Getting a University Education in British Columbia
British Columbia Universities
Ranked as one of the most livable provinces in Canada, British Columbia offers residents an unequalled quality of life. With its urban city life and the beauty of well-preserved natural sanctuaries, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.
The province is also home to some of the highest ranked universities in the country. A few notable universities include the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University.
University of British Columbia
Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia ranks second in Canada and 22nd worldwide in the Times Higher Education rankings. This is a public research university situated in Vancouver. The school has over 50,000 students with over 40,000 in undergraduate programs and over 10,000 pursuing graduate degrees.
This university has 12 faculties on its campus in Vancouver and seven faculties in Okanagan. The Vancouver campus faculties include programs in arts, science, business and architecture. This campus is mainly divided into two academic colleges including interdisciplinary studies and health disciplines. The campus in Okanagan offers graduate study programs.
Simon Fraser University
With its main campus in Burnaby Mountain and satellite campuses in Vancouver and Surrey, Simon Fraser University is a Canadian public research university that was established in 1965. Simon Fraser University was ranked first among Canada’s Comprehensive Universities from 2009 to 2011. It provides students with libraries, archeological museums and educational galleries.
Simon Fraser is one of the top ranking universities in Canada that provides more than 100 undergraduate and more than 40 graduate programs. With more than 3,500 students and 950 faculty members, the university offers undergraduate programs in eight faculties.
University of Victoria
Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, the University of Victoria has over 18,000 students on the undergraduate programs and over 3,000 students in graduate programs. This is the second oldest public research university in British Columbia with locations in Saanich and Oak Bay. Established in 1963, it is renowned for its beautiful gardens, innovative architectural structures and mild climate. With around 20,000 students enrolled annually, the university offers graduate and undergraduate programs in the following fields of study.
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Graduate Studies
- Human & Social Development
- Child and Youth Care
- Dispute resolution
- Health Information Science
- Nursing
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Humanities
- Medical Sciences
- Capilano University
Located in North Vancouver, Capilano University is a public university that focuses on undergraduate studies. With over 7,500 undergraduate students, the university has two regional campuses located in Squamish and Sechelt. They offer programs and courses in business, health and education, preparatory studies, fine and applied arts and tourism and outdoor recreation.
The university is also notable for its competitiveness in basketball, badminton, soccer, golf and volleyball. It is also known for the university’s contribution to journalism and book and magazine publishing.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Established in 1925, this is a post secondary university situated in Vancouver. The university is Canada’s most popular art and design school, and it focuses on sustainable design, new media, sculpture, ceramics, product design, industrial design, photography, general fine arts and communication design.
Thompson Rivers University
Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University is a comprehensive university that offers students a wide range of courses and the advantage of being able to turn credits from diploma programs into full degrees. Programs and courses offered include undergraduate bachelor programs and graduate degrees. The university offers graduate programs in the following fields of study.
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education
• Master of Environmental Science
• Master of Nursing
Baccalaureate degrees, trades training, two-year diploma programs, continuing studies, university preparation, adult basic education and teaching English as a second language are also offered at this university. It also provides study abroad programs in 30 countries that allow students to study and earn credits overseas.
Vancouver Island University
Formerly known as Malaspina University College, Vancouver Island University was established in 1969. The university is located on Vancouver Island. Undergraduate bachelor programs, two year diplomas and one year certificate programs are offered in the following areas.
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Science and Technology
- Art and Design and Performing Arts
- Humanities
- Nursing and Child and Youth Care
- Health and Human Services
- University of the Fraser Valley
The University of the Fraser Valley is a public university with campuses located in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Hope and Mission and Agassiz. It was established in 1974, and it is home to five faculties and three schools. The university offers graduate programs, undergraduate degree programs and certificates in fine arts, trade, humanities, science, social sciences, applied communication, business and nursing.
University of Northern British Columbia
With a main campus located in Prince George and regional campuses in the cities of Prince Rupert, Terrace, Fort St. John and Quesnel, the University of Northern British Columbia has over 4,000 students. They have over 3,400 students enrolled in undergraduate programs and over 600 students in their graduate programs.
Known as Canada’s Green University, this university was officially established in 1990. It offers undergraduate degrees in science, arts, applied science, planning, education, social work, commerce and fine arts. Graduate programs also include business, chemistry, development economics, forestry and gender studies.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
This is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Vancouver. It was founded in 1942 and currently offers a wide variety of courses and programs.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Located in South Fraser, this is a public undergraduate polytechnic university. Established in 1981, it offers courses in humanities, social science, design, health, mathematics, horticulture, trades and technology.
Quest University
This is a private, secular, non-profit university that focuses on science and liberal arts. Established in 2007, it offers undergraduate degree programs in physical science, mathematics, life sciences, humanities and social science.
Trinity Western University
Located in Langley, Trinity Western University is a private Christian liberal arts university that offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in arts and science, humanities, education, linguistics, psychology, business, nursing and theology.