3 Best Public Universities in Vancouver for International Students

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Vancouver is one of the cities in Canada you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Vancouver can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Vancouver, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Vancouver

1. University of British Columbia

  • University of British Columbia Page
  • 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.

    2. Emily Carr University of Art and Design

  • Emily Carr University of Art and Design Page
  • 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.

    3. North Island College

  • North Island College Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Vancouver?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Vancouver can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Vancouver, British Columbia charge up to 58,700 CAD for bachelor’s and 67,600 CAD for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Vancouver, British Columbia. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.