Top universities, cosmopolitan cities, diverse landscapes and the mildest climate in all of Canada – there are many reasons for the extreme popularity of the Pacific Province of British Columbia with students from all over the world. BC has long since left all other provinces behind in terms of popularity. Several thousand international students are drawn to the universities of Canada’s westernmost province for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree every year. Short-term study programs such as semesters abroad or summer sessions are even more in demand. Here you will find the most important information about “Studying in British Columbia”.
The most important advantages at a glance: Studying in BC
If you want to study in Canada, a major country in North America listed on thenailmythology, for one or two semesters as part of a Study Abroad program, you will decide in favor of a university in British Columbia, primarily because of the optimal geographic location. On the one hand, British Columbia is the ideal starting point for exploring not only the highlights of Canada, but also US cities such as Seattle or San Francisco. On the other hand, the province itself offers a lot of variety with cities like Vancouver and Victoria, with their regionally very different climate zones as well as with their breathtaking natural landscapes. Big city plants and nature lovers alike get their money’s worth here. All of British Columbia, whether metropolis or small town, is known for a high quality of life.
You will also find an extraordinarily great diversity in relation to the population of British Columbia. Due to the pronounced internationality, there is a very open and cordial togetherness in BC and the people are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. This will certainly make it easier for you to settle in your new environment and everyday Canadian studies.
But of course it’s not just the extremely impressive study environment or the nice people that British Columbia has to offer. BC would never be this popular if the local universities and colleges didn’t enjoy such an excellent reputation. The excellent academic education, both in research and teaching, is another important reason why so many students are drawn to this province. The University of British Columbia, the oldest and largest university in the province, for example, came 36th in THE World University Ranking 2017. And the University of Victoria is in Maclean’s national ranking ranked third best comprehensive university in the Canadian higher education landscape.
Universities and Colleges in British Columbia
The higher education landscape in British Columbia consists of a total of 25 publicly funded universities, colleges and institutes as well as eight private and six church universities. A large part of the universities are distributed along the coastal region, especially within the metropolitan area of Metro Vancouver – there are eight universities here alone, including the Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Capilano University. Three universities are located on Vancouver Island: Vancouver Island University and the University of Victoria. But also studying beyond the coastal areas of the province, such as at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, is very popular with international students. In fact, few universities in Canada have such a large proportion of international students as the TRU.
By the way, BC is known for its strict quality assurance in higher education. It is the only province in the country that has a special quality seal for universities (Education Quality Assurance).
Study in colleges in BC
If you want to study at a college in British Columbia, you are spoiled for choice. The range of study programs is extremely diverse and there will certainly be something suitable for everyone. Regardless of whether he is interested in a full undergraduate or graduate degree or a semester abroad. Whether on the coast or in the interior of the province, international students will find programs and courses in a wide variety of subjects.
In addition to the common and popular disciplines, the universities in British Columbia also offer programs that cannot be found anywhere else. These are primarily disciplines that strongly reflect the regional characteristics and with which, above all, international students can distinguish themselves. These are, for example, social or cultural studies courses that deal, for example, with the history and culture of the First Nations. Since British Columbia is a tourist attraction, especially for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world is considered a paradise, the colleges offer accordingly programs in hospitality and tourism,Event management and sports management.
British Columbia is also known as “Hollywood North” because Vancouver is the third largest film production location in North America after Los Angeles and New York. The courses in film, animation and motion picture arts are correspondingly numerous and popular. But the universities in BC also have interesting programs for scientists. With its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, British Columbia offers students of the biological and environmental sciences in particular an exceptional study environment.
The admission requirements for studying abroad at a university in BC and the application process naturally depend on the respective institution and the chosen study program.
Studying in BC: costs, accommodation, financing
The expenses for studying in British Columbia of course depend on entirely different factors. In general, however, you have to expect quite high costs, especially if you decide on the Vancouver location. The cost of living, such as accommodation and food, is particularly high in this metropolis. And in the provincial capital Victoria, too, you have to expect higher rents. It is cheaper in smaller cities like Surrey, near Vancouver, in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island or inland, for example in the small town of Kamloops.
In addition, there are the tuition fees, which can also be very different. The fees at smaller universities, such as Camosun College or Capilano University, are relatively cheap. This is where the higher expenses that are generally incurred for the Vancouver location can be compensated.
But don’t worry, there are various funding options you can use to make your dream of studying in British Columbia come true:
- Auslands-BAföG: You should apply for Auslands-BAföG even if you are not entitled to funding in Germany! The assessment limits are higher for studying abroad. Those who are entitled to BAföG abroad receive not only grants for living costs, travel expenses and health insurance, but also a grant for tuition fees of up to 4,600 euros. You can only receive BAföG abroad for one or two semesters abroad in Canada, but not for a complete degree.
- Scholarships: Thorough research into scholarships is often worthwhile. Not only various German organizations and foundations or, for example, the DAAD, but also the Canadian universities themselves award full or partial scholarships to international students.
- Student loans: Another financing option are student or educational loans with low interest rates.
