7 Best Universities In Vancouver For International Students 2025

Vancouver is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Canada. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 7 universities in Vancouver, University of British Columbia and Emily Carr University of Art and Design are the top-performing schools in Vancouver. This list covers both public and private institutions in Vancouver.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Vancouver, British Columbia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Vancouver, British Columbia.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Vancouver?

Applying to the universities in Vancouver involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Vancouver to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Vancouver?

Tuition fees at Vancouver’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 7,932 CAD to 73,100 CAD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 9,313 CAD to 67,600 CAD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Vancouver!

As we cover the best universities in Vancouver for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Vancouver for International Students

Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is the oldest and most prestigious university in British Columbia. It has distinguished itself as a global centre for research and learning. Over its century-long history, UBC has produced numerous outstanding individuals, including Nobel laureates, prime ministers, and prominent world leaders and artists. In addition, the university is home to several research institutes and world-class facilities, including the world’s largest particle accelerator and the first Max Planck Institute in North America.

Emily Carr University (ECU) is a global leader in art, media, and design. It is one of the few universities in North America that focuses solely on art and design. The university merges practice, research, and theory, ensuring students receive a comprehensive art education that enables them to thrive in a competitive environment. Furthermore, the faculty of ECU comprises award-winning creators and industry experts with tons of experience in the art and design field.

University Canada West is a relatively young private university located in Vancouver, specializing in business and technology. It designs its programs to reflect the latest knowledge, trends, and practices in the fields of business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The programs are focused on building students’ careers and are available at its two campuses in Vancouver, as well as online, to cater to students who need some flexibility.

Langara College was opened in 1965 as a part of Vancouver Community College. Five years later, Langara started offering classes at its West 49th Avenue campus, which remains its main campus even today. The institute expanded its offerings over the years and became an independent public college in 1994. Primarily seen as a pathways college, the university provides programs to help students continue their education, start their careers, and grow professionally. About half of the students studying at its Vancouver campus are enrolled in university transfer courses.

LaSalle College, a leading art and design college in Vancouver, is a member of the LCI Education network, comprising 23 campuses across five continents. LaSalle offers diplomas, certificates, and undergraduate degree programs in applied arts and design. Students benefit from small classes with opportunities for individual attention, access to advanced technology, and leading experts as teachers. The institute has the vision to become one of the best creative arts providers in the country. LaSalle College Vancouver is particularly renowned for its program in video game design, which is considered one of the best in the country.

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is a private research institute originating in New York but with multiple campuses around the globe. Due to the high demand for NYIT courses by Canadians, a Vancouver campus was created to provide Canadians with easy access to some of the institute’s courses and programs. As a result, the New York Institute of Technology Vancouver is the Vancouver campus of the New York Institute of Technology and its official Canadian branch.

North Island College (NIC) is a community college in Canada designed to provide accessible and affordable education to communities in northern Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia. It is among the few comprehensive community colleges in Canada and delivers transformational education through its four campuses, spread across various locations on Vancouver Island.
The College has a unique history, starting in 1975 as a portable college comprising a mobile trailer and some converted school buses. As a result of this history, NIC has built a reputation for delivering outstanding distance education.