Columbia College, Vancouver, British Columbia

Columbia College serves as Canada’s longest established international private college. Established in 1936, Columbia College provides excellent academic teaching and learning, and smooth transfer to universities in British Columbia. It has consistently been one of the top three providers of international students to the University of British Columbia and sends a large number of students to Simon Fraser University and Vancouver’s other universities. 

When was Columbia College established?

Established in 1936, Columbia College first offered high school completion programs to hundreds of students. It celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding in 2011. 

Where is Columbia College?

Columbia College is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver is often ranked in the top 10 most desirable cities to live in in the world.

Columbia College Accreditation

Columbia College is accredited to and is a member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Association of Registrars of Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), and Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA). The English for Academic Purposes Program at Columbia College is accredited by Languages Canada.

Education at Columbia College

Columbia College offers first and second-year university-level courses that can lead to an associate degree and are fully transferable to local universities. It also offers high school programs like, a British Columbia Ministry of Education Certified Senior Secondary Program and an English for Academic Purpose that is accredited by Languages Canada.

Why Choose Columbia College Canada?

Columbia College offers first and second-year university-level courses to both domestic and international students that can lead to an associate degree in any field of study. The Learning Center of Columbia College helps students in their coursework and other related work, including individual tutoring sessions in English, economics, social science, and mathematics. Thousands of Canadian and international students have completed their qualifications at Columbia College and used it as a platform for a successful university career. Some of the other reasons for choosing Columbia College over any other college/ university in Canada are given below:

• Columbia College is a well-established and highly reputed higher education institute in Canada.
• The trimester system and the full range of courses offered every semester help students complete their respective programs faster.
• The Associate Degree Programs in Arts and Sciences offered at Columbia College makes students eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit.
• International students are academically well prepared for a smooth transfer to BC universities.
• Students can complete high school sooner in 2 years and move on to college or university.
• It has a diverse student population of around 2000 students out of which 90% are international students from 54 countries around the world. Columbia College has small class sizes that ensure maximum student-faculty interaction.
• All students at Columbia College are offered free in-person tutoring services in English, maths, economics, and social sciences.

Columbia College Programs

Columbia College offers high school, associate degrees, university transfer, and English for Academic Purpose. Its senior secondary program is certified by the Province of British Columbia. The various programs available at Columbia College are listed below:

• High School Program
• Associate Degrees
• University Transfer Program
• English for Academic Purpose 

Highschool Programs

Columbia College also offers other options for university-bound international students to complete the last one or two years of high school in Canada. There are 4 options available at Columbia College as mentioned below: 

• Senior Secondary Program
• Accelerated Secondary Program
• Adult Secondary Program
• University Preparatory Program

Areas of Study at Columbia College

British Columbia has the smoothest college-to-university transfer system in Canada. You can save $16,950 in one year while studying at Columbia College. Below are the areas of study for transfer programs at Columbia College:

Financial Aid and Scholarships at Columbia College Canada

Columbia College offers financial assistance to students in the form of scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Both need-based and merit-based awards are offered to international students. Some of the financial aid options available at Columbia College for international students are given below:

Bursaries

• The Jill Orenstein Memorial Bursary: This bursary awards $1,700 every semester to outstanding ELC students moving from English 097 to English 098 and takes the form of tuition credit for the following semester.

Awards

• Top Associate Degree Award: This award is offered to eligible students who achieved the highest CGPA in completing the requirements for an Associate Degree. 2 awards are available - one for an Associate of Arts and the other for an Associate of Science Degree. The award amounts to $2,000 every semester.
• Outstanding Service Awards: This award is for students who have made outstanding contributions to the Columbia College community (including activities, environment, and volunteering). 15 awards amounting to $100 each are awarded in the Winter semester.
• Classroom Appreciation Awards: These awards are for students who have excelled in specific subject areas while at Columbia College. 14 awards valued at $150 each are awarded every semester.

Scholarships

• Guard.me Scholarship for International Business Students: This scholarship worth $5000 is awarded to an outstanding international student in the field of Business in the Winter semester every year. 
• Outstanding Student Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the UT program, nominated by two instructors. The scholarship amount is $5,000 and 1 scholarship is awarded in the Winter semester every year. Students are evaluated based on their interest and dedication to their studies and also their participation in activities at Columbia College.
• The John Helm Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the Math/ Sciences in memory of John Helm who was the former Director of Admissions, Vice Principal, and longtime employee of Columbia College. 1 scholarship worth $5,000 is awarded in the Winter semester every year. 
• The Jason Graham Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the Social Sciences field in memory of a former student of Columbia College. 1 scholarship worth $5,000 is awarded in the Winter semester every year.
• Columbia College Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to deserving students based on their academic performance in the previous semester. Involvement in community activities is also considered in addition to a personal essay. 8 scholarships are awarded to students enrolled at the University Transfer/Associate Degree level, and the other 2 scholarships, including the Gerry Brown Memorial Scholarship, are awarded to two students in the Secondary Program. The scholarship amount is $2,500 and it is awarded every semester. 

Student Services 

At Columbia College campus, you can explore, clubs and support services to help you connect with your peers and make your time in Vancouver more enjoyable. Student services are focused on providing all students with accessible, confidential, and health services and resources. Some of the amenities offered on the Columbia College campus are given below:

• Homestay
• Events
• Clubs
• Volunteer Services
• Employment Opportunities 
• Health & Wellness
• Columbia College Student Association 
• Academic Advising
• Learning & Testing Center
• Career Services
• Bookstore
• Media Lab 
• Library
• International Student Immigration Support
• Parking & Transportation