Everything You Need to Know About Studying in British Columbia

If you’re an international student interested in coming to British Columbia to begin your studies, you may be wondering if it’s a good choice.  

We’ve compiled all the information you need to help you to decide, including everything you need to know about the province, the best sights to see, top schools, what the job market is like, and how to get permanent residency in British Columbia as an international student. 

What Makes British Columbia So Special? 

British Columbia is a popular destination for international students who choose to pursue a degree in Canada. There are many reasons why. Not only is it known for great education, being a diverse and welcoming place with low crime rates, it also has stunning natural beauty. 

Geography

The province borders the Pacific Ocean with landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches, forests, coastlines, deserts, and more.  

Weather and Climate 

Average temperature sits around 11 degrees Celsius. Summers are comfortable and winters are mild, cloudy, and rainy bringing only an average of 10 days of snow.  

Large Cities  

There are many populous cities in British Columbia. The largest urban centres are: 

• Vancouver - Located on the west coast of British Columbia on the traditional unceded territory of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Vancouver is the third-largest city in Canada, with a population. It’s known for its ethnic diversity, mild weather, beautiful scenery, and popularity as a filming location.  
   

• Victoria - The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is located on the Southern point of Vancouver Island, on the traditional unceded territories of the Lekwungen peoples, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ. Victoria is known for its historical architecture and culture, rich outdoors, and is home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. 
   

• Kelowna - Not too far from Vancouver, Kelowna sits in the Okanagan Valley on the traditional unceded territories of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Secwépemc, and Nlaka'pamux people. It’s known for its vineyards, orchards, forests, and provincial parks.  
   

• Abbotsford - The second largest city in British Columbia, Abbotsford is located in the Fraser Valley on unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. It’s next to the US-Canadian border and is home to sprawling farmland. 

Major Schools  

British Columbia is home to many reputable schools. The big post secondary institutions in British Columbia are:  

• University of British Columbia - Located in Vancouver and is British Columbia’s oldest school. 

• Simon Fraser University - Located in Burnaby, it has satellite campuses in Greater Vancouver, Surrey, and Vancouver.  

• University of Victoria - Located in Oak Bay and Saanich on Vancouver Island. 

• University of Northern British Columbia - Located in Prince George.  

We’ve also rounded up the best schools in British Columbia. Read on to learn more.  

Demographics  

With a population of 5.3 million, British Columbia is home to a significant immigrant population with a large portion being Indian and Chinese. The cities with the largest South Asian community are Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Victoria. The cities with the largest Chinese community are Vancouver and Victoria.  
 
There are over 180,000 international students in BC and over 1.9 million Indigenous peoples and visible minority groups in British Columbia. 

More than any other province in Canada, the third generation Europeans in British Columbia are either multiracial or are married with another ethnic group. 

The Best Universities and Colleges for International Students in British Columbia 

Several universities in British Columbia have garnered a spot in Maclean’s renowned Top University rankings for 2023. Maclean’s rankings are based on factors regarding students, reputation, faculty, student support, and resources. 

The best universities in British Columbia are: 

• University of British Columbia*  

• Simon Fraser University  

• University of Victoria ** 

• University of Northern British Columbia *** 

*Also ranked in the top 100 World University rankings 
** Ranked in Maclean’s Top 10 Overall for 2023, Top 10 Comprehensive Universities for 2023, and Best Innovative Institutions for 2023 
*** Ranked 2nd for Maclean’s Primarily Undergraduate Program in 2023. 

Other major schools of note in British Columbia according to EduRank (a ranking based on reputation, research performance, and alumni impact) include: 

• British Columbia Institute of Technology 

• Emily Carr University of Art and Design 

• Royal Roads University 

• Thompson Rivers University 

British Columbia is also the first province in Canada to provide an Education Quality Assurance seal, which protects students and ensures that the educational institution has met or exceeds government standards. 

The province is also known for its transfer system, which allows for the seamless transfer of credits from one educational institution to another to support student accessibility and flexibility.   

Top 7 Attractions and Sights in British Columbia 

If you have a natural bent towards the outdoors, British Columbia may be the place for you. If you choose to study here, don’t miss these places. 

1. Haida Gwaii 
   Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of 200 islands off the Northern coast of British Columbia. It’s the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known as the Galapagos of the North because of its rich and rare natural diversity. 
   

