Study in Vancouver: schools, courses, and prices [2024]

Dreaming of going to Canada? Make it happen! Surely, Canada offers a high quality of life, great schools, and job opportunities. Given that, here’s why and how to study in Vancouver.

We’ll also show you GrowPro’s academic experiences in Vancouver. With GrowPro, you can take language and vocational courses or study at universities in this city.

Vancouver, in British Columbia, has amazing sights and many courses to choose from. Also, you’ll experience the Canadian way of life: open, inclusive, and lively.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Read on.

Top 5 reasons to study in Vancouver

The experience of living in Vancouver attracts millions of people from all over the world. For example, in the case of students, we found 5 reasons that make them fly here.

Get to know them and you will surely fall in love with this destination!

1. You enjoy art and culture in the same place

When studying in Vancouver, you can visit many museums and galleries. They are everywhere. So, if you love science, go to Science World. If you enjoy art, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery.

If you like exploring, don’t miss the Museum of Anthropology. In effect, nature lovers should see the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. And be sure to also visit the Chinese Canadian Museum.

2. You access a first-class educational system

From English courses to postgraduate degrees, Vancouver has the top schools in Canada. For example, the University of British Columbia is here. It is ranked #38 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Other great schools include, for instance, Stenberg College, known for Medicine, and the Vancouver Film School. There are many options for higher studies. Surely, it depends on your preparation and goals.

Many prefer the English schools in Vancouver. Above all, you can master the language quickly in these academies. We will tell you more about their courses in the next sections.

Scroll down!

3. You have a high quality of life

For several years, Vancouver has been one of the best cities to live in worldwide!

Unlike other big cities, Vancouver is safe and very connected to nature. Inside the city, there is Stanley Park, a large urban park perfect for hiking, and sports, as well as selfies with totem poles.

Nearby, you can find some of Canada’s most important national parks. For example, the Pacific Rim National Park is perfect for an adventurous getaway while studying in Vancouver!

4. You live extreme adventures

Studying in Vancouver is also an opportunity for adventure. How about a tour of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, more than 70 m high? Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting places in the city.

Otherwise, you can ski in Whistler, a village only 2 hours away from the city. This area of British Columbia has slopes for all levels. You can spend a day full of adrenaline there.

5. You enjoy excellent public transportation

Vancouver is one of the best cities to live in Canada because of its excellent public transportation system. Called Translink, it allows you to easily and quickly reach any point in the city, indeed.

First, there is the SkyTrain, a fast line of automated trains that run both above and below ground. There is also an urban bus line.

The SeaBus is a ferry that stops at various points in the city.

Additionally, the West Coast Express is a train that connects the city to the Fraser Valley. With all these options, there’s no excuse for being late to study in Vancouver!

Best schools to study in Vancouver

At GrowPro, we have alliances with the most prestigious schools in the city to study English or to take professional courses. We will tell you a little about them so you can choose the ideal one for you:

EC English

If you want to study English in Vancouver, EC English is a good option. This school offers courses in which you can learn the language from scratch or at your level. You will take lessons to develop the most important communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

You can also take a Cambridge exam preparation course, from B2 to C1 level.

ILSC

Another Vancouver school where you can study is ILSC. At this academy, you can take courses to develop your English skills. Also, to prepare for certification exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Cambridge levels.

Greystone College

In case you want to take professional courses, you can enroll in Greystone College. This school offers vocational programs with which you can specialize in programming, web development, data analysis, hospitality, digital marketing, and language teaching.

Canadian College

Canadian College is another school in Vancouver that offers technical courses. The educational offerings are varied and include programs in business, hospitality, project management, technology, and social media marketing, too.

Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICCC)

At this school, you can take vocational courses to specialize in the most in-demand careers worldwide. We are talking about programs in UX/UI, digital marketing, international business, web development, data science, and hospitality.

Courses you can study in Vancouver

Now that you know the schools in Vancouver that are GrowPro partners, let’s talk about the courses you can take at each one; take note:

Part-time general English course

These are the English courses that cover all aspects of learning the language so that you develop the 4 basic skills: speaking, listening, writing, and comprehension.

The difference with the intensives is that these programs cover the topics at a gentler pace and you have more time to interact with the native speakers.

Intensive general English course

If you are looking to make the most of a short stay in Vancouver, an intensive English course is your best choice. This type of program lasts from 2 weeks to 3 months, so you can take it with a tourist visa.

