Overview
Columbia College is a private, degree-granting institution in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 1936 as one of Canada's oldest independent colleges.
Located on Terminal Avenue, one SkyTrain stop from the downtown core, the college serves a deliberately international student body drawn from dozens of countries alongside Canadian students, and describes diversity and multiculturalism as central to its identity. Rather than offering standalone bachelor's degrees, Columbia College specializes in university transfer education: it is a recognized member of the BC Transfer System, and its first- and second-year coursework is pre-approved for transfer credit at universities including UBC, SFU, and the University of Victoria.
Students can complete a two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, choosing a concentration such as psychology, economics, political science, computer science, or mathematics, before transferring into the third year of a bachelor's program elsewhere. An accelerated tri-mester schedule lets students finish an associate degree in as little as sixteen months.
The college also runs a Canadian high school program and dedicated pathway agreements with Langara College and BCIT, alongside academic advising, career services, and immigration support for its transfer-focused student population.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Columbia College are listed below.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Columbia College's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Programs Offered
Every programme Columbia College currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.
10 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Associate's Degree 10 programmes
How to apply to Columbia College
A short guide to applying to Columbia College — five steps.
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1
Research programmes at Columbia College
Use the programme finder to browse Columbia College's 10 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Columbia College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Lodge your application
Columbia College processes applications through www.columbiacollege.ca. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at admin@columbiacollege.ca or by phone at +16046838360 . Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia College
Concise answers to common questions about Columbia College.
In what year was Columbia College established?
Columbia College was founded in 1936 (approximately 90 years ago).
Where can I find Columbia College?
The institution is located in Vancouver, Canada.
Where can I learn more about Columbia College?
The institution's website is www.columbiacollege.ca.
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Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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