Complete Guide to Study at University of Canada West for International Students

University Canada West (UCW) is a renowned and well-known university that is known for providing its thousands of students with top-of-the-line quality educational services for pursuing their higher education. Located in the region of Vancouver, in British Columbia, the province is known for providing its student populace with a multitude of career opportunities as it is also a centre for many globally known large-scale corporations like Microsoft, Sony, and Amazon. This blog is a complete guide to study at University of Canada West for International Students, and we hope most if not all of your queries will be answered here. So, let's dive straight into the blog to see all of what UCW has to offer.

About University of Canada West

University Canada West (UCW) is an innovative business and technology-centred university that was founded in 2004 in Canada. Since its inception, UCW has focused on offering applied undergraduate and graduate degrees for both domestic and international students. Located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver, UCW offers a wide range of top career-focused programs which include courses such as the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts, and Master of Business Administration.

UCW is located in two easily accessible campuses that are both located in downtown Vancouver, Canada. Hence it is very easy for students to explore around the city and take in the culture of Vancouver and also the international community. The programs offered are designed to be at the top of the latest trends in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Being a university that provides top business and technology-focused education, the faculty of UCW are also expert professionals who shine forth for their hands-on business acumen and experience, who inculcate their expertise through experiential learning to their students in developing the future generation of experts.

UCW has over 6000+ students enrolled who study the various courses provided, out of which many international students come from over 100+ countries from across the world. The university's campuses and the faculty and staff foster a cohesive student community that is constantly working in enabling the students to study together and support each other. UCW employs a team of Student Recruitment Advisors who assist prospective students with any queries that they might come across during their application process.

Governance at UCW

The system of governance followed by the UCW is similar to the bicameral system that is set in place in many Canadian universities, where the Board of Governors is responsible for the strategic direction and the overall governance of the university, and the Academic Council consists of the broad representation of the senior administrative staff, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the external members. Here, the Board of Governors' responsibilities includes the fiduciary, legal, and financial responsibility for the UCW, with a role and mandate that is similar to the public universities' Board of Governors, whereas the decisions about the academic programs and policies are made by the Academic Council as per the approved bylaws.

Sustainability at UCW

UCW knows the need and the necessity for the sustainability of the future of our planet. Hence, they are committed to establishing a green footprint to initiate the environmental stewardship of their campuses where they teach not only sustainability but also set a model through their own actions.

UCW is also a proud member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for tireless efforts towards a sustainable and green future. UCW strictly adheres to the principles of "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" since their inception and continues to follow these and hope to make an impact in the future generation that together we can make a change in the ever-growing society.

Transportation and Curriculum & Faculty at UCW

UCW's Vancouver House Campus is seen to be close to two of the adjacent and active travel paths where they have a rapid transit and an express bus service within a 10-minute walk. It also comprises a shuttle service that can also support both bikes and wheelchairs to the university's doors, and also a foot ferry that also can support cyclists to travel around.

Similarly, UCW takes sustainability very seriously and as such, they incorporate it into the curriculum and even the university's professors are very much involved in their sustainability research or lead these initiatives as a part of their professional practice to inculcate the value of the saying, "Actions speak louder than words".

University of Canada West Ranking

• UCW is rated as a 5-star institution by the QS Stars higher education rating system and is ranked as top 10 online universities in Canada for 2021. UCW is the 3rd university in Canada and the 1st in British Columbia to receive a 5-star rating from QS Stars.
• UCW has received its rating based on these criteria:
  • Teaching: 5 stars
  • Employability: 5 stars
  • Academic Development: 5 stars
  • Online Learning: 5 stars
  • Social Responsibility: 5 stars
  • Inclusiveness: 4 stars
• UCW has also received a 5-star rating for the Specialist Criteria Category for the course of MBA.
• UCW is ranked 4th in Apply Board's top 10 Canadian university programs for its MBA program.

Not only these, but the UCW has acclaimed many accreditations from numerous organisations and institutions that help the university to stand amongst the top with various leading universities across Canada.

• UCW is recognised for the services provided to higher education in Canada and is accredited by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) for the MBA and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) programs and Languages Canada for the University's Access Courses.
• UCW is a member of the BC Transfer System (BCCAT) that supports hundreds of credit transfer arrangements to other post-secondary institutions.
• UCW is also accredited with EduCanada which is a brand that supports the international education offer of the Canadian provinces and its territories.
• UCW is also accredited with NCMA's national accreditation for its MBA and BCom degrees from CIM I chartered managers Canada.
• UCW is also a proud affiliate for the collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association.
• UCW is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), where the university receives support in advancing its sustainability initiatives throughout its campuses and the community.
• UCW is a proud member of the BC Tech Association where BC Tech is a non-profit that is a well-respected and trusted voice for the tech sector in British Columbia.
• Languages Canada, AACSB International, and Canadian Bureau for International Education are also some of the other accreditations that are received by the UCW.

University of Canada West Admissions Requirements

UCW offers its courses to students from more than 45 countries across the world. The University offers courses that are approved by the Government of British Columbia such as B Com, Associate of Arts, BA Business Communication, MBA and the admission requirements are as follows:

• Official high school transcripts
• Receipt of registration deposit
• Letter of intent
• Copy of the approved visa for the designated time
• Official English language proficiency test scores
• GMAT/GRE scores (for graduate courses)

English Language Requirements to Study at UCW

UCW's language of instruction is in English and all the applicants who apply to study here are required to provide proof of their academic English language proficiency through one of the test programs mentioned below:

• English Language Instruction
• English Language Test
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

English Language Instruction

For those who have completed their education in an English-speaking country, you can provide your transcripts/reports as proof to show your academic English-language proficiency.

Below listed achievements can be used as requirements for admission without the need to take UAP:

• BC English 12 (or equivalent) taken in Canada with a minimum final grade of 'C'.
• Full-time studies for 4 years in an English-speaking country (with English medium of instruction) with a final-year minimum average of grade 'C'.
• Awarded with International Baccalaureate English A1/A2 or English Literature and Performance with a minimum final grade of '3'.
• 3-credit academic English course is required with a minimum final score of at least 'C'.
• 30-credits of academic post-secondary studies with a GPA of 2.00 or more.

However, if there are any inconsistencies in your English-language scores during your application, the admissions department may request additional proof of your English-language proficiency.

English Language Test

However, if by any chance you are unable to meet the English language requirement, you can still be considered for admissions via the University Access Program (UAP).

For students who have completed their education in a non-English speaking country, you can provide your proof of successful completion of any of the below mentioned standardised English-language proficiency tests as follows: 

*researched and taken from here. 

1. *The minimum writing score is also applicable to all assessed components of the test.
2. **May be either of the following three tests; Cambridge B2 First; Cambridge C1 Advanced; or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
3. ***Writing is assessed as the average score for achievement in both Literacy and Production.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

As an alternate route, you can also choose to provide a certificate for academic English-language proficiency from an ESL pathway program. To ensure you have a smooth transition while applying for UCW, it is advised that you complete your ESL program before the commencement of your course program at UCW.

UCW has partnered with 17 ESL Institutions that offer a program that satisfies the requirements for the admission process without the need to take the UAP.

University of Canada West Application Process

UCW offers B Com, BA Business, and Associate in Arts programs under UG programs and MBA under Graduate programs that are facilitated by small class strength, expert faculty, and flexible class hours and include practical exposure and team activities to facilitate all-round development.

The application process can be listed out to help you understand easier as follows:

Popular Intakes to Study at UCW

The Government of British Columbia has approved UCW through the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) to offer the following degrees that have been hotly pursued by the students of both the domestic and international community are as follows:

• Bachelor of Arts (Business Communication)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Associate of Arts

Cost of studying at University of Canada West

The total list for the Cost of studying at UCW for the courses that are offered by the universities are listed below:

Please make note that the tuition and other fees mentioned below are subject to change, and we encourage you to check our links to keep yourself updated with the latest cost prices regarding the same.

Tuition cost for Bachelor Degree Programs

• Tuition deposit for International students are: $7,900 (CAD)
• First-term tuition deposits for domestic students are: $500 (CAD)

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.
3. **Additional costs are related to textbooks and materials for each of the courses that are not included in the tuition. 

Tuition Costs for Associate of Arts

• Tuition deposit for International students are: $7,900 (CAD)
• First-term tuition deposits for domestic students are: $500 (CAD)

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.
3. **Additional costs are related to textbooks and materials for each of the courses that are not included in the tuition.

Tuition cost for Master of Business Administration (MBA)

1. Tuition deposit for International students are: $7,900 (CAD)
2. First-term tuition deposit for domestic students are: $500 (CAD)

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.
3. **Students taking MRKT 621 will be charged an extra of CAD 150 fee to access the Digital Marketing Institute Modules and membership.
4. ***Additional costs are related to textbooks and materials for each of the courses that are not included in the tuition.

Tuition costs for MBA Foundation

1. Tuition deposit for International students are: $7,900 (CAD)
2. First-term tuition deposits for domestic students are: $500 (CAD)

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.
3. **Additional costs are related to textbooks and materials for each of the courses that are not included in the tuition.

Tuition costs for University Access Program (UAC 010, UAC 020, or UAC 030)

1. Tuition deposit for International students are: $7,900 (CAD)
2. First-term tuition deposit for domestic students are: $500 (CAD)

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *Additional costs are related to textbooks and materials for each of the courses that are not included in the tuition.

Additional Fees

The additional fees that are charged by the university are listed below:

Tuition Fees for Other Courses

Compulsory Registration Fees:

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. *medical insurance coverage for new students' first term at UCW which includes the New Student Orientation (NSO) week.
3. **medical Insurance coverage for returning students.

Fees for Additional Services

1. *researched and taken from here.
2. Tuition deposit for international students: CAD 7,900
3. First-term tuition deposit for domestic students: CAD 500

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada comprises various factors that are listed as below:

University of Canada West Scholarships

UCW provides various awards, scholarships, and grants to new students who are applying to a UCW undergraduate or graduate program. Candidates should NOTE that only ONE award, scholarship, grant, or one continuing student award can be availed if eligible. Hence, the applicants for these scholarships, awards, or grants are advised to review every section carefully and supply all the necessary documentation to be considered as only a few of each award will be available for every term.

The applied awards once given to the student will be applied to their tuition at UCW on a prorated basis throughout the duration of the award. Hence, the award will be given out for every term based on the number of courses that the candidate has applied for based on the specific requirements and conditions stated for the award/scholarship.

The following international student awards are given automatically and do not require a scholarship application:

• The Emily Baker Scholarship
• MBA Excellence Scholarship for Continuing Students:
• MBA Foundation Study Grant
• Pathway to Knowledge Bursary
• Scholarships for Academic Excellence
• Second Language Excellence Scholarship

There are other scholarships, awards, grants but the requirements, unfortunately, do not most qualify non-English speaking International students and some of them are country-specific, for which more information can be obtained from the university's website.

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