History

Founded in 1936, Columbia College began by offering high school completion programs to hundreds of students. In 1965, the College expanded its offerings to include university transfer courses, and by the 1970s, it introduced an English as a Second Language (ESL) program to support the growing number of international students.

In 1985, Columbia College relocated from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, near Metrotown Centre. Over the following twelve years, the College significantly expanded its programs, particularly in business and engineering. During this time, Columbia College built its reputation as Canada’s leading university-preparatory institution for international students.

In 1997, Columbia College returned to downtown Vancouver, sharing a new facility with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Located at the BCIT Downtown Campus, the College gained access to enhanced science laboratories, upgraded classrooms, expanded library facilities, and a renovated Tutorial Centre.

The introduction of our associate degree program in 2004 led to further growth in enrollment, bringing new demands from our student population. While we continue to assist students in transferring to universities across North America, our support services have evolved to meet the changing needs of international students in Canada. Today, the College employs a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) to assist students with immigration-related questions and issues.

In 2011, Columbia College celebrated its 75th anniversary. That same year, the College began recruiting a substantial number of students from around the world. While Columbia continued to attract students from its traditional regions in East Asia, it also saw an influx of students from South Asia, the Middle East, and West Africa, resulting in a truly international student body.

In April 2013, Columbia College moved to a new five-storey building located just east of Vancouver’s downtown core at 438 Terminal Avenue. The new Main Campus offers enhanced facilities for students and staff, including science laboratories (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Physics), a library, and student lounges. The ground floor features tenants such as Subway, Bibi’s Kitchen, and Taco del Mar, providing convenient food services for students. The building also offers underground parking and easy access to the SkyTrain at the nearby Main Street-Science World station.

In response to the arrival of Syrian refugees in Canada in 2016, Columbia College introduced bursaries through its Student Refugee Program to reduce financial barriers for students with refugee backgrounds. Since then, the College has broadened the program to offer additional bursaries for refugee claimants. These supports give students the opportunity to complete high school or pursue an associate degree and university transfer program in Canada—with zero cost. 

In September 2017, Columbia College expanded by opening a new campus, the North Campus, located at 333 Terminal Ave, just across from the Main Campus. At the North Campus, the College offers its English for Academic Purposes and High School programs. Students benefit from the newly renovated, well-equipped facility while still having access to all amenities at the Main Campus.

Columbia College is registered as a society under the Societies Act of BC and as a charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency, building on its long-standing charitable status.

On June 8th, Columbia College celebrated 85 years of excellence in education with the launch of a new Institute for Equity and Advancement in Education. The College also announced $250,000 in funding to support the Student Refugee Program at Columbia College over the next three years.

Columbia College enrolls students from more than 60 countries, fostering a vibrant global community. The College remains committed to delivering exceptional academic programs, welcoming learners from around the world, and preparing them for successful university studies in Canada.