Services and resources for VCC international students
We provide a variety of services to support international students’ study experiences at VCC, including:
- International advising: Get guidance on academic planning, policies, and life as an international student.
- Pre-arrival and new student orientation: Prepare for your studies and settle in with helpful information and orientation sessions.
- Medical insurance: Learn about different types of health insurance and what coverage you need while studying in Canada.
- International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC): Connect with experienced students for peer support, advice, and community building.
- Career guidance for international students: Explore guidance on career options, job search strategies, and work opportunities during and after your studies.
- Workshops and events: Join sessions that provide guidance on immigration and visa requirements.
- Resources and handouts: Access useful guides and materials to support your student experience.
- Exchange and mobility: Discover options to participate in international learning experiences.
Services and resources for all VCC students
VCC offers many services to help you be successful and enjoy your student life on campus, including:
- Bookstore: Check the VCC Bookstore to see what textbooks and supplies you need for your programs and courses.
- Counselling: Find out if you need counselling, and how VCC students can book the free counselling services.
- Financial Aid: Get details about scholarships, awards and bursaries.
- Important Dates: Check important dates, deadlines and upcoming college closures.
- Learning Centre (Tutoring): See how VCC students can get free academic and career support.
- Library: See what services you can get from the libraries on both campuses.
- myVCC: Browse your myVCC account to access your account details, such as schedules and payments.
- Student Records: Get information about how to check your grades, request or order transcripts, and more.
- Students’ Union: Find out different ways you can receive support from SUVCC (Students’ Union of VCC).
- Tax and SIN (Social Insurance Number): Get information about tax forms and the SIN requirement.
- U-Pass and Compass Card: Check how the Compass Card works, and how to activate and load your U-Pass.
- VCC Account and Password: See how you can access your VCC student account or reset your password.
- VCC Email: See how you can access your VCC email and start to get connected.
- VCC Student Photo ID Card: New international students can get their VCC Student ID cards (photo ID) during the IE welcome events or at the Registrar’s Office after classes begin.
- Wi-Fi: Need to connect to Wi-Fi on campus? See how you can get connected.
International student newsletters
Currently-enrolled international students receive a monthly newsletter that includes important updates, reminders and announcements. View the recent issues of the monthly newsletters from the links below, and refer to the website for the most updated information about student support, advising services and other important information.
- 2026: January and February, March, April, June, July
- 2025: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Email [email protected] with your suggestions on what to include in the newsletter.
Volunteer opportunities
We are looking for enthusiastic and outgoing international students in our career programs to help out at upcoming events. Please email [email protected] if you would like to volunteer. A few examples of volunteering opportunities include the New International Student Orientations and special on-campus events.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you have a specific question and cannot find the answer on the website, connect with the international advising team or email [email protected] with your student ID, name and program.
Where do I find information about filing an income tax return?
Eligible VCC students receive income tax statements usually in late February from:
- Vancouver Community College – shows the tuition fees paid in the previous year (T2202: Tuition and Enrolment Certificate form available through myVCC)
- Banks – shows the interest that your money or investments earned
- Employers – shows the salary you earned and the income tax that you paid
These slips are necessary if you decide to file an income tax return. An income tax return is a report that residents of Canada submit to the Canadian Government in order to report any income they have earned and taxes they have paid during the year.
You can get further information about Canada’s income tax system by visiting the following links:
How do I get Upass? What if my Upass doesn’t work?
You need to purchase a Compass card from a Skytrain station. Once you purchase the card, you can link to your Upass by visiting the Upass website. More information can be found on the U-Pass BC page.
Can I take part-time courses in the summer when I have a break?
It would be advisable to first speak with your academic program area regarding taking courses during your scheduled break, as this may impact your program progression.
I’m going into year 2 of my program. When will I receive my schedule? How do I know how much my tuition is and what the payment deadline is?
You will receive your schedule approximately one month prior to you beginning Year 2, provided that you are in good academic standing and you have no holds on your account. The exact date you will be registered depends on when the schedule is available. After you have been registered, you will receive an email from the Student Accounts office with information about your tuition fees owing and payment deadlines. You can also view your schedule on your myVCC account.
If you have questions about your tuition and/or payment deadline, please contact the Student Accounts Office directly in person or by email at [email protected]