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Studying in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøStudy in British Columbia, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Study in British Columbia, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s highly integrated education system is a global example of progressive, flexible education. After you complete your studies, the province offers a wide range of employment and immigration opportunities. British Columbia is home to over 70,920 international students. There is no doubt that British Columbia is one of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s most exciting and scenic provinces, with its cosmopolitan cities, lush rainforests, coastal waters, and colossal mountains. It’s a peaceful place to live, study, or work.

Reasons to Study Abroad in British Columbia

British Columbia’s cities appear at the top of global rankings for their quality of life and education. More than 180,000 students are studying in British Columbia at all levels from all over the world. 

Study at University of Fredricton

The University of Fredericton (UFred) is a private institution established in 2005 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, that offers online, high-quality, and affordable education for students from all across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the world

Here are a few reasons to study in British Columbia:

Cultural Diversity

In ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, British Columbia has the most ethnic diversity. Almost 30 percent of British Columbia’s population are immigrants. By law, all people in British Columbia must respect other people’s lifestyles, beliefs, religions, and cultures. You can experience the cultural heritage of people from around the world as a member of British Columbia’s ethnically diverse communities.

Employment Opportunities

The Post Graduate Work Permit in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø allows recent graduates a work visa for up to three years, which is a great way to support the country’s student population. A variety of industries in the province provide employment opportunities, including mining, fishing, agriculture, transportation, tourism, and film. British Columbia’s economy is rapidly growing; between 2017 and 2027, there will be 917,000 job openings. In addition, it has one of North America’s most competitive and supportive business climates.

High-Quality Education

British Columbia is home to the top universities and colleges in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the world. It’s a top choice for international students due to the universities’ outstanding facilities, campus locations,  and excellent co-op and employment opportunities after graduation. British Columbia’s world-class education system provides you with incredible choices and flexibility. In addition, many scholarships and special programs are available to assist you financially while studying in British Columbia.

Moderate Climate

Mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean influence British Columbia’s climate, providing a mild climate for the south coast all year. Summers are warm, with temperatures 20°C or higher. Unlike most of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, British Columbia’s coastal regions have the mildest winters; temperatures rarely drop below freezing.  

List of Universities

The highly integrated Canadian education system is a global model for progressive and flexible education, consistently ranked among the best in the world. 

Here are some of the top Universities in British Columbia:

The University of British Columbia

More than 60 thousand students attend UBC’s two campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, studying arts, science, applied science, medicine, and business. Over 200 academic and research programs are offered by UBC’s 14 faculties, including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. It currently has 16,804 international students on its main campus and 2,609 on the Okanagan campus.

Simon Fraser University

SFU has developed a strategic vision as an engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and far-reaching community engagement. It counts three campuses, over 30,000 undergraduates, 5,700 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, over 160,000 alums, 6,509 international students and more than 1,000 tenure-track faculty.

University of Victoria

The University of Victoria has a reputation for groundbreaking research, ranking among the top 200 universities globally. The University of Victoria welcomes 3,400 international students. Victoria specializes in eight research areas: climate and energy, health and life sciences, data science and cyber-physical systems, culture and creativity, ocean science and technology, global studies, and social justice. 

University of Northern British Columbia

Among the best small universities in the country, UNBC focuses on research-related studies, cultural studies, economic studies, science, and environmental studies. The university is known for its innovative architecture and is home to the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, designed by Michael Green Architecture. The Green & Clean Campus Award was given to the university for its green and clean campus.

Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is a public university in Kamloops, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. It welcomes 3,500 international students from more than 100 countries every semester. The University offers degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships in 140 on-campus and 60 online programs at Kamloops and William Lake campuses. 

Top Student Cities

In recent years, international students have been traveling to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø for better education, employment opportunities, and a higher standard of living. 

Here are some of the top student cities in British Columbia:

Vancouver

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities and was recently ranked as the best city in North America. Coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and emerald rainforests are just a few reasons why it’s the most desirable city to live in – along with economic stability, universal healthcare, and cultural diversity. 

Vancouver houses over 10,000 international students representing more than 80 countries in all Canadian cities. As a tech hub in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Vancouver has many high-quality engineering, technology, and digital media schools. It also offers various courses in arts, medicine, law, communication, and other fields.

Prince George

As a multicultural city, Prince George is home to many newcomers. College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia each offer 73 study programs in Prince George. Compared to other mid-size cities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, this city has a lower cost of living and more affordable real estate. The city has wonderful outdoor experiences all around you, and though it’s small, there are good career and education opportunities.

