Learn about why Canada is a fantastic choice for your post-secondary education abroad, what the current employment outlook in British Columbia is and what you can expect in terms of cost of living.
British Columbia is a province located in Western Canada next to the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most diverse provinces in Canada with over 30% of its population being immigrants, according to the 2021 Canadian Consensus.
It is known for its rustic natural beauty boasting towering mountains, majestic old growth rainforests and coastline beaches that will take your breath away.
CapU's Main Campus is located only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, 20 minutes from local mountains and 10 minutes from the beach.
Vancouver also ranks among the top-10 most livable cities in the world, and you'll be comfortable 12 months of the year, with the mild climate averaging highs of 22° C in July and 7° C in January.
Living in B.C.
Although B.C. is a beautiful place to live, it can also be expensive. As part of your study permit application, you are required to provide Proof of Financial Support.
This is to ensure that in addition to your tuition fees, you will able to cover all costs related to your living expenses as estimated below for the duration of your studies.
CapU Student Housing
Housing is available at Squamish Campus and a short distance from North Vancouver Campus.
- Cost Range: $1400-1600 CAD/month
- Advantages: Close to classes, safe, easy to make friends, services included such as a meal plan, laundry, and internet.
- Disadvantages: Shared facilities, no pets and family allowed
Homestay
- Cost Range: $1,200-2,000 CAD/month
- Advantages: fast way to learn about local culture, good support from the family, safe
- Disadvantages: need to follow the house rules of the host family
Shared accommodation
- Cost Range: $800-1,800 CAD/month
- Advantages: individual bedroom, more space
- Disadvantages: unpredictable roommate relationships
Independent accommodation
- Cost Range: $1,500-2,500 CAD/month
- Advantages: more space and freedom, guest and family allowed
- Disadvantages: high cost, may require purchasing some furniture, complicated rental procedure
Basic cost of living expenses
- Food and entertainment: $1,000-2,000 CAD/month
- Transportation: covered by U-Pass BC
- Books and Supplies: $1,500 CAD/year
- Insurance (MSP): $900 CAD/year
- Phone plan (varies by carrier): $40 CAD/month
- Internet (varies by carrier): $60 CAD/month
Working in B.C.
Most working students are paid minimum wage. The current B.C. minimum wage is $17.40/hr.
- Work on-campus and off-campus;
- Work in Co-op or practicum positions; and
- Work after graduation (Post-Graduate Work Permit).
CapU bachelor's degree graduates:
- 93% satisfaction rate;
- 93% said the quality of instruction was very good or good;
- 95% are in the labour force;
- Median annual salary is $55,000;
- 86% of employed respondents were working full-time;
- 83% of employed respondents were in a job related to their program; and
- 92% said the knowledge and skills gained were useful in performing their job.
Source: BC Student Outcomes Data Viewer (Data from 2021 to 2023)
Over the next decade, economists are forecasting significant growth in these industries.
| Industry group | Job openings |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and social assistance | 166,300 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 142,400 |
| Retail trade | 103,700 |
| Educational services | 70,600 |
| Construction | 66,700 |
| Accommodation and food services | 60,800 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 56,800 |
| Public administration | 54,600 |
| Manufacturing | 50,800 |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 50,700 |