Every year, thousands of students choose British Columbia as their study destination for its welcome blend of world-class colleges and its multitude of opportunities. Be it Victoria, the capital city, Vancouver, the more popular economic hub, or Kelowna, a more rustic town known for its college, almost 100,000 international students seek the province of British Columbia in pursuit of higher education. QS Rankings has ranked Vancouver in the 18th place worldwide, as one of the top student-friendly cities.
That said, here are some of the reasons why you must consider colleges in BC:
The B.C. Transfer System: The province is known for its easy credit-transfer system when it comes to higher education. It provides for means to transfer seamlessly from one school to another. You can consider transferring in your second or third year to a more competitive universities in BC.
While this system has its own requirements such as minimum GPA and credits to be eligible for transfer, it is an option open to both domestic and international students.
Immigration and Employment Opportunities: British Columbia has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that allows graduating students to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the PNP route. It begins by getting a Provincial Nominee Certificate. Once you have this certificate, your PR application will be processed much faster than going through any other immigration route. With high employability rates and increased industrial exposure, B C is also inundated with career opportunities for international students.
Education Quality Assessment: Among all the provinces, British Columbia is the only province that provides a government-mandated EQA. Higher education institutions especially colleges and universities in BC that are accredited by this body ensure they maintain international standards and keep themselves up to date with industry requirements.
Cost of Living: In general, the cost of education and living in Canada is more affordable than the likes of the USA or the UK. Even within Canada, British Columbia is cheaper compared to a province like Ontario (home to the capital city of Ottawa and the most populous Toronto) or Alberta. There are also great colleges in Surrey, which is a part of the beautiful British Columbia.
A Welcoming Ethos: British Columbia has a rich ‘outside’ culture. With its rocky coastlines, abundant wildlife, lush landscapes, and abundant lakes, British Columbia has a lot to offer in terms of adventure. Moreover, as one of the student favorites when it comes to international education, the province is becoming more multicultural and diverse with every passing day.