University Recognition

Is University Canada West Accredited?

Canada does not have a national or regional accreditation system for post-secondary institutions and, therefore, educational jurisdictions do not normally employ the word "accredited" to denote provincially authorized or recognized institutions. In Canada, each province uses its own quality assurance process to ensure the legitimacy of institutions.

It is important for international students to understand that education in Canada is a provincial matter, as outlined in the Canadian Constitution. Authority to operate educational institutions falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial governments and quality assurance is maintained at the level of provincial authorities. In British Columbia, this responsibility rests with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

Under BC legislation, the Minister of Advanced Education must approve all new degree programs for all BC public post-secondary institutions. The minister may grant consent to private and out-of-province public institutions to provide, advertise or grant degrees in BC and use the word “university” for educational purposes.

For more information British Columbia's university recognition system visit the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer.

University Recognition

University Canada West operates under the authority of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, on recommendation of the Degree Quality Assessment Board. The term “university” is used under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education, Government of British Columbia, Canada, effective August 9, 2004, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister.

Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB)

The Degree Quality Assessment Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development on applications posted for:

• New degree programs and exempt status submitted by B.C. public post-secondary institutions and all degree programs submitted by private and out-of-province public post-secondary institutions.
• Use of the word “university” submitted by private and out-of-province public post-secondary institutions.

The DQAB also recommends to the Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development policies, criteria and guidelines that will apply for the purposes of giving, renewing or refusing consent / approval or attaching terms and conditions to consent.