University Counsellors Are Here To Help You Reach Your Academic Goals

University Canada West would like to thank each counsellor who advises students about their academic future. We know the time, effort and care you take to ensure that students have opportunities to succeed and we appreciate it. In fact, we couldn't do our job without you. This portion of the website has been designed to answer questions that you and your students may have. Please browse our university information and let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Q: Where is the university located?
University Canada West has a campus located at 1111 Melville Street in downtown Vancouver. The campus is within walking distance of many amenities and close to public transportation routes.

Please visit our directions/map page for detailed directions to University Canada West.

Q: What are the student admission requirements?
If a student is graduating from high school and has a 65% average or better and is motivated to pursue post-secondary education, they meet the standard requirements posted by Canadian universities, including University Canada West. The difference is that with 65% you can be confident of acceptance. Please see our admissions requirements on our Admissions page.

Q: Is there an application fee?
There is a $150 application fee for all students.

Q: What are the entrance requirements for international students?
Applicants to undergraduate programs are expected to have the equivalent of a Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma. English is the language of instruction and communication. If English is not a student’s first language, they will need to provide evidence of their proficiency in English. For more details please see our talk with one of our International Student Enrollment Representatives.

Q: What is the average class size?
Class sizes are small. Classes will be divided into Learning Teams which allow for more interaction and group work with classmates. Face-to-face environments including individual time with professors will provide opportunities for students to ask questions and improve their learning skills.

Q: Can students attend classes in the evenings?
Yes. Students can attend classes in the evening and on weekends. 

Q: What credentials do your professors have?
University Canada West professors have advanced academic degrees and experience. We require our professors to have the same qualifications as those of other Canadian universities. At the post-graduate level, our faculty have a doctorate or its equivalent agency-accredited professional degree. Undergraduate instructors must have at least a Master's degree or its equivalent.

Q: Are your courses transferable to other post-secondary institutes?
As with any British Columbia University, it is up to the receiving institution to determine what credit will be awarded. If a student wants to transfer University Canada West credits to another institution, they will need to get permission in writing from the registrar or the program head at the institution to which they wish to transfer. We are working with the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) as a receiving institution.

Q: Are University Canada West degrees recognized?
All of our degree programs have been approved and recognized by the British Columbia Government Ministry of Advanced Education on advice of its Degree Quality Assessment Board, and our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of positions, including other post-secondary institutions.

Q: Does the university offer scholarships, bursaries or awards?
Yes. University Canada West offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to qualified students. Our students are also eligible for awards offered by other organizations. Contact the Student Finance Office for more information.

Q: Do students attend classes in the summer?
The University Canada West academic year is broken into five, 10-week terms. Students must attend a minimum of three terms each year, taking three courses each term. The early and late summer terms are open to students who wish to continue with their studies or they can be taken off for holidays, work or to pursue other enriching activities away from the classroom.

Q: Can students take longer than two years to complete their degrees?
Our program format condenses the work of a traditional four-year degree program into as little as two years. Students are welcome to take longer than two years but have a maximum of seven years to complete their undergraduate degrees. The sooner a student graduates, the sooner they can start their career.

Q: Does University Canada West have a Co-op program?
No, although we do place great importance on mentoring and teaching by people with practical business experience.

Q: What sort or eating/dining services are available?
We do not have a dining room on campus. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in the immediate areas the Vancouver campus.

Q: Do you have facilities for students with learning disabilities?
We will prepare to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities on an individual basis as required.

Q: Are there any student residences on campus?
We do not have on-campus accommodation at this time. Students are encouraged to seek residential accommodation in the community prior to arriving in Vancouver. The rental market in both cities is very competitive and students should arrange for more than one place to see, as rentals tend to be booked very quickly after they are advertised. Please contact the Student Services Coordinator for assistance. A homestay option is available to International students.

Q: Do you recognize prior/life learning?
We respect the knowledge and skills that are gained through a life of learning. We have a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process in place to evaluate potential credit for non-traditional experience.

Q: What extracurricular activities do you have for students?
The Student Services team provides an array of activity options for students. Contact Student Services for more information.

Q: What are your application deadlines?
For a list of deadlines see our Admission Deadlines page.

Q: What is the best way to register?
The easiest way to register is at www.ucan.ca using our online registration form.