Kamloops

Residents in the region enjoy the city’s thriving economy, safe neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Within an hour of Kamloops, there are over 100 lakes perfect for fishing and water sports. The Thompson River University in Kamloops offers undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and diploma programs. Some satellite campuses, like Barrier, Clearwater, Ashcroft, and Williams Lake, can be found throughout the region. 

Abbotsford

British Columbia’s third-largest city, Abbottsford, has a cost of living that is 22% lower than the province’s average. The University of Fraser Valley and Summit Pacific College are two of the most popular universities in the area. As one of the most beautiful cities in British Columbia, with stunning mountain views and a strong local economy, Abbotsford offers residents an exceptional quality of life. Despite being a large city, Abbotsford has a close-knit community feeling often found in smaller towns.

Burnaby

We all need a high-quality education, and Burnaby is a leading city for high-caliber universities. It’s home to multiple post-secondary institutions, including the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Simon Fraser University. Private schools have many options, such as religious or specialized schools for the deaf. Burnaby residents can easily get involved in community events such as swimming, local classes, or visiting the library. Visitors and residents enjoy the Burnaby Village Heritage Museum, providing an excellent cultural experience.

Accommodation Options

  • On-campus. Finding on-campus accommodation is the right option if being near your university is your greatest concern. Your university should offer different halls or residences where you can apply to live, regardless of where you’re admitted. Totem Park (CAD 463 to 941 per month) or Place Vanier (CAD 650 to 825 per month) are the best options for students applying to the University of British Columbia.
  • Off-campus. Living off-campus might be more convenient if you don’t want to share a bathroom or kitchen with other students. You can also choose to share your apartment with someone else, so there are fewer expenses. Students often live in Vancouver’s Kitsilano and Point Grey neighborhoods in Vancouver. The average cost for off-campus accommodation is CAD 1,828 per month.
  • Homestays. Students live with a host family who will welcome them to British Columbia and help them settle into life in the city they’re studying. If you adapt quickly to new environments, this option might be right for you. Be sure to stay with someone with many positive reviews if you’re looking for a homestay. The average cost for homestay accommodation is CAD 255 a week.

Cost of Living

Regarding housing, the average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in British Columbia is currently in the $1,200 to $2,500 range. 

Here’s a list of average living costs in British Columbia:

Item/City Vancouver Prince George Burnaby Abbotsford
Accommodation $1,950 – $2,800 per month $1,200 – $1,400 per month $1,650 – $2,500 per month $1,600 – $2,400 per month
Utilities $60.00 – $200.00 per month $91.49 – $250.00 per month $85.00 – $182.75 per month $119.00 – $300.00 per month
Groceries $10.00 – $26.00 $06.00 – $32.00 $06.00 – $25.00 $07.00 – $27.00
Clothing $30.00 – $75.00 $25.00 – $65.00 $22.00 – $60.00 $25.00 – $70.00
Entertainment $30.00 – $200.00 per month $38.00 – $80.00 per month $30.00 – $50.00 per month $20.00 – $50.00 per month
Restaurant $15.00 – $40.00 per meal $15.00 – $30.00 per meal $15.00 – $25.00 per meal $12.00 – $23.00 per meal

Places to Visit

Some places you can visit during your studies in British Columbia, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, include: 

  • Butchart Gardens. It offers a scenic display of plants, trees, and flowers, set in an old quarry. Its mild climate makes it an ideal location for changing seasonal displays. Spring through fall is a wonderful time to visit this place and see spring blossoms and summer color displays. 
  • Emerald Lake. This one provides the most spectacular views in the Canadian Rockies. Located near the Alberta border, its glass-calm waters never fail to win the hearts of visitors. Tourists can also canoe on Emerald Lake. 
  • Yoho National Park. This park is one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain terrains. Thousands of tourists visit the park during summer and are drawn to the crystal-clear lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. 
  • Okanagan Valley & Kelowna. It is a sunny valley with beaches, lakes, and mountains. Visitors golf, houseboat and spend time at the beach, making it a popular summertime destination for people across British Columbia and neighboring Alberta.
  • Victoria & the Inner Harbour. One of the most scenic harbors in the world! Victoria is British Columbia’s capital, located on Vancouver Island. The harbor hosts festivals, shows, and music during the summer. There is a water taxi service, whale watching, ecotourism business, float planes, and an international ferry terminal with connections to Port Angeles, Bellingham, and Seattle.

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