For many years, Canada has been considered one of the best places to live in the entire world. Vancouver is a popular tourist destination in beautiful British Columbia. Lush, preserved forests and crystal blue rivers also make the town an attractive film location. While it is probably one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada, affordable tuition can help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad in the “Hollywood North.” Check out six of the most affordable universities in Vancouver below!
Affordable Schools in Vancouver for International Students
1. Simon Fraser University
All three Simon Fraser University campuses are situated in the greater Vancouver area, meaning that students are only a short distance from several fun activities. For example, students and visitors might fancy visiting SFU’s Museum of Archeology & Ethnology or taking a stroll through Burnaby Mountain Park.
As one of Canada’s first urban campuses, many buildings at this cheap university in Vancouver have unique histories and prove to be exciting destinations. The Harbour Centre campus hosts thousands of students annually and was originally a department store. It is now adjacent to a skyscraper.
Finally, book lovers will be excited that the institution’s most extensive library, W.A.C. Bennett, has over 2 million books and a vast collection of journals and e-books. One unique financial feature of Simon Fraser University is that domestic and international students pay the same tuition fees.
2. Capilano University
Capilano University is located in northern Vancouver, only a 20-minute drive from the city. Students will be glad that Capilano supports and encourages fitness and athletics at all levels. The campus features a Centre for Sport and Wellness and a Fitness Room, as well as “Drop-In” fitness activities ranging from basketball to ping pong to badminton. Students can access these activities throughout the week with their student CapCard.
This cheap university in Vancouver has also created several initiatives to reinforce a positive and inclusive environment on campus. Positive Space, Peers Helping Peers, and EarthWorks were all designed with these goals. At Capilano, international students are asked to make a one-time $5,000 deposit, which applies to out-of-country tuition fees, which usually vary by course. Some courses are offered for free to international students.
3. Vancouver Island University
Next on our list of cheap universities in Vancouver is Vancouver Island University, which is located on an island! Vancouver Island is relatively large and located just off Canada’s Pacific coast. Students interested in a college experience among evergreen forests, uniquely turquoise waters, and towering mountains might find that VIU has what they want.
Of course, the location dramatically influences the university’s emphasis on outdoor recreation, and students can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, caving, snow-shoeing, and even surfing with their peers. VIU is also extraordinarily receptive and welcoming to international students, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.
The university provides a campus “grocery shuttle” that often runs twice a week to help conveniently transport students to a superstore. It also emphasizes volunteering and community engagement, so prospective students should expect to give back to a cause they are passionate about.
4. University Canada West
The University Canada West is another educational institution in Vancouver. This higher education provider takes pride in its high employability rating, indicating a high percentage of easily employed graduates. Additionally, it has a flexible learning methods for various degrees. As a student here, you’ll enjoy the convenience of their learning modes, and you can maximize your time as you study here.
For its class structure and size, the institution has small class sizes. By having these kinds of classes, it has more in-depth and focused interaction and learning. Since it has a diverse student population, international students here enjoy a multicultural environment as they finish their studies.
5. Columbia College
Columbia College is a two-year university in Vancouver that is exceptionally proud of its international students. The student body represents over 60 different countries worldwide! Prospective students interested in a closer look at the campus are in luck. Students can take advantage of unique resources without even setting foot on the campus.
By visiting the Columbia College website, students can click a route around campus for a 3D virtual tour of the different buildings, quads, chapels, study areas, and more! Students can get involved on campus with clubs, honor societies, organizations, sports, and recreational activities.
6. Langara College
Next on our list of cheap institutions in Vancouver is Langara College, yet another university that emphasizes its international students, who represent over 90 different countries. Students have access to a co-op and career development center that helps them engage in future planning and offers advice on career decisions. The college’s intercultural initiatives foster awareness and understanding of differences.
Langara is also vocal about its commitment to sustainability. The campus abides by an environmental responsibility policy and a second sustainability policy. Students interested in the different sustainable initiatives taking place on campus can download a map and take a self-guided tour around campus to checkpoints to learn more.
Most students who attend Langara are part of the University Transfer Program, while a good number are part of Continuing Studies. It means that they do so with the intent of eventually transferring to another school and applying their credits to a more specific program. That part is why Langara is so affordable.
7. Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Community College is the largest and oldest community school in British Columbia and has retained an outstanding reputation since its founding in 1965. International students say that VCC is an enjoyable institution to study at. It is in close proximity to beautiful mountains and water, which make outdoor recreation easy and accessible. The natural and urban landscapes make sightseeing a must.
Students can venture to nearby Whistler, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, to get even closer to nature. What students also like about VCC is that the university takes a hands-on learning approach in many of its programs, such as its culinary arts program. Students who do not want office work might find this learning style well-suited. Students also emphasize that the college has a uniquely friendly atmosphere and that making friends here comes easily and naturally.
FAQs: Studying in Vancouver
Which University is the Cheapest in Vancouver?
The cheapest university in Vancouver is Simon Fraser University. The tuition fee at this institution starts at CA$ 17,500 per term. However, aside from this, other costs like accommodation, insurance, food, and others should also be considered when choosing a school to enter. Usually, the admission pages of these universities have a cost calculator to give you an estimate of your fees depending on your program, nationality, and year.
If you are an international student residing in Vancouver, you definitely need to consider enrolling in the universities listed above. Not only can you save more money because of their low tuition fees, but you can also focus more on your other expenses, like transportation and housing costs. Financially planning everything before admissions can help you in your educational journey.
We hope this article on cheap universities in Vancouver was helpful. If you’re interested in studying in Canada, make sure to check out our Canada Page and the Open Courses for International Students!
