The city of Vancouver is Canada’s most student-friendly location and is ranked at #29 on QS Best Student Cities 2026. But more than just its student-city ranking, there are also multiple highly ranked universities in Vancouver that attract international students from all over the world. To name just a few, the city is home to world-class institutes like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and University Canada West (UCW). If you are thinking of studying abroad, then Vancouver, Canada, can be the perfect option for you. In this blog, you will discover a list of the best universities in Vancouver for international students, along with what makes studying here worth your while.
Table of Contents
1. What Support Services are Available for International Students?
2. Which Programs Are Particularly Strong in Vancouver Universities?
3. What Are Graduation Career Opportunities in Vancouver?
4. How Do I Decide Between a Public and a Private University / College in Vancouver?
5. What Are the Application Deadlines & Intakes?
The universities in Vancouver provide high education standards and are ranked among the top global institutes by various university ranking bodies like the THE and QS University rankings systems. Below are a few reasons why studying in universities in Vancouver Canada, is perfect for Indian students.
Vancouver is home to some top-ranked institutes that offer international students reasonable education costs, the best academic experience, and high-quality programmes, especially in engineering and technology fields. Some highly respected and prominent universities in Vancouver for international students are:
UBC is one of the top-ranked public universities in Vancouver and is known for its large and diverse international student body. At UBC Vancouver, around 35% of master’s and 46% of doctoral students come from an international background.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is also a global hub for teaching and research and has invested more than $1.5 billion into facilities and infrastructure. Moreover, all eligible international students who are in research programs automatically qualify for a tuition award of up to $3,200.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Intakes | - September Start- May Start |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹31.3 – 40.4 lakhs (CAD 49,642 - 64,113) per year- Master’s: ₹20.5 – 55.8 lakhs (CAD 32,518 - 88,485) per year |
| Courses offered | - Dentistry (DMD)- Law- Computer Science- Environmental Design- Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Simon Fraser University is another one of the top public universities in Vancouver that has multiple campuses across Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby and Surrey. SFU has a high reputation for its research and community engagement, and ranks among the top 350 universities in the world.
The university also has research partnerships with more than 3,000 institutes in more than 120 countries. Moreover, it has a significant international student population and provides student services to make the transition smoother.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Intakes | - Fall (September)- Summer (May)- Spring (January) |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹34.6 lakhs (CAD 54,821) per year- Master’s: ₹18.9 – 25.2 lakhs (CAD 30,000 - 40,000) per year |
| Courses offered | - Health Sciences- Biological Sciences- Computer Science- Engineering- Sustainable Energy Engineering |
Next in this list of top universities in Vancouver is University Canada West, also known as UCW. It is a business-focused university that is located in downtown Vancouver and is a member of the prestigious Global University Systems. The university has a strong focus on business and technology-related fields and also boasts strong graduate outcomes.
UCW heavily caters to international students and provides a wide range of support services, such as International Student Advising (ISA), Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, and dedicated placement initiatives.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Private, for-profit university |
| Intakes | - Winter (November)- Spring (March)- Summer (May)- Fall (August) |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹25.6 lakhs (CAD 40,600) per year- Master’s: ₹25.6 lakhs (CAD 40,635) per year |
| Courses offered | - MBA- Accounting- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Leadership- Business Communications- Supply Chain Management |
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is one of the public polytechnic universities in Vancouver BC, and has five campuses across Metro Vancouver in Surrey, Richmond, and Langley. KPU serves more than 20,000 students every year, and a large portion of its population consists of international students.
Moreover, most of the KPU programs offer a wide range of opportunities that help students get personal and experiential learning. This is provided through applied research, practicums, co-operative education, and on-campus labs and studios.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public Polytechnic Institution |
| Intakes | - Spring (January)- Summer (May)- Fall (September) |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹9.4 – 15.6 lakhs (CAD 15,032 – 24,840) per year- Master’s: ₹13.4 lakhs (CAD 21,368) per year |
| Courses Offered | - Global Business Management- Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)- Pharmacy- Aviation- Operations and Supply Chain Management |
Vancouver Community College, or VCC, is not just one of the best colleges in Vancouver, but is also a top public institute in Canada. The university has three main campuses in Vancouver, which actively recruit international students and provide Canadian work experience, practicum and internship opportunities, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and a high graduate employment rate.
International students also get multiple support services and amenities on campus that help in improving their experience. This includes dedicated learning centres, small-sized classrooms, and inclusivity.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public University |
| Intakes | No set application deadlines |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹4.4 – 13.8 lakhs (CAD 7,000 – 22,000) per year- Master’s: ₹13.3 lakhs (CAD 21,100) per year |
| Courses Offered | - Nursing- Culinary and hospitality- Computer Systems Technology- Fashion Design and Production - Automotive Service Technician: |
The next in our Vancouver universities list is Vancouver Island University, which is known for its research-centric education approach. VIU provides International Mobility, Immigration advising, International partnerships, and International Student Support (ISS) Hub to provide support with finances, admissions, health and more.
The University provides education that is not limited to the classroom, and helps international students participate in extracurricular activities to make new friends, build community, and make the most of their time in Canada.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public Teaching And Research University |
| Intakes | - Fall (September)- Spring (January) |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: Each credit costs CAD 776.48 (47,318). Max 15 credits per semester, costing up to CAD 10,870.72 (₹6.6 lakhs)- Master’s: ₹13.3 lakhs (CAD 14,000 – 19,000) per year |
| Courses Offered | - MBA- Computer Science- Health Sciences- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- Information Technology and Applied Systems |
Located among other top universities in Vancouver BC, Columbia College is a not-for-profit institute. It is a top preference of international students and provides two-year degrees that can stand alone and act as a basis of admission to third year at top universities.
Moreover, the university also provides English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help international students improve their language skills for general and academic purposes.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Private, not-for-profit two-year university transfer college |
| Intakes | - Winter (November)- Summer (March)- Fall (September) |
| Average Annual Fees | -Bachelor’s: ₹10.4 – 20.8 lakhs (CAD 16,500 – 33,000) per year |
| Courses Offered | - Computer Science and IT- Environmental Studies- Financial Accounting- Engineering- Microbiology |
The last on this Vancouver universities list is Emily Carr University, which is highly respected and specialises in art, design, and media programs. Emily Carr welcomes international students from more than 50 countries and provides dedicated services to make their study in Canada smoother.
The university also provides multiple scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students. This includes International entrance scholarships of around CAD $2,000 to $5,000 for the first year, and applicants are automatically considered for entrance scholarships.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public University |
| Intakes | - Spring (August)- Fall (October) |
| Average Annual Fees | - Bachelor’s: ₹18 lakhs (CAD 28,632) per year- Master’s: ₹13.3 lakhs (CAD 21,100) per year |
| Courses Offered | - Communication Design- Industrial Design- Visual Arts- 2D + Experimental Animation- New Media + Sound Arts |
Also Read: Cheapest Colleges in Canada
The eligibility and admission requirements for most universities in Vancouver depend on the institution itself. However, there are general requirements that are the same for almost every universities in Vancouver for international students. This includes:
Besides the tuition fees of universities in Vancouver Canada, there are also other additional living costs that an international student needs to bear. In total, students can expect to spend around CAD $3,400 to 4,000 per month for living expenses alone in a place like Vancouver. This includes:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (C$) | Notes |
| Housing | CAD 2,293 – 2,512+ | 1-bedroom rent; housing is the largest expense |
| Groceries | CAD 394 – 630 | Food inflation driving up costs |
| Dining Out | CAD 19 per meal | Mid-range restaurant |
| Utilities | CAD 158 – 263 | Electricity, heating, water |
| Internet | CAD 60 – 100 | Depends on speed/provider |
| Transit Pass | CAD 105 | Unlimited use of public transport (Compass Card) |
| Entertainment | CAD 210 – 420 | Includes dining, movies, recreation |
| Total (Est.) | CAD 3,400 – 4,000+ | Excludes tuition and taxes |
Summing up, the universities in Vancouver have a strong academic reputation and provide international students with a robust support system, which makes Vancouver the ideal study abroad destination. Whether you're aiming for a globally ranked research university like UBC or a career-focused institution like UCW or Columbia College, Vancouver offers diverse options to match different academic goals and career paths.
Need help? Connect with Gradding’s study abroad consultants and simplify your admission in the best universities in Vancouver with tailored guidance for writing SOP for Canada, LOR, and much more.
Also Read: MBBS in Canada
In Vancouver, international students can get help from a wide range of support services from community organisations, academic institutions, and province-wide government programs. These services help in providing academic and immigration advising, counselling services, mental health and crisis lines, free Legal advice, social integration, and much more.
Top programs in fields like business, technology, health sciences, and the arts are considered really strong in top Vancouver universities like the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Vancouver is Canada’s major hub for technology, film, trade, and other high-growth sectors. This provides international students a wide range of post-graduation career opportunities and a chance to work in in-demand jobs. Vancouver is also called "Silicon Valley North" and has multiple start-ups that actively recruit recent graduates.
To decide between a public and private Vancouver university, it is best to consider multiple factors like tuition costs, program options, class size, reputation, and campus culture. It is also very important to consider career goals because, for some professions, getting a degree from a ranked public university is better. While for others, a specialised private college is a better option.
In Vancouver, three main intakes are in Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). However, the specific deadline of the application depends on the university itself.
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