International Students
Thousands of international students seek an international education in British Columbia each year. Studying in Canada allows you to experience a culture that is distinct from your own, but one that’s easy for newcomers to navigate. You’ll have the chance to live in a unique country renowned for its natural beauty, its emphasis on cultural diversity, and its commitment to all-around politeness. When you graduate, you’ll have a valuable degree and a well-rounded perspective on social, political, and cultural issues.
Columbia’s location in Abbotsford is great for those who want the amenities of a city but with a small-town feel: it’s quaint, friendly, and puts you close to farmland, mountains, rivers, and the ocean. You’ll enjoy that the world-class West Coast city of Vancouver, BC is within easy driving distance, just one hour away.
Spring 2024 Update
The Canadian government has recently decided to reduce international study permits by 35% for at least the next two years (see here). In British Columbia, this means that all international applicants must have an attestation letter from the institution which is required for a study permit application (see here). Columbia can provide these attestation letters, but we have a reduced overall number of spaces available for international students. International applicants are encouraged to connect with our Admissions Office as soon as possible to facilitate the application process.
Top Questions
Meet Haeyoung
Worship Arts | Class of 2021
Hometown: Cheonan, South Korea
“I am a Korean missionary kid that lived in Pakistan for fifteen years. When I searched for schools to attend after graduating high school, I came across the CBC website, and something in me knew that it would be home. So, even though I did not have any connections to Canada or the school, I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.”
Meet Raphael
BA in Counselling & a Certificate in Educational Assistant | Class of 2022
Hometown: Basel, Switzerland
“I decided to attend Columbia after completing a year of discipleship school in Kelowna, BC. I had heard a lot about Columbia prior to attending and was curious about the lifestyle and the community. At that point in life, I wasn’t too sure what would come next. So I handed in my application and prayed that God would do whatever he needed to if coming to Columbia was his plan for me. And here I am, entering my fourth year of the BA in Counselling program with a certificate in Educational Assistant. Since coming to Columbia, I have been changed and challenged to become a better and bigger version of myself. The community of other international students has helped me to not miss home as much, which I cherish.”
Meet Mary
Counselling | Class of 2022
Hometown: Machakos, Kenya
“Coming to CBC was a dream come true. CBC has an amazing administrative staff, excellent professors, and a friendly student-body. My time at CBC has been delightful. The atmosphere has been peaceful and the curriculum godly. My professors have been so supportive, cheering us on to be all that God has ordained us to be in a Christ-centered, loving, caring community. I commend the CBC community on the excellent way in which they enable students to connect their faith with their vocation. We are being transformed daily into Christlikeness and into servant leaders in our communities.”