Canada City guide
Study in Vancouver
Vancouver blends lifestyle, nature and creative/tech sectors — strong for English, hospitality, environment and STEM on Canada's Pacific coast.
SkyTrain reaches SFU Burnaby directly and connects to UBC via the 99-B Express in under 40 minutes from downtown.
Higher cost of living
Study Permit (student visa)
Up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP)
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
Vancouver mixes UBC on the Point Grey peninsula, SFU on Burnaby Mountain and downtown colleges reachable by SkyTrain. Rain is constant from autumn to spring; budget for waterproof gear and indoor social life. Housing near campus is competitive — consider shared rentals in East Van or New Westminster with a transit pass.
Co-op and tech-oriented programs are common; language schools feed into university pathways. Confirm whether your offer is for Vancouver, Burnaby or Surrey campus before signing a lease.
You need a Canadian study permit with acceptance documents and proof of funds. Work rules follow IRCC guidance — verify hours on your permit and the official site.
ApplySite supports direct applications to verified institutions; use the Canada country guide for permit detail.
City guide
Why students choose Vancouver
- Gateway to the Pacific and tech/creative industry
- UBC among the country’s top campuses
- Strong tourism and hospitality training
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Vancouver; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Vancouver
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Vancouver
Language schools and intensive courses in Vancouver to level up before college or university in Canada.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Vancouver
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Vancouver institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Vancouver
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Vancouver's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
Markets, grocery chains and campus canteens drive weekly spend in Vancouver. Cooking in a shared flat saves money; eating out daily does not.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Vancouver you will typically need the Study Permit (student visa). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP) Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Canada →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Vancouver
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Canada
Other cities in Canada
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Vancouver?
With a valid study permit you can work up to 20 hours/week during classes and full-time in scheduled breaks.
How much does it cost to live in Vancouver?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Vancouver.
How do I apply to a program in Vancouver?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Vancouver, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Vancouver?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.