Vancouver
Price a real room near a real route to campus.
Study in British Columbia
Cities, costs to plan for and questions to ask a college in British Columbia.
Why the province matters
Place firstChoosing British Columbia
Choosing a province is a choice about rent, transport, climate, campus life and your plans after study. We help you talk through those things when you choose a program.
A program you cannot afford to live near is not a fit. Work rules after graduation depend on the program and the school, so check the current rules on the IRCC website before you decide.
Three things to check at the source
Each statement comes from the body that sets the rule.
Three things to check at the source
Three things to check at the source
Each statement comes from the body that sets the rule.
Only a school on the IRCC designated learning institution list can host international students.
Source: IRCC (opens in a new tab) · As of October 2026
Study permit applications are made to IRCC, not to the college.
Source: IRCC (opens in a new tab) · As of October 2026
Paid immigration advice must come from a lawyer, a Quebec notary or a licensed consultant.
Source: College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (opens in a new tab) · As of October 2026
Cities to look at in British Columbia
Start with the place, then look at the programs there.
Victoria
Ask how long the trip to campus takes in winter.
Kelowna
Compare this city with its suburbs.
Burnaby
Ask which campus your program is on.
Surrey
Check how far the nearest grocery and transit stop are.
Questions to ask a college in British Columbia
Pick a topic. Ask the same questions of every college and write the answers down.
Questions to ask a college in British Columbia
Questions to ask a college in British Columbia
Pick a topic. Ask the same questions of every college and write the answers down.
Tuition and rent change every year and differ a lot by city in British Columbia. We do not print figures here.
Ask the college
- What is the full-year tuition, and what other fees apply?
- Where is the fee page for international students?
- What is refundable if a permit is refused?
Permit rules are set by the federal government. The province may add a step.
Ask the college
- Does this offer need a provincial attestation letter?
- Is this campus approved to host international students?
- Who issues the letter, and when?
A month in a city has costs a brochure leaves out.
Price these
- A room near the campus
- A monthly transit pass or car costs
- Winter clothing and food
Placements and co-op terms differ by program.
Ask the college
- Does the program include a work placement, and where?
- What authorization does it need?
- Who finds the placement?
What day-to-day life asks of you
Rent, transit, climate and campus life are part of the program choice. Talk them through with your family before you pay a deposit.
Short answers
Short answers
Short answers
What does a year in British Columbia cost?
Ask each college for its figures in writing, then add rent, food, transit, health cover and one-time costs. Our cost guide shows what to include.
What to check
- Tuition and fees
- Rent
- Transit
- Health cover
- First-month set-up
Who sets work and permit rules?
The federal government. Check the current pages before you decide.
Can you choose my program?
We help you choose a program, then prepare and submit your college application with your approval. The college decides admission.
Independent advice
Study Master Canada provides education counselling and, with your approval, prepares and submits your college applications. We do not give immigration advice or prepare immigration applications. Regulated immigration work, including study permit applications, appeals, spouse work permits and PR pathways, is handled only by a licensed RCIC partner, Visa Master Canada, when you retain them directly. We are not affiliated with any government.
Talk to a counsellor before you decide
A free first conversation about programs, costs and next steps. No obligation, and you make every application yourself.
Book free counselling
Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:30pm ET. Walk-in office: Unit 1805, 83 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 3N7.