The merger combines Columbia College’s 90-year history as one of Canada’s longest-serving non-profit colleges with Quest University Canada’s distinction as Canada’s first independent non-profit liberal arts and sciences university.

“The post-secondary sector is facing challenges across both public and private institutions, and the landscape is changing so quickly,” says Arthur Coren, President of Quest University Canada. “This partnership represents a strategic step forward, better positioning ourselves to expand access to programs, education, and training that respond to the province’s evolving skills and workforce needs, while serving learners and communities across the region.”

Pending approval from the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills, the new university will build on the strengths of both institutions to offer newly developed programs that reflect its innovative vision for the sector and respond to the province’s evolving workforce needs.

Focused Programs to Meet B.C.’s Workforce Needs

Upon Ministry approval, the university’s inaugural programs will include a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree, two Associate Degrees – Associate of Arts and Associate of Science – and specialized programs in allied health.

● The Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree will close the gap between theory and practice – after taking general arts and sciences courses over the first two years, students will have the opportunity to select a problem for their final two years of study. This program is uniquely designed to equip students with both the education and experience to enter the workforce and will prepare them for careers of the future.

● The Associate Degrees, unique offerings in B.C., