Canada Vancouver University List 2025: Rankings, Costs & Tips

Vancouver is among the best student cities in Canada, as thousands of students come to study there annually. With over 20 universities, colleges, and specialised institutes, the city has various programs and career opportunities. International students prefer to settle in Vancouver because of its high global rankings and world-class institutions. It also has a diverse culture, a friendly community and a good employment market after graduation.

This is an all-encompassing guide of all the universities on the list in Vancouver, which includes all the necessary information about the universities, like the global ranking, courses offered, fees, admission, and international student support services. The guide is tailored specifically to international students considering their academic destinations in 2025. It is updated with the latest QS World University Rankings 2026 and Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 statistics and rankings to help you make the best choice.

Top Canadian University List for International Students in 2025

These are all the details about the Canada Vancouver University list, in 2025:

• Vancouver contains premier public and private speciality universities.

• These are internationally ranked universities that receive thousands of international students annually.

• Here are the best universities in Vancouver 2025 based on QS and THE rankings.

Canada Vancouver Top University List 2025

This is a table showing all details of the top Canada Vancouver university list:

The University of Victoria belongs to BC's large higher education system but is located in Victoria.

• UBC is ranked as the number 1 international student university in Vancouver.

• SFU has strength in co-op programs and research.

• UVic is known all over the world, but not in the city of Vancouver itself.

• CapU, Emily Carr, and KPU are smaller but have excellent specialised programs.

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Which Public Universities in Vancouver Offer the Best Programs for International Students?

These universities from the Canada Vancouver University list offer the best programs for International students:

• Vancouver has world-renowned public universities.

• They offer a wide range of programs, excellent faculty and research.

• Housing, career enhancement and cultural integration services are available to international students.

• The best public universities and their features are presented below:

University of British Columbia (UBC)

Details of UBC from the Canada University of British Columbia list are as follows:

• Global Ranking: QS #40, THE #41.

• Student Body: 70,000+ students per campus.

• International Students: 19,000 (28) per cent.

• Popular Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Life Sciences, Arts.

• Research Excellence: TRIUMF, Quantum Matter Institute, and several international research centres worldwide.

• International Support: On-campus accommodations, orientation classes, and Vantage College to prepare academically.

• Admission Rate: international undergrads-approximately 44%.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)

Details of SFU from the Canada Vancouver university list are as follows:

• Global Ranking: QS #308, THE 301–350.

• Location: The campuses are in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver.

• International Students: about 6,900 students.

• Popular Programs: Co-op Education, Business, IT, Health Sciences.

• Industry Connection: Partnerships with Tesla, Facebook, Microsoft and other tech giants.

• International Support: Career counselling, housing support, and co-op placement support.

Vancouver Community College (VCC)

Details of VCC from the Canada Vancouver university list are as follows:

• Free, cheap and valuable education.

• Tuition Fees: CAD 16,500/per year.

• Programs: Business, Healthcare, Hospitality and Skilled Trades.

• Value Proposition: Good transfer admissions into UBC and SFU.

• Student Support: Small classes, hands-on training focus, affordable housing.

How Much Do Vancouver Universities Cost for International Students in 2025?

These are details on how much colleges from the Canada Vancouver university list cost in 2025:

• Expenses will consist of tuition, living, application, and health insurance.

• Vancouver is considered to be among the most costly Canadian cities in which to study.

• The international students should demonstrate CAD 22,895 of funds (2025).

Estimated Costs for International Students in Vancouver (2025)

This table shows the estimated costs from all major colleges in the Canada Vancouver university list:

What Are the Admission Requirements for Vancouver Universities?

These are the admission requirements in the Canada Vancouver university list:

• The requirements are different in terms of admissions to schools.

• However, most universities in Vancouver adhere to national standards regarding international students.

• The general admission requirements that you need to be ready to face in 2025 are discussed below:

Academic Requirements

These are the academic requirements in the Canada Vancouver university list:

• Minimum grades: 60-80 per cent in high school or undergraduate education.

• Competitive courses like Engineering, Business and Computer Science might need more marks (75-85%).

• Some institutions might have specific prerequisite courses (e.g., Math and Physics for Engineering).

English Language Proficiency

These are the English language proficiency requirements in the Canada Vancouver university list:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0-6.5 general, with no less than 6.0 band.

• TOEFL iBT: 80-88 overall, section minimum score is (at least) 20.

• Duolingo English Test (DET): 115 to 120, which most universities will accept.

• PTE Academic: 58-61 (alternative available in several institutions).

• This might be exempted when the previous education was in English.

Documents Needed

These are the documents needed for the Canada Vancouver university list:

• Formal college graduation records, past schools.

• Duplicate of a valid passport (bio-data page).

• Personal statement/ Statement of Purpose (SOP) about goals and motivation.

• Recommendations (2, most often academic or professional).

• Evidence of funding (bank statements, sponsorship letters).

• Graduate or professional resume or CV.

• Receive the application fee and fill out the application form.

Application Deadlines (2025)

These are the application deadlines for 2025 for the Canada Vancouver university list:

• Fall admission (September entry): January 20255 through March 2025.

• Intake in winter (January start): September 2024-October 2024.

• Spring intake (begins in May): December 2024- January 2025.

• Different programs can have different deadlines, so students must visit the official sites of other universities.

• Competitive program and scholarship consideration. Early applications are highly encouraged.

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Which Vancouver Colleges Offer the Best Value for Money?

These colleges from the Canada Vancouver university list offer the best value for money:

• International students favour Vancouver community colleges because of their affordability and hands-on learning approach.

• They offer career-oriented diplomas, certificates and transfer opportunities to leading universities.

• These schools are the best to attend when students want low tuition fees, fewer classes, and close contact with the industry.

• The most cost-effective choices in Vancouver in 2025 will include:

Vancouver Community College (VCC)

Here are details on VCC from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• One of the cheapest options with tuition fees beginning at CAD 16,500/year.

• Provides career-based practical programs in Business, Hospitality, Healthcare and Skilled Trades.

• It offers good transfer opportunities to leading institutions such as UBC and SFU and gives students an affordable path to a degree.

• Attractive modern lab and internship opportunities combined with practical training and industry preparation.

Langara College

Here are details on Langara college from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• Incorporated with its popular University Transfer (UT) programs, where students can start their education at Langara and transfer credits to the large universities.

• Delivers low-cost diplomas and certificates in Arts, Sciences, Business, and Technology.

• Comprehensive advice on international students, career advisory services and housing guidance.

• It is perfect when students aim to reduce tuition expenses when pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Capilano University (CapU)

Here are details on CapU from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• An approximate acceptance rate is needed to attract more foreign applicants.

• Compared to major universities, tuition fees are cheaper, which makes it a cost-effective choice.

• Has smaller classes to facilitate individualised learning and quality professor-student interaction.

• It has Business, Arts, Music and Tourism Management programs and is an applied learning program.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)

Here are details on KPU from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• Popular among international students, with thousands of students enrolled at various campuses in Metro Vancouver.

• Compared to big research centres, tuition is cheaper in small ones.

• It offers industry-relevant design, business, IT, trades, and applied sciences courses.

• Due to the co-op placements and on-the-job training, it is a known characteristic related to providing students with a firsthand experience of the Canadian job market.

How Do Vancouver Universities Rank Globally in 2025?

This section covers how the top colleges from the Canada Vancouver university list rank globally in 2025:

• Vancouver universities have always been on the QS and the lists.

• UBC is a top 50 world university.

Table: Global Rankings of Vancouver Universities 2025

Here is a table showing the global rankings of the Canada Vancouver university list in 2025:

• UBC competes on a global level in Engineering, Business, and Sciences.

• Research and co-op are strong at SFU.

• UVic is stable in its world position.

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What Specialised Programs Are Available at Vancouver Universities?

This section presents a list of specialised programs available at Canada Vancouver university list:

• The universities and institutes of Vancouver are characterised by special, industry-oriented and inventive courses preparing students to work anywhere in the world.

• Such programs blend academic education, practical training, and industry associations, making them appealing to international students.

• Some of the most advanced ones would be:

Vancouver Film School (VFS)

VFS from Canada Vancouver university list offers these special programs:

• Film Production, Animation, Gaming, Screenwriting and Sound Design.

• One of the best film and creative media schools in the world.

• Good ties with Hollywood, game studios and media corporations worldwide.

• The companies where alumni work include Pixar, Netflix, and Ubisoft.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Emily Carr University from the Canada Vancouver university list offers these special programs:

• I specialise in art, design, media, and visual studies.

• Programs include Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Industrial Design, and Digital Media.

• Considered a global pioneer of imagination and aesthetic design.

• Provides contemporary studios and labs, and collaborates with the technology and design worlds.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

BCT from the Canada Vancouver university list offers these special programs:

• Applied and technical courses in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Trades and Technology.

• Solid emphasis on hands-on training and partnership with industries.

• Offers expert training in Renewable Energy, Construction and IT Systems.

• Favourite among international students who want career-ready diplomas.

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC, from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students, offers these special programs:

• Home to research excellence in Quantum Materials, Climate Change and Global Studies.

• Comes with specialised degrees in Forestry, Marine Biology, and Sustainability studies.

• Globally ranked in innovation and sustainability-oriented education.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)

SFU, from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students, offers these special programs:

• Known as co-op education programs, which combine studies with paid work placements.

• Experienced in Computing Science, Big Data, Business Analytics, and Health Technology.

• Collaborations with major employers such as Tesla, Microsoft and Facebook.

Also Read: Why Canada is the Best for Study - Discovering the Canadian Dream

Which Vancouver Universities Have the Best International Student Support Services?

These universities from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students have the best support services:

• Vancouver universities offer wide-ranging support mechanisms to enable international students to ease their way into academic and social life.

• Services such as orientation programs, housing support, career guidance and cultural integration are provided.

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC, from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students, offers these services:

• Specific orientation of the new overseas students.

• Vantage College will assist in academic preparation and English enhancement.

• Housing, medical and cultural support.

• Powerful career guidance and student associations in building the community.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)

SFU, from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students, offers these services:

• Expansive co-op programs with employers to gain hands-on industry experience.

• Provides student advising, peer counselling and wellness services.

• Offers career development and networking services to international graduates.

Capilano University (CapU), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), and Vancouver Community College (VCC)

CapU, KPU and VCC, from the list of universities in Vancouver Canada for international students offer these services:

• Characterised by smaller student populations offering one-on-one advising.

• Student housing, academic advice and settlement support.

• Accessible and friendly support networks, particularly to new international students.

• Dedicated to concrete help and personal mentoring.

What Are the Application Deadlines for Vancouver Universities in 2025?

This section covers the application deadlines for different colleges from the Canada Vancouver university list, in 2025:

Canada Vancouver Universities Application Deadlines 2025

This table shows all the deadlines:

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University of British Columbia (UBC) – Canada’s Top-Ranked Institution

These are all the details about UBC from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• QS World Ranking 2026: #40 | THE Ranking 2025: #41.

• There were 70,000+ students (19,000 international students) representing 150 countries.

• Programmes are available in engineering, business, life sciences, arts, forestry, and computer science.

• Known as the hardest researching and most influential university in the world, with prominent faculty and state-of-the-art laboratories.

• Hosts departmental institutes of climate research, quantum materials, and sustainability.

• Robust alum base of graduates employed in leading firms and research centres worldwide.

• Tuition Fees: CAD 42,000-53,000/year (depending on the program).

• Complete international student services, including Vantage College, orientation, lodging, and career advice.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) – Leading Research and Co-op Programs

These are all the details about SFU from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• QS World Ranking 2026: #308 | THE Ranking 2025: 301–350.

• Known for innovation-related teaching and excellent relationships with industry.

• Accommodates 6,900+ international learners and 37,000 + learners.

• Top Business, Computing Science, Health Sciences, and Data Analytics programs.

• Has one of the most extensive co-op education programs in Canada, and has placed students in Tesla, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and international companies.

• Researcher in urban studies, renewable energy, and applications of big data.

• Tuition Fees: CAD 32,000–35,000 per year.

• Peer mentorship, academic advising, career workshops, and cultural integration programs prove to be beneficial to the international students.

Vancouver Community College (VCC) – Affordable Education Excellence

These are all the details about VCC from the Canada Vancouver university list:

• A professionally oriented, non-profit making institution, with low cost and hands-on training.

• Tuition Fees begin at CAD 16,500 annually; thus, it is among the most affordable in Vancouver.

• Offers are applied in hospitality, culinary arts, trades, healthcare, and business.

• It offers university transfer opportunities to UBC, SFU, and others.

• Hands-on learning, industry-experienced teachers, small classes.

• Highly sensitive to employability, graduates are rapidly integrated into the working population of Vancouver.

• Provides student housing services, settlement services, and academic advice to international students.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Vancouver University for Your Academic Journey

The selection of a university is based on your academic interests, career goals, and budget when determining the right university from the Canada Vancouver university list. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is ideal for international recognition, sound research, and a reputable degree. Simon Fraser University (SFU), with its rich co-op programs and industrial collaborations, is an ideal place to study among students who apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to actual work experience.

Should affordability and accessibility be your consideration, then schools such as Capilano University (CapU), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the Vancouver Community College (VCC) have great opportunities that offer lower tuition costs and learning conditions. Among the creative-oriented or applied techno-gear schools, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and film schools in Vancouver offer career-oriented programs.

Ultimately, you must decide based on your budget, future career goals, and the program that best suits your desires. Remember that you must prepare your documents early and apply before the deadlines, particularly for the Fall of 2025 intake, to increase your chances of getting accepted. Contact TerraTern for more information.

The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver Universities for International Students in 2025: Rankings, Costs, and Admission Tips