Founded in 1936, Columbia College is Canadaâs oldest-established independent, international college. Over the years, Columbia College has prepared thousands of senior secondary and first and second year university students for success at universities in North America. It is located in downtown Vancouver, a city on Canadaâs temperate Pacific coast, and considered one of the most liveable cities in the world. For students who have successfully completed academic studies at high school, Columbia College offers University Transfer programs in Arts, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Engineering, and Science. Under these programs, students take first and second year level courses that are fully transferable to Canadian universities, including the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of Victoria, and other major Canadian universities. On completion of a first-year programme at Columbia College, a student enters second year at universities such as UBC or SFU. On completion of two years of university programme study at Columbia College, a student enters third year of university. University programmes at Columbia College may include academic English studies for students whose English is not yet advanced enough for full-time university-level studies in Canada. University Foundation (Grade 11 & 12) programs and an Academic Preparatory ESL Program are offered for students who have not yet finished high school, or who need to improve their English skills before they begin academic studies in Canada. As a transfer college in British Columbia, Columbia College offers smaller class sizes, extensive academic and personal support for students, and lower tuition fees than those at university. Statistics compiled by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (www.bccat.bc.ca) and by universities show that Columbia College students are very successful in gaining admission to university, and have an above-average university graduation rate. Columbia College is consistently one of the biggest college provider of international students to the University of British Columbia.
