Vancouver Community College (VCC) is a public college with two campuses in Vancouver, British Columbia. Through ApplyBoard, international students can apply to diploma and post-degree diploma programs, with intakes in January, May, and September.
Why Choose Vancouver Community College?
- Two Vancouver Campuses: VCC's Broadway and Downtown campuses sit in the heart of Vancouver, close to transit, shops, and the city's downtown core.
- Career-Focused Programs: VCC specializes in health, hospitality, early childhood education, business, and trades programs built around practical, hands-on training.
- PGWP-Eligible Programs: VCC publishes a list of programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), including every program featured in this guide.
- No Hidden Surprises: VCC's international program pages publish full tuition, fees, and admission requirements up front, so you know your total cost before you apply.
Explore Vancouver Community College Programs
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Vancouver Community College Fees for International Students
VCC publishes a full program cost on each international program page, covering tuition for the whole program length. For 2026-2027, most diploma and post-degree diploma programs cost between CAD $27,600 and $49,000 for the full program, paid across 4 terms.
Note: These are 2026-2027 figures. VCC says tuition can rise up to 5% a year. Always confirm the current total on your program's official VCC international program page.
Other Student Fees
International students pay a non-refundable $145 application fee, plus a tuition deposit of roughly $10,500 to $13,200 depending on the program, of which $10,000 is non-refundable. VCC enrolls new international students in a mandatory interim health plan for your first 3 months (around $148.50), since BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) only starts covering you after a waiting period. Full-time students taking eligible courses can also get a U-Pass BC transit pass for about $43.35 a month.
Warning! VCC only accepts tuition deposits and offer-acceptance payments through Flywire. Payments made any other way are rejected and returned, minus an administration fee.
International Student Scholarships
VCC's International Regional Entrance Award gives $500 to $5,000 to new international students from select countries applying to a PGWP-eligible program. It is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with no fixed deadline, and is credited to your account at the start of your second term. Currently enrolled international students can also apply for VCC's general scholarships and awards, presented twice a year.
Note: Award amounts and eligible countries can change. Check the International Regional Entrance Award page for current details.
Programs at Vancouver Community College
VCC offers career-focused certificates, diplomas, and post-degree diplomas across health sciences, hospitality, business, early childhood education, and trades. Most diploma programs run 2 years (4 terms), and post-degree diplomas are for students who already hold an undergraduate degree.
Warning! Not every program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. VCC publishes a list of PGWP-eligible programs, based on each program's official CIP code rather than its name alone. Check this list before you apply.
Hospitality and Food Service Systems Management
Diploma, 2 years
Learn hotel, restaurant, and event operations, from food and beverage service to supervising a team, with industry placements built in.
Health Care Assistant
Diploma, 2 years
Train to support residents and patients with daily living and personal care in long-term care, home support, and community settings.
Global Supply Chain Management
Post-Degree Diploma
Build skills in logistics, procurement, and international trade for graduates who already hold an undergraduate degree.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Diploma, 2 years
Study child development and play-based learning, with practicums in licensed child care settings, leading toward BC Early Childhood Educator certification.
IT Project Management
Post-Degree Diploma
Learn to plan, budget, and deliver technology projects, for graduates who already hold an undergraduate degree.
Culinary Arts
Diploma
Train in professional kitchen skills, food preparation, and menu planning, with hands-on practice in VCC's teaching kitchens and restaurants.
Note: VCC offers many more programs beyond those shown here. Intakes and availability change often. Check the ApplyBoard platform for the programs and intakes currently open.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements vary by program. The general requirements below are a guide. Always confirm the specific requirements for your program before applying.
- Diploma programs: Secondary school graduation or equivalent, usually with a minimum grade in English Studies 12 (often a "C" or higher). Minimum age requirements apply to some programs.
- Health Care Assistant: Secondary school graduation, minimum age 18, a police information check from your home country, and (after acceptance) a criminal record check, immunization record, and TB screening before your practicum.
- Early Childhood Care and Education: Secondary school graduation, minimum age 18, an interview with the program's selection committee, and two letters of recommendation.
- Post-degree diplomas: A completed undergraduate degree of at least 3 years from an accredited institution.
English Language Requirements
Most international applicants must show proof of English language proficiency, and scores must be less than 2 years old. VCC accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, PTE Academic, CAEL, and Cambridge English, along with VCC's own English assessment.
Check the English requirements page for your program's exact level. Duolingo is not accepted for Health Care Assistant or VCC's nursing programs; these use a separate English Competency Declaration instead.
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How to Apply to Vancouver Community College Through ApplyBoard
You apply to VCC through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is CAD $145, non-refundable. VCC has 3 intakes a year: Winter (January), Spring/Summer (May), and Fall (September).
Note: Submission processing timelines are optimized for rapid turnaround. ApplyBoard typically reviews, verifies, and completes the submission pipeline within 12 hours of receipt. Once successfully submitted to the institution, standard college evaluation steps apply. If additional post-submission clarifications are required, the overall decision timeline can extend to 9 working days.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For post-degree diplomas: your degree certificate and transcript
- For Health Care Assistant: a police information check from your home country
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and intake. Popular programs like Health Care Assistant and Early Childhood Care and Education can fill quickly, so apply as early as possible.
If you meet the requirements, VCC will send your Letter of Offer. Review it carefully, including your tuition deposit deadline.
Pay your deposit through Flywire within the timeframe stated on your offer, usually 2 to 3 weeks. At least $10,000 of this deposit is non-refundable.
Warning! Missing your deposit deadline can mean losing your seat. Set a reminder as soon as you receive your offer.
After your deposit is confirmed, VCC issues your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and, if your program requires one, your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) together.
Use your LOA and PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit. Check the proof-of-study-permit deadline on your offer letter, since VCC can defer students who miss it to a later intake.
VCC does not have on-campus residence. Most students use off-campus housing providers such as GEC (Global Education City) or a homestay. Plan for about $800 to $1,500 a month for shared accommodation in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vancouver Community College
VCC has two campuses in Vancouver, British Columbia: Broadway (1155 East Broadway) and Downtown (250 West Pender Street).
International students pay a tuition deposit of roughly $10,500 to $13,200 depending on the program, of which $10,000 is non-refundable. Deposits must be paid through Flywire.
Many are, including every program featured in this guide. VCC publishes a list of PGWP-eligible programs based on official program codes, not just the program name. Check the current list before you apply, since eligibility rules can change.
No. VCC does not have on-campus residence. Students typically use off-campus student housing providers, homestay, or private rentals in Vancouver.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their permit conditions.
Vancouver Community College offers international students practical, career-focused programs in the heart of Vancouver, with strong options in health, hospitality, and business. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore Vancouver Community College Programs
Browse all available Vancouver Community College programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.