Columbia Bible College crest

Columbia Bible College

Abbotsford, Canada Founded 1936

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

English Name: Columbia Bible College
Acronyms: CBI
Founded: 1936
Institution Type: College
Front view of Columbia Bible College
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Columbia Bible College (CBC) is a Christian post-secondary institution in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Its roots trace to 1936, when the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church opened an evening Bible training program; that effort grew into the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, which merged with the Bethel Bible Institute in 1970 to form Columbia Bible Institute, later Columbia Bible College. The college is supported by the British Columbia Mennonite Brethren and Mennonite Church British Columbia conferences and identifies with the evangelical Anabaptist tradition, while welcoming students from a wide range of church backgrounds.

CBC is accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education and recognized under British Columbia's Degree Authorization Act, allowing it to grant bachelor's degrees alongside diplomas and certificates. Academic offerings center on biblical studies, practical theology, psychology, applied leadership, church ministry, and related fields, most delivered through its Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology framework with subject-specific majors.

Beyond the classroom, CBC emphasizes discipleship, mentorship, and community life, supported by on-campus residences, chapel programming, and Bearcats varsity athletics.

The college positions itself as preparing graduates for vocational ministry, further academic study, and service-oriented careers, drawing students from across Canada and internationally to its Fraser Valley campus near Vancouver.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Columbia Bible College — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.

Academic Details

Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Columbia Bible College are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must be at least 17 years old and a professing Christian committed to growth in discipleship. Domestic applicants need a Canadian or US high school diploma with a minimum 60% average across their top five Grade 11-12 courses, at least three of which must be academic courses (provincial English equivalents specified, e.g. Alberta English 30-1, Ontario Grade 12 English U). Applicants must agree to Columbia's Student Community Commitments and supply two personal references from adults outside their immediate family. Conditional admission is available for students awaiting final transcripts, mature students (21+, out of school one year or more), or those enrolling in ENGL 105. International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency: IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum, or TOEFL 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 79 (internet-based); testing may be waived after three-plus years of English-medium study or comparable North American English coursework. Tuition is the same for domestic and international students.

Programs Offered

Columbia Bible College's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

16 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 5 programmes

Certificate 4 programmes

Diploma 7 programmes

How to apply to Columbia Bible College

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Columbia Bible College, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Columbia Bible College offers 16 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Columbia Bible College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Columbia Bible College's online portal at www.columbiabc.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by email at [email protected]. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Bible College

Frequently asked questions about Columbia Bible College, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

When did Columbia Bible College open?

Columbia Bible College traces its founding to 1936 (approximately 90 years ago).

What city is Columbia Bible College in?

Columbia Bible College operates from Abbotsford, Canada.

What is Columbia Bible College's official website?

You can find Columbia Bible College online at www.columbiabc.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Columbia Bible College overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Faculties at nearby universities

Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Columbia Bible College. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.

Where Else to Study Religious Studies

Programme-level scholarships for Religious Studies students vary substantially across Canada institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

Universities Compared with Columbia Bible College

Faculty mobility between Columbia Bible College and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

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