2. Pacific Rim National Reserve 
   The Pacific Rim National Reserve is a prime example of British Columbia wildlife. Popular for its temperate rainforests, inlets, and multi-day 75 km West Coast Trail hike along the Vancouver Island shoreline. 
   
   

3. Vancouver 
   From its vibrant and diverse culture to its easy-to-access nature escapes, Vancouver is not to be skipped. Be sure to see:  

• Stanley Park 

• Granville Island 

• Gastown 

• Vancouver Aquarium 

We also recommend checking out the Capilano Suspension Bridge (North of Vancouver) and challenging yourself to the Grouse Grind, also known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”.  

4. Canadian Rockies  
   Take a road trip to see the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies and be sure to stop by Mount Robson, its highest peak. 
   
   

5. Whistler 
   For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, Whistler is the destination for winter sports. Off-season, it’s also great for hiking and mountain biking. 
   
   

6. Victoria and Inner Harbour 
   Stop here to see some inspiring views, old world atmosphere, and whale watch. Be sure to visit Inner Harbour, considered one of the world’s most stunning.  

7. Old Growth Forests 

British Columbia’s coastal forests are considered one of the most famous old growth forests in the world, home to tree giants over 250 years old like the world’s largest Douglas Fir tree and the largest tree in Canada, the Cheewhat Giant.  

British Columbia’s Job Market and Local Economy 

Areas With Largest Employment and Job Opportunities 

One of the benefits of studying in British Columbia is that many of their top post-secondary institutions are located in the economic regions with the largest employment and job opportunities. These are:  

• Vancouver Island/Coast 

• Key cities: Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay 

• Top Industries: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Forestry, ICT, Marine 
   

• Mainland/Southwest 

• Key Cities: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond 

• Top industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Digital Media & Entertainment, ICT, Life Sciences 

• Thompson/Okanagan 

• Key Cities: Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops 

• Top Industries: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Forestry, ICT, Mining  

Top Industries Offering Employment 

The major industries in British Columbia that are the biggest employers are: 

1. Healthcare and social assistance 

2. Professional, scientific, and technical services  

3. Retail trade 

4. Construction 

5. Accommodation and food services 

Top Job Skills in British Columbia  

The top skills that have been identified by employers as being very important for job prospects are: 

1. Active listening 

2. Speaking 

3. Critical Thinking 

4. Reading Comprehension 

The top competencies are: 

1. Social perceptiveness 

2. Judgment 

3. Decision Making 

4. Complex problem solving 

(Source: British Columbia Labour Market Outlook: 2021 Edition – WorkBC) 

The top occupations that are looking for these key skills and competencies are: 

• Management occupations 

• Business, finance, and administrative 

• Art, culture, recreation, and sport 

• Sales and services 

Permanent Residency for International Students in British Columbia  

An average of 45,477 people receive permanent residency in British Columbia annually (from 2015-2022), with 58,515 people receiving permanent residency in 2022.  

For international students in British Columbia looking to immigrate to Canada, there are provincial fast-track programs: 

1. Skills Immigration 
    
   This immigration option is for those who satisfy the experience, skills, and qualification requirements that are needed by BC employers. The categories for this program are:  Skilled Workers, Healthcare Professionals, International Graduates and Post-Graduates, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers. 
    

2. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program 

Determined through provincial labour and economic needs as well as government priorities, the province chooses and nominates workers, students, and entrepreneurs. Once selected, nominees and their families can then apply for permanent residency.  

3. Entrepreneur Immigration 

This is a “temporary-to-permanent” immigration pathway as part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee program. It allows individuals who wish to start a business that supports and meets the province’s economic needs to apply for permanent residency.  

There are also other immigration options available, including federal programs. Check them out here. 

Last but not least, be aware of immigration fraud. Be proactive by educating yourself, whether that be through your university or college’s International Student Services or other resources. Check out these helpful tips from the Government of Canada.  

Choosing British Columbia for Your International Studies 

With its breathtaking natural wonders to its thriving cultural communities, we hope this article has helped you decide whether British Columbia is the right place for your future studies. 

Curious how safe it is to study in Canada as an international student? Read this blog post.  
 

For more tips and information about international student life in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.