Introduction to Vancouver: Careers & Education

Towering mountains to the north, sparkling ocean waters to the west, and a comfortable, temperate climate draw nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to Vancouver year-round.

World renowned for its unparalleled beauty, Vancouver consistently draws high rankings on quality of life surveys, and in 2004 was named the Best City in the Americas by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Vancouver showcased the elements that earned these high marks as it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Canada's third-largest city is found in the southwest corner of British Columbia on the coast of the Straight of Georgia, 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the United States-Canada border in Washington. The City of Vancouver is home to over 500,000 and is part of a 21-municipality region that comprises the Greater Vancouver area, housing well over two million residents, more than half of the population of British Columbia. Nearly 70% of newcomers to British Columbia make their home in the Greater Vancouver area, which is experiencing a surge of population growth, fueled in part by a terrific economy in the area.

Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries as it expands to keep up with increases in population. Trade makes up one of the largest industries, as it employs more than 200,000 people. Technology is booming, especially telecommunications, biotechnology, wireless communications, new media, and fuel cells. Film and television production is also huge in Vancouver -- the city is the third largest film production center in North America. Nearly 200 movies and television shows are filmed here annually.

Other major industries include tourism; professional, scientific, and technical services; business, building, and supply services; educational services; transportation and warehousing; agriculture; and forestry, fishing, mining, oil, and gas.

Dive into any of these industries with a degree from one of the many schools in Vancouver,

Going to School in Vancouver

Post-secondary education in Vancouver has become vital.

British Columbia's population is heavily concentrated in Greater Vancouver and thus it is fitting that there is such a wealth of public post-secondary institutions in the metropolitan area. According to Vancouver Economic Development, public post-secondary institutions in Greater Vancouver award more than 29,000 degrees and certificates annually.

Options in Greater Vancouver include 12 universities, university colleges, colleges, and institutes:

Universities

• Simon Fraser University - Burnaby, Vancouver, and Harbour Centre
• Thompson Rivers University - Burnaby
• University of British Columbia - Vancouver

University Colleges

• Kwantlen University College - Surrey, Langley, and Richmond

Colleges

• Capilano College - North Vancouver
• Douglas College - New Westminster
• Langara College - Vancouver
• Vancouver Community College - Vancouver

Institutes

• British Columbia Institute of Technology - Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond
• Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design - Vancouver
• Institute of Indigenous Government - Burnaby
• Justice Institute of British Columbia - New Westminster

In addition to Vancouver's public post-secondary schools, there are more than 300 career training institutions in the metropolitan area which are registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency.

British Columbia has a comprehensive transfer system that makes it possible for students to begin studies at one institution and transfer to another, improving access, and making it possible for many students to live at home for at least some of their post-secondary education. The extensive transfer system also provides students a wide variety of choice in learning environments, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Another unique option students have is access to courses offered at public institutions throughout British Columbia through BCCampus. Students can enroll in distance education classes that might not be offered at their school, or that do not fit into their schedule. The virtual campus also offers general education resources for all students attending public post-secondary institutions.

Prospective students who are ready to complete an application to a public post-secondary institution can do so online through the Post-Secondary Application Service of British Columbia. Most public institutions accept applications through PASBC, but be sure to check that your chosen school is listed before completing an application.

See more about the top colleges and universities in Vancouver.