Top 10 Colleges in Surrey Canada for International Students in 2024



There are many great colleges in Surrey Canada, and if that is where you are looking to head to, then here’s where we take an in-depth look at the colleges. If you are a prospective international student looking to study in Canada, it is important to widen your research beyond the popular cities such as Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. Cities like Surrey are home to some of the top colleges with great academic curriculum, industry associations, and a vibrant student-centric culture. So, if you are considering Canada for your higher education, Surrey is a city to keep in mind.



Why Universities in Surrey are good for international students?


Surrey is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. Located in beautiful British Columbia, Surrey is the 11th largest city in the country . The city is also a member municipality of the Metro Vancouver regional district and metropolitan area. Surrey makes studying in Canada a great experience.

Surrey is a true blend of different cultures as the city has a large immigrant population, especially from India and other Asian countries. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, which is popular for its employment opportunities and educational institutions.

When it comes to top colleges and educational institutions in Surrey, Colleges like Douglas College and Brighton College have always been the face of the city as these universities are popular across the globe for the quality of education, infrastructure, and other modern facilities and also their research outcomes.

Surrey was incorporated in 1879, seven years before Vancouver was incorporated as a municipality, and this makes the city older than Vancouver. From affordable housing facilities to cheap public transport services, the city has a lot to offer for people who wish to live here and be part of the city for their study needs.

It is a city with a lot of green spaces and tourist attractions. There are over 600 parks in this city, and home to a few of the world’s most famous beaches and parks, like Crescent beach and Darts Hill gardens.Surrey is also known as the city of parks, and with all the activities happening every day, Surrey will be an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Students can choose from a wide range of activities like hiking, biking, indoor and outdoor sports, bird watching, camping, trekking, and so on. Students can also be part of the city’s famous festivals like the Surrey fusion festival, Tree lighting festival, and Surrey Canada day to make their life eventful.

How much does it cost to study in Surrey?


This city has a lot to offer for international students. From the top-rated colleges and universities to fun activities like music and dance fest, student life in Surrey will be so happening with events round the clock.

Tuition fees in the colleges and universities in Surrey generally vary from one institution to the other, but the average tuition fees in these institutions are much lesser than that of the educational institution in other major cities of Canada. The average cost of living for students will also be really cheap in Surrey when compared to Cities like Ontario, Vancouver, and Toronto.

The average tuition fee for an intentional student to study at a top college in Surrey will be about CA $ 15,000 to CA $ 50,000 per year. If the student wants to do a program at the famous Simon Fraser University, the average tuition fees will be around CA $ 50, 000 and a the same time, the average tuition fees at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be around CA $ 14,500, which is lesser than the universities in Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver.

When it comes to living expenses, food expenses, travel expenses, and all the other monthly utilities, Surrey is much cheaper than cities like Vancouver and Toronto, as the average cost of living in this city will be around CA $1265to $1,500.

House rentals in Surrey depend on the area and locality of your choice; Surrey is a city that has a few of Canada’s most expensive properties and also cheap properties. A single-room apartment in the centre of the city will cost around CA $ 1694, and the same type of apartment in the other areas will cost only CA $ 1100.

What are the best colleges in Surrey for international students?


Before we get into the list of top colleges in Surrey, there is one important distinction one has to make when researching institutions of higher education in Canada. When it comes to Canadian colleges, universities and colleges cannot be used interchangeably. Universities are larger institutions that offer longer programmes rooted in academics and research. They typically offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes. In contrast, colleges are smaller entities whose programmes lean towards practical applications and employability. They typically offer diplomas, PG diplomas and undergraduate programmes.

That said, let us look at the list of top colleges in Surrey Canada.

S.No College Average tuition fees per year in CAD
1 Douglas College 18,900
2 Justice Institute of British Columbia 19,000
3 Brighton College 15,000
4 Sprott Shaw College 15,000
5 Oscar International College 13,000
6 Kwantlen Polytechnic University 14,000
7 CDI College Surrey 30,000
8 Keystone College 15,000
9 Pacific Link College 18,000
10 Langara College 18,000

1. Douglas College


Founded in 1970, Douglas college is one of the largest public colleges in Canada. They are popular for the best-in-class infrastructure and the top quality of education offered. The college offers 10 bachelor’s degree programs and also postgraduate courses in arts, science, and other areas of studies.

They have a strong alumni network that works towards campus placement for students and offers best-in-class career options. Elizabeth Bachinsky, Carleigh Baker, and Sky Lee are a few notable alumni from Douglas college. They have both on-campus and off-campus accommodations for students.

Why is it good to study here?

Douglas College is really popular among international students for the top-quality education and the infrastructure provided on campus. The infrastructure includes a small theatre, gym, proscenium theatre, library, and top-class auditoriums. Currently, the college has a student strength of 24,000 and 4210 students, out of which are international students from over 92 different countries.

Douglas College is also popular for courses in fields like social work, nursing, criminology, performing arts, and psychology. Douglas College has partnerships with top universities like UBC, SFU, University of Victoria, and the University of Toronto, and presently they offer more than 1000 degree programs.

Fees

The average tuition fee at Douglas College will be around CAD 18,900 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • A minimum overall grade average of 60% (or equivalent) in the final year of high school
  • A minimum final grade of “C” or 60% (or equivalent) in grade 11 Mathematics or equivalent for most programs
  • High school/college transcripts in English
  • Evidence of funds (GIC account with 20,635 CAD to apply under the SDS scheme)
  • Graduation from a recognized degree-granting post-secondary institution with a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree for PG admission

Courses offered

  • Following are the most popular courses offered at the college
  • Child And Youth Care
  • Disability & Community Studies
  • Social Work
  • Accounting
  • Business
  • Business Law
  • Commerce & Business Administration
  • Health Care Support Work
  • Health Information Management
  • Anthropology
  • Criminology
  • Geography And The Environment
  • History

2. Justice Institute of British Columbia


Justice Institute of British Columbia was founded in 1978 and is currently a learning public safety educator and a public post-secondary institution that works towards making a difference in society. They are really popular for courses in the field of justice and social services.

They also offer courses in emergency and security management and also criminal justice. Justice Institute of British Columbia is famous for the leading-edge technology on campus and also the experiential learning method offered by them.

Why is it good to study here?

Justice Institute of British Columbia offers programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as on-site professional workshops and training. Every year, about 32,000 students study at one of the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s six campuses in British Columbia, through online distance education and through offline education.

According to the DASCO Survey 2018, 91% of students who studied at the Justice Institute of British Columbia were satisfied or very satisfied with their education and the quality of education offered.

Fees

The average tuition fee at the Justice Institute of British Columbia will be around CAD 19,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • The required language proficiency of IELTS should be 6.5 or above, and the internet TOEFL should be 80 or above.
  • Completion of the British Columbia Grade 12 Graduation requirements or equivalency.
  • English 12 with a C grade or better standing or equivalency as defined below.

Courses offered

  • Community safety
  • Conflict resolution
  • Corrections & youth justice
  • Counselling
  • Driver education & road safety
  • Emergency management
  • Family justice
  • Fire fighting
  • Intelligence analysis
  • Law enforcement & Investigation
  • Municipal policing
  • Paramedicine & health sciences

3. Brighton College


Brighton College is a vocational training college that was established in 2000 with the motto of providing the best quality education for students of Canada and abroad. Brighton College specialises in providing career training in business, AutoCAD, IT, Accounting, Hospitality, Construction, Trading, Office administration, and hospital administration. These courses at Brighton College are meticulously designed and offered depending on the specialization required by the students, and it also includes special training and practice sessions for students to gain industry exposure.

Why is it good to study here?

Brighton College offers a truly flexible mode of learning that can be selected by the student; students can decide if they want to opt for offline classes or online classes, or even a blended mode of learning. The college advises international students to apply at least one year before the program commencement dates to finalise the course selection and other admission formalities.

Brighton College is popular for providing the best placement rates to assist students to get into the top companies during the placement programs. Programs at Brighton College are certified by the Private Teaching Institutions Branch (PTIB) as well as by British Columbia Education Quality Assurance (BC EQA); they have also currently partnered with the Forum for International Trade Training, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia, Canadian Payroll Association for providing best quality education and to focus more on the needs of the industry.

Fees

The average tuition fee at Brighton College will be around CAD 15,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

  • Eligibility
  • Possess a high school diploma (or equivalent) or mature student status;
  • Provide proof of language proficiency specific to individual programs;
  • Possess program-specific prerequisites if applicable;
  • Be able to legally study in Canada

Courses offered

  • AutoCAD Drafting Design Specialist
  • Construction and Drafting Technician
  • CAD Drafting for Building
  • Architecture Design and Building Technician
  • Architectural Design and Building Technician Diploma
  • Hospitality Management with Co-op
  • Business Management Diploma
  • Computerized Accounting and Office Diploma
  • Certificate International Trade and Freight Forwarding

4. Sprott Shaw College


Established in 1903, this is one of the oldest educational institutions in British Columbia. Sprott college Surrey is one of the sixteen campuses of Sprott Shaw college, which has its headquarters in British Columbia.

Sprott Shaw college is the perfect place for students who are looking to pursue their higher education in the best courses and the best educational institution. The college constantly reworks on its courses to adapt to the latest trend of society and incorporate technological advancements in all the required courses.

Why is it good to study here?

The total enrolment at the Sprott Shaw College is 3500 students, and out of this, 500 students are international students, and most of them are from countries like India, China, and the Philippines. The full-time college has a 4-5 hours schedule, and the rest of the time can be used for working on the assignment or doing a part-time job outside. The college offers more than 130 programs in the areas of health care, trade, and design.

Fees

The average tuition fee at Sprott Shaw College will be around CAD 15,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Sprott Shaw Entrance Assessment Test with a score of 20/40 or higher (mandatory in the absence of TOEFL or IELTS results).
  • A minimum grade average of 70% for every course in the program, coupled with at least 80% attendance, to be eligible for the Co-op program
  • IELTS 6.5 or higher

Courses offered

  • Early Childhood Education Diploma
  • Early Childhood Education Basic
  • Health Care Assistant
  • Practical Nursing
  • Industrial Design
  • Sustainable Architectural Technology
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (SSC-BCIT)
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University (SSC-FDU)
  • Business Fundamentals
  • Business Administration Principles
  • Business Administration Payroll

5. Oscar International College


Oscar international college is a private training institution branch of the ministry of advanced education and skill training. They currently have three campuses in Canada, one in Vancouver, the other one in Surrey and then another one in Abbotsford. They focus on preparing students to be leaders in multiple industries as the college offers theoretical education with a culmination of practical education. The college also offers co-op programs which ensure the best placement opportunities for students with certificate and diploma programs.

Why is it good to study here?

Diploma Programs at Oscar international college allow students to transfer directly into a Bachelor’s degree program at many prestigious institutions. They have a group of highly educated and experienced professors with cumulative fifty-plus years of academic and professional experience. They also offer students a better future through job placement in specialized occupations as well as certificate and diploma programs.

Fees

The average tuition fee at Oscar international college will be around CAD 13,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Oscar International College English Placement Test – Upper Intermediate Level
  • High school diploma or equivalent or age of 18 or above
  • English language proficiency ability (one of):
  • TOEFL PBT 513 or CBT 183 or iBT 65
  • IELTS 5.5
  • Oscar International College English Placement Test – Upper-Intermediate Level
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) 45.4
  • CAE (Cambridge Assessment English) 162

Courses offered

  • Diploma in Health Care Assistant
  • Certificate in Education Assistant
  • CELBAN Test Preparation
  • Certificate in Industrial Sewing
  • IELTS Test Preparation

6. Kwantlen Polytechnic University


Established in 1981, Kwantlen Polytechnic University is one of the most popular educational institutions in Surrey. It is a public university known for courses in diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, certificate programs and citations in more than 120 programs. Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been awarded the top rank among all the other post-secondary institutions across Canada by the Global and Mail Canadian University Report.

Why is it good to study here?

Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers co-op opportunities in many programs, and this will help the students grab the best of the job opportunities with practical knowledge in the field of study. They have funding of $2.58 million for the projects undertaken by the university, and there are currently 21 projects that the university is part of. They have 50 plus researchers working on sponsored research programs in the university.

Fees

The average tuition fee at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be around CAD 14,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Graduated from a bachelor’s degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
  • graduated high school (secondary school) OR completed at least 24 credits of undergraduate-level credits from a recognized institution
  • TOEFL: 88 with no subscore less than 20 PTE: 61 or higher

Courses offered

  • B.B.A Marketing Management
  • B.Tech Information Technology
  • Graduate Diploma Global Business Management
  • Diploma in Operations and Supply Chain Management and many more

7. CDI College Surrey


CDI College Surrey campus is located at the Scott Road SkyTrain station, and the college offers more than 100 career-centric programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and diploma levels. No matter what career path the student chooses, the Surrey campus and the quality of education offered will help the students achieve the best quality of education.

Why is it good to study here?

With over 85% of the graduate students getting placement from the on-campus placement drive CDI College Surrey is one of the best colleges when it comes to placements. Over 500 graduates of CDI College Surrey currently work in Quebec province. For more than 50 years, CDI College has embarked on careers rich in opportunity for graduate students.

Fees

The average tuition fee at CDI College Surrey will be around CAD 30,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Students will need a high school diploma unless otherwise specified in the program outline.
  • Applications are accepted from January 26 onwards throughout the year.
  • All applicants must provide proof of age and pass an entrance exam.

Courses offered

Sought after courses include

  • Accounting and Payroll Administrator
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Digital Marketing Management
  • Business and Digital Marketing Management with Co-Op
  • Business and Hospitality Essentials with Co-op
  • Global Supply Chain Management and International Trade
  • Hospitality Certificate
  • Hospitality Management

8. Keystone College


Established in 2007, Keystone College is an accredited post-secondary institution that is popular for the quality of education and path-breaking teaching outcomes. Keystone College achieved the PTIB accreditation in 2009 and is registered and fully designed by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB).

This ensures the top quality of education offered in the college, along with the best teaching outcomes. They constantly evaluate their teaching standards and make changes in the curriculum to cope with the needs of the changing society.

Why is it good to study here?

Keystone College is EQA certified college in Surrey, the educational quality assurance designation helps the college bring out the best in students by offering a top-quality education. Keystone College is also an ITA (Industry Training Authority) approved Institution; this works with employers, apprentices, industry, labour, training providers, and the government to issue credentials, support apprenticeships, and give practical knowledge to students.

Fees

The average tuition fee for Keystone College will be around CAD 15,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Provide your secondary school academic transcripts and records.
  • Academic records should include an official English translation provided by World Education
  • Students transferring from other colleges or universities at which coursework has been taken should also submit official college or university transcripts.

Courses offered

Popular courses include

  • Business Administration
  • Business Management
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management
  • Hairdressing Foundations
  • Nail Technician
  • Manic Hospitality
  • Management Diploma
  • Hospitality Management Diploma with Co-op
  • Hospitality Operations Certificate / Pedicure

9. Pacific Link College


Pacific Link College is a popular educational institution in Canada that provides students with university transfer credit and employment-oriented diplomas, graduate diplomas, and advanced diploma programs.

Courses in Pacific Link College include paid internship programs to improve the employability opportunity of the students. They have intakes every month so that the students can get into the college when they fully meet the eligibility requirements.

Why is it good to study here?

Pacific Link College has weekend classes which will help the students work during the weekdays and take classes during the weekends. The college is famous for the quality of education, innovation, and practical education. Practical education helps the students get an experience in their area of study and work in the same field during their college days.

They focus on student services and career coaching through a learning strategy that combines teaching from industry leaders and organise guest lectures and industry visits for the students to benefit from the best.

Fees

The average tuition fee for Pacific Link College will be around CAD 18,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • All applicants should be high school graduates or 18 years or older at the start of the applicant’s program or course
  • Students who did not graduate from a high school may be admitted as a mature student
  • Applicants who wish to qualify as domestic students must produce valid documentation confirming their legal status as Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Courses offered
  • Digital Media
  • Hospitality Management
  • Business Management
  • Information Technology Management

10. Langara College


Founded in 1965, Langara College is a public institution under the provincial college and institution act. In 1970 Langara College opened its west 49th Avenue campus, and in 1994, the college was established as an independent public college under the provincial college and institute act.

They are today one of the leading undergraduate institutions providing university studies, career studies, and continuing studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students. They offer programs in Sustainability Human rights, and Human resources, and these programs are best-in-class programs that have high employability rates.

Why is it good to study here?

Langara College is known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, house of teachings, a name given to them by the Musqueam First Nation, on whose unceded traditional territory they are located. There are more than 6300 international students currently part of the college, and they are from more than 102 countries.

The nursing school of Langara has been named “ school of the year” by the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA), and the Langara School of Management is ranked in the top 6 business schools in Canada.

Fees

The average tuition fee for Langara College will be around CAD 18,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Eligibility

  • Official transcripts/mark sheets/academic records
  • GPA: Minimum 2.33 (cumulative) for the UG program
  • Official English Translation of the transcripts (If the transcripts are not in English)

Courses offered

Popular courses include

  • Post degree diploma in web and mobile app design and development
  • Post-degree diploma in marketing management
  • Bachelor of business administration international business management
  • Bachelor of business administration accounting
  • Post-degree diploma in business administration

Let’s get you into top courses with no stress


Now that we have discussed the here’s a look at how you can apply seamlessly for these courses. Applying for the best courses is literally a touch away with the T.C. Global web application or mobile app. Before making your decision about which country is best for you, it’s a great idea to look at some comparative factors to decide
what’s right for you – is it the US or Canada? 

Explore courses and start your journey here.

Getting Started

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform! 🚀 Once you’re logged in to your platform, onboard with us by giving us some initial information! ✅

Once you’ve done this, visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships team closest to you and choose a slot that works well for you for an e-meet with our team. Whether you are looking for colleges in Surrey, or any other part of the world, TC Global will guide you to get you there!

Let’s shape your future together 🌍😊

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Date added
28.12.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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