With this course, you develop the 4 language skills. And also acquire methods for speaking in English that will be very useful for specific situations.

Preparation program for official exams

With these English courses in Vancouver, you prepare to take language certification exams such as the Cambridge or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) levels.

Thanks to the programs, you gain technical, academic, and formal vocabulary, and greater fluency in the language. Likewise, time management techniques to pass each test.

Professional training program with Career Program (Co-Op)

Career-Oriented Occupational Training (Co-Op) programs are technical courses taught at certified colleges. Markedly, they include an internship or apprenticeship agreement.

That is why these courses have a duration of approximately 1 year and are divided into 2 parts: one theoretical and the other practical.

The theoretical part lasts 6 months. Indeed, you have class in the morning and you get up to 20 hours per week if you want to work in Vancouver in any job you choose.

Before finishing the course, you do the 6-month internship, which is usually paid and related to what you have studied.

University studies

Vancouver has a variety of prestigious universities offering programs at different levels, for example:

• Undergraduate or graduate degrees.
• Master’s Degrees.
• Doctorates.
• Other specializations.

Cost of studying in Vancouver

Keep in mind that the cost of studying in Vancouver depends on the course you want to take and the school you choose!

• English course: average value of 400 CAD per week.
• Professional course, either technical or university level: it costs 10,000 CAD per year according to the career you are interested in studying.

You must add the cost of living in Vancouver to the cost of the course:

• Housing: 800 to 1200 CAD per month.
• Food: 240 to 400 CAD per month.
• Mobile telephony: 40 to 60 CAD per month.
• Transportation: 100 to 190 CAD per month.

Key steps to study in Vancouver

You already know the advantages of studying in Vancouver. Now, consider the steps to make your experience the best from start to finish.

Pay attention and take note!

1. Choosing a course

To begin with, you should choose courses to study in Vancouver. This way, you will have a better idea of the requirements you need to fulfill. And also, the process to apply for admission to Canada.

You already know your options, so start evaluating them. But, if you need support, request information about our study experiences in Vancouver. Our Student Advisors will help you find the most suitable course!

2. Comply with the requirements

Now, let’s talk about the requirements to study in Vancouver as a foreigner:

Choose a visa

There are different visas with which you can study in Vancouver. Depending on the length of the course you wish to take, you can apply for one of these Canadian visas:

• Tourist visa for Canada: you can study for up to 6 months without the possibility of working.
• Student visa for Canada: it is valid until the end of your course (it must last more than 6 months) and you can work up to 20 hours per week.
• Canada Working Holiday visa: you can study for up to 6 months and work unlimited hours from the time you arrive until you leave Canada.

Purchase health insurance

If you get sick or need hospitalization, having student health insurance saves you money and headaches.
When you are a foreigner, you pay for private services, as you do not have access to the public health system.

Therefore, it is advisable to have international health insurance before studying in Vancouver.

Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds

Canada, like other countries, asks for a bank receipt as proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay or until you find a job.

It is for this reason that the Canadian Government requires that you have a minimum of CAD 20,635 for your first year of study plus your course tuition.

If your stay lasts less than 1 year, you will need about 1720 CAD per month.

Buy your plane ticket back to your country of origin

If your concern is to get cheap flights to Canada, prioritize buying a flight back home. What is the reason? Immigration agents want to make sure you are not staying in the country illegally.

Bonus: requirements for studying and working in Vancouver

If your goal is to study and work in Vancouver, meet these requirements:

• Have a study visa.
• Take professional courses, not language courses.
• Be over 18 years of age.

You can study and work in Vancouver with GrowPro experiences!

If you are sure Vancouver is your next study destination, let us help you plan your trip! We have over 10 years of experience and have supported more than 35,000 students.

Our study experiences in Vancouver include these services:

• Advice on choosing a school and course based on your objectives and budget.
• Formalities: registration and health insurance. Yes, we take care of everything!
• Welcome session in Vancouver.
• Passes to the events we organize every month for our student community in Vancouver.

The best thing is that there is no extra cost, you only have to pay the course and the visa fee.

If you want to know more, please fill out the form below. In a couple of days, one of our academic advisors will contact you to give you information about schools, courses, prices, and requirements to study in Vancouver. We will be happy to help you, future grower!