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Aims to prepare students for global educational opportunities, with Alexander Academy's course priced at approximately $15,800 CAD.

Various programs are offered in the city:

• Colleges concentrate on practical skills in areas like web design, accounting, and business administration.

• Specialized fields such as law and medicine are the focus at major institutions, offering degrees in line with the Bologna Process: Bachelor (2 years), Master (4-5 years), and Doctor of Philosophy (1-2 years).

For students over 18, typical admission requirements include a secondary education certificate and high language proficiency (IELTS 6.0-7.0, TOEFL 580-600, DALF/DELF level 2-3), with some institutions requiring SAT or ACT exams.
Applicants to colleges and major institutions in the city don't usually face entrance exams. The primary consideration for admission is the average score of prior diplomas or certificates. However, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are crucial, and in bilingual institutions, knowledge of both French and English might be required.

Vancouver is the largest city on the west coast of Canada and is famous for its post-secondary institutions. Higher education in Vancouver has many advantages:

• Quality of education: Vancouver has highly ranked universities and colleges that provide students with extensive theoretical and practical training in various fields ranging from business to technology.
• International Recognition: Vancouver is recognized in the global community, which can be beneficial for career advancement. Graduates of Vancouver universities and colleges can gain recognition in other countries, making them competitive in the global job market.
• Job Opportunities. Vancouver graduates have access to a large number of jobs in local companies and organizations. Vancouver has one of the highest employment rates in Canada.
• Multicultural Environment. Vancouver is known for its diversity of cultures and nationalities. Students from all over the world study together in the city's institutions, creating a unique multicultural environment: it gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and learn from peers from different countries.
• Scholarship opportunities for qualified students.

• Vancouver is a city with a rich history of education offered in many top universities. This city is home to both public and private universities with their own unique features and programs of study.
• One of the main advantages of Vancouver universities is their international community. Students from all over the world study here, which allows for a unique experience of communicating and working in a multicultural environment. Most universities offer exchange programs, it allows students to experience other cultures and learning systems, study (semester or year) in other countries and partner universities.
• Universities in Vancouver specialize in specific fields of study. The most popular are the exact and natural sciences, technology, business, art and design.
• Many Vancouver universities have strong ties to local companies and organizations allowing students to gain valuable work experience and network with employers while they are still studying.

International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a studying program, aimed at students aged 16 to 19 years old. The certificate of the program is globally recognized, allowing graduates to enter top universities of the world.

Under the IB program, the educational process stipulates studying of disciplines in diverse knowledge areas. Foreign students have an opportunity to study mathematics, languages, sciences, humanities, and arts. In addition, the IB involves such components as a theory of knowledge course, critical thinking instruction, and the development of research skills.

The Academic results of students are assessed under a 7-point scale. The highest grade is 7. After completing the course, based on exams results, graduates obtain the IB Diploma. This certificate is recognized by universities and colleges in more than 100 countries abroad.

Criteria must be met to obtain a certificate:

• Pass six compulsory courses,
• Write an essay of up to 4,000 words,
• Complete at least 50 hours of supplementary non-academic activities (CAS). They can include creative or sporting electives, volunteering, charity or social work.

The IB program makes an emphasis on the progression of students into holistic and critical thinkers who can solve problems and make decisions in complex situations. Education in this program aims to develop skills in independent work, creativity, communication and social responsibility.

Advanced Placement
This program was developed in Canada and the United States to teach high school students. The target audience is students,  who are interested in obtaining a high level of education and preparing for college.

Deciding on pursuing education under the AP program, students are taught academic subjects at an in-depth level compared to regular schools. Students form their curriculum from over 30 disciplines, among which are English language and literature, math, science, foreign languages, and social studies. Each subject has its own program including in-depth exploration of the topic, experiments, and projects.

Upon completing the academic year,  exams in each subject are taken. Results of exams are assessed under a 5-point scale, where 5 is the highest grade. Successful completion of the exams may give students additional credits toward admission to a college or university, helping them gain priority admission or a higher level of scholarship.

Deciding on the AP course, students are offered extensive opportunities for academic growth and development, allowing them to prepare for college and university admission.

Foundation
The international Foundation program can be the beginning of your preparation for university in Vancouver. The Canada Foundation course is a challenging and inspiring program which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in Canadian institutions.

The duration time of Foundation courses can vary, it depends on the specific program and university - usually from 6 months to 1 year. Foundation programs include the study of subjects that will be majors at the university, as well as English language and cultural adaptation courses to help students improve their knowledge and skills.

Foundation programs include the study of the following areas, many of them are elective:

• English,
• Academic subjects,
• Self-organization and time management skills,
• Art and Design,
• Engineering,
• Business,
• MEDIA,
• Agriculture.

The purpose of Foundation is to help international students who do not have a high enough level of English or academic skills to study at university or college. Foundation programs can also help students who want to change their major or field of study. Foundation is also suitable for those who simply want to learn more about the culture and life in the country where they plan to study.

Students can easily enter a university or college and continue their education after graduating from Foundation. They become more competitive in the labor market and achieve greater success in their careers in the future.

• You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Providing additional documents to verify the education may be required for international students.
• A fairly high level of English proficiency is required for admission to preparatory courses. Typically, this involves taking an English language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.  
• Some institutions may require additional documents: recommendation letters, essays, and a portfolio.  
• You must complete and submit an application for admission according to the set deadlines, so it's important to closely monitor the deadlines.

Preparing for studies in Vancouver is an important step for anyone planning to study there.

First, you need to obtain a student visa. This includes filling out an application form and providing documents to confirm financial solvency, language proficiency, and other requirements. At this stage, students usually already have an invitation from a Canadian educational institution, so the visa is generally issued without issues.

It’s important to prepare for Vancouver’s culture and lifestyle. The city is known for its environmental consciousness, multiculturalism, and tolerance. There are many parks, bike paths, and other places for active recreation. Learning about the local cuisine and customs can help you adapt more quickly.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a job in advance if you plan to work during your studies. Working on campus can be a great option. The work schedule can be coordinated with your academic timetable.

Explore scholarship opportunities and other options of financial aid.

Research the requirements for the courses you will be taking and start preparing in advance.You can find online courses and resources to get ready for your studies.

It’s also essential to find accommodation: it’s important to secure housing in advance if you don’t plan to live on campus.

Preparing for university can open up many perspectives and opportunities.

Teens who take University Prep in Vancouver will not only have the knowledge they need to successfully enter university, but also a broader set of skills that can be useful for their future career endeavors. The kids will develop academic skills, communication skills, cultural literacy, leadership skills and personal growth. All of these help to further build a successful future.

After an intensive university preparatory program in Vancouver, graduates can apply to post-secondary institutions in Canada, the United States and other countries. Some of the possible destinations for continuing education are:

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees: graduates can choose programs in areas that interest them (especially if the preparatory course was a major - for example, with a focus on law or medicine),
• Professional practice-oriented programs.