Choosing the right college in Canada is a big decision and an important investment in your future. Vancouver Community College (VCC) is a public school and has been providing high-quality programs to Canadian and international students since 1965. VCC’s highly qualified instructors and dedicated team of support staff are committed to helping international students achieve their educational and career goals.
Welcome to VCC
Ajay Patel, VCC president and CEO, delivers a welcome message to incoming international students.
Welcome to Vancouver
A warm welcome from VCC students, highlighting campus life and the beauty of Vancouver.
Benefits of studying at VCC
Why choose Vancouver Community College (VCC) as an international student in Canada?
- Public college in British Columbia (B.C.): Study at a government-accredited public college in Canada, trusted since 1965 for high-quality education.
- Career-focused programs in Canada: Gain practical, job-ready skills through programs designed with industry partners to match current labour market demand.
- Experienced instructors with industry expertise: Learn from highly qualified instructors with real-world experience. Many are recognized with national and industry awards.
- Small class sizes and personalized support: Benefit from smaller classes, allowing for more interaction, individual attention, and better learning outcomes.
- Free academic support services: Access free tutoring and learning support through VCC’s Learning Centre to help you succeed in your studies.
- Affordable tuition for international students: VCC offers some of the most competitive tuition fees among public colleges in British Columbia.
- Wide range of programs and pathways: Choose from diploma, certificate, and post-degree programs, with transfer opportunities to other Canadian institutions.
- Study and work opportunities in Canada: Eligible students can work part-time during studies and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing eligible programs.
- Strong graduate employment outcomes: VCC graduates are well-prepared for employment, with strong connections to employers across multiple industries.
- Study in Vancouver – a top student destination: Experience life in one of the most livable cities in the world while building your education and career.
Location of VCC
Study in Canada
Canada is known for its high quality of life, safety, and diverse communities. It is a top destination for international students seeking globally recognized education and career opportunities.
Study in B.C.
Located on Canada’s west coast, British Columbia offers a strong economy, natural beauty, and a growing job market. It attracts students, professionals, and newcomers from around the world.
Study in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest and most vibrant cities, consistently ranked among the most livable cities globally.
- Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains
- Mild climate compared to other Canadian cities
- Safe, clean, and multicultural environment
- Access to healthcare, public transportation, and student services
- A hub for industries such as hospitality, business, technology, and trades
Students in Vancouver enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to:
- Outdoor activities (mountains, beaches, parks)
- Arts, culture, and entertainment
- Diverse international food scene
- World-class shopping and city amenities
VCC Campus Locations in Vancouver
Vancouver Community College has two conveniently located campuses:
- Downtown Campus – located in the heart of Vancouver’s business and cultural district
- Broadway Campus – centrally located with easy access to transit and surrounding neighbourhoods
What students say about VCC
Since 1965, VCC has played a key role in helping industries meet their needs for highly skilled employees. Our graduate placement rates are among the highest in the province.
Student success
Check out VCC graduate outcomes and the following student stories and feedback.
What inspired me at VCC is having a chance of being successful while living and working here in this beautiful country.
Kadu Henrique, Brazil
Hospitality Management Diploma
The knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained from VCC have made me feel ready to achieve my dream.
Vanvisa Sataglamp, Thailand
Culinary Arts Diploma
- “I’m very grateful to be selected as the recipient of the Howie Hayes Scholarship in VCC, which is also the first scholarship I have ever received in my life. Thanks to all our amazing instructors at VCC. Without your guidance and encouragement, I will never get such achievements today. I would like to recommend the Hospitality Management Program of VCC to my friends who are eager to start their new lives in Canada.”
Dan (Suan) Liu, China, Hospitality Management Diploma, Recipient of Howie Hayes Scholarship, June 2023
- “I like the program as I learned new things that I am interested in, and I appreciated all the support from the VCC instructors and staff.”
Brenda Yuen, Hong Kong, Hospitality Management Diploma, Recipient of Association of VCC Administrators Leadership Scholarship, June 2023
- “Thank you so much for the International team, you’re always encouraging me. Thank you for the helping during the whole process of applying for the courses and answering my queries. Wish you all the best!”
Ka Yi Ng (Jodi), Hong Kong, Hospitality Management Diploma, Recipient of Student’s Union of Vancouver Community College Scholarship, December 2022
- “It’s the second scholarship I obtained in my life and at the VCC. Thank you for nominating and choosing me for the Anne Coates Memorial Scholarship. I’m sincerely grateful for your guidance and support throughout my education. Your encouragement and recognition provide me, as an international student, with the motivation to overcome any challenges, and strive for excellence. The Anne Coates Memorial Scholarship also reduces the financial burden of completing my diploma. Once again, thank you so much and best wishes!”
Ka Yuk Shirley Leung, Hong Kong, Hospitality Management Diploma, Recipient of Anne Coates Memorial Scholarship, June 2022
- “I cannot tell how lucky I am to get the chance to study at VCC. I get to learn from the best instructors with practical knowledge that can really help me with my career of choice. VCC amazing instructors always happy to share their experiences and encourage me to learn as much as I can, as well as support me to reach my full potential. During the course I get to work with real clients to experience what it is like to work in the field, many workshops had been thrown for experts to share their knowledge with us. Not only that I get to learn, but I also made friend with amazing people – my classmates – which make my learning experience unforgettable. Learning at VCC is no doubt one of the best decision I have made.”
Thanh Ngan Pham, Vietnam, Graphic Design Diploma, Recipient of Pacific Newspaper Group Scholarship, June 2022
- “At the beginning of my program, I was worried that two years of school would pass slowly. But I enjoyed my time at VCC so much, and I can’t believe it’s already over. Many lovely memories will stay with me forever. Being inspired by the instructors that encourage me to be Red Seal Chef, and the opportunity to volunteer at prestigious events like the Bacchanalia Wine Festival Gala Dinner at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This wonderful opportunity is a great reference for me when I apply for a job. Moreover, I have connected with so many VCC graduates from VCC after I graduated from VCC. Those have made me feel VCC is my second home. The knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained from VCC have made me feel ready to achieve my dream. This experience has motivated me to continue to advance in this incredible industry. VCC is a well-recognized college in the Culinary industry. Thank you to all of my instructors, a donation from the Mueller Family, and the steadfast support from the Culinary Arts department, and VCC as a whole. Choosing to study at VCC is the best choice for me ever and I am so proud to be a part of the VCC Community.”
Vanvisa Sataglamp, Thailand, Culinary Arts Diploma, VCC Fall 2021 Convocation Valedictorian
- “What I like most about VCC is all the friends that I was able to make and all the knowledge that I was able to gain! I have the opportunity to show some Brazilian dishes that we have in my country (Brazil). What inspired me at VCC is having a chance of being successful while living and working here in this beautiful country.”
Kadu Henrique, Brazil, Hospitality Management Diploma
- “VCC’s environment made my experience a whole lot better because it wasn’t hard to find friends especially that it is my first time studying abroad. What I like most about VCC is the learning experience because the instructors are highly qualified and experts with real-world experience in the field. As a Culinary Arts student, seeing myself improving and learning new ideas in the culinary field makes me one step closer to my dream of becoming a chef. VCC has changed my life and I can proudly say that choosing VCC is the right choice.”
Cheska Marielle Ferolino, Philippines, Culinary Arts Diploma
- “I love the cultural diversity at VCC. I met people and made friends from all over the world and I learned so much with them!
Juliana Jara, Brazil, Jewellery Art and Design
- “It is a pleasure for me to be part of VCC. the thing that inspires me the most is our instructors. They are very polite and helpful.”
U.A., India, Canadian Business Management
- “I’m very proud of being a student in VCC. I still don’t believe that I was selected for the Dilawri Group of Companies Automotive Award.”
Chihyun Park, South Korea, Automotive Service Technology
- “I like the infrastructure that we have to learn every day, and the importance of the learning process – not only practice but also theory.”
Catalina Saavedra Rodriguez, Mexico, Baking and Pastry
- “I like the opportunity to learn new techniques and methods. Most of the instructors have a lot of experiences.”
Jaqueline Munoz, Mexico, Culinary Arts
- “This program is what I wanted to do in the future, and this is my career. I learned lots in this program.”
Bach Pham, Vietnam, Automotive Collision & Refinishing
- “A good program, giving a thorough knowledge about autobody industry and its advancements, and teaches good skills.”
Dhairya Chaudhary, India, Automotive Collison and Refinishing
- “We got to work on customer cars, like a real shop.”
Dursim Hoxha, Albania, Automotive Service Technology
- “I like everything, especially the big variety of desserts we end up learning how to do.”
Gabriela Herrera, Panama, Baking & Pastry
- “This is a very good program. It helped me become an entry-level baker. I really appreciate that.”
Winnie Wang, China, Baking & Pastry
- “The program and courses are great. It taught me everything I should know about being or becoming a chef someday. The training though was tough, but it helped a lot especially in my practicum where I was offered a full-time job as Line Cook 3.”
Florida Vinas, Philippines, Culinary Arts
- “Student support was very good so I didn’t need to worry about any problem.”
Kohei Fukuda, Japan, Culinary Arts
- “This program is better than I thought and I am being prepared by the best chefs of Vancouver. Studying here I am feeling at home, the people here are amazing, very warm environment and everyone from the beginning very attentive and careful to me.”
Simone Madureira, Brazil, Culinary Arts
- “I like to use AutoCad and other drafting programs. It is amazing to learn many programs at once.”
Jason Kuo, Taiwan, CAD & BIM Technicians
- “The learning facilities are well structured, always clean and bright, the instructors and tutors are just amazing: dedication defines them. It makes studying pleasant and fun.”
Daniella Neves, Brazil, Hospitality Management
- “During my two year program at VCC I met a lot of interesting people with different backgrounds and cultures. The instructors were always there to help and listen when you needed help.”
Jenny Kapitola, Germany, Hospitality Management
Pathway to Canadian credentials and employment opportunities
VCC has the career program that is right for you. VCC has played a key role in helping industries meet today’s need for highly-skilled employees. Most of VCC’s programs integrate classroom learning and practical training to prepare students for employment. Our graduates have one of the highest success rates for finding jobs in B.C. International students in full-time career programs are eligible for the following work in Canada:
Working off-campus
International students are eligible to work part-time, up to 24 hours per week during their studies, and full-time during scheduled breaks if enrolled full-time in a VCC program that is six months or longer.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students may be eligible to apply for PGWP after completing a full-time PGWP-eligible program.
Career guidance at VCC
- VCC Works
- Career guidance for VCC international students
- Career access courses
- VCC free resume and cover letter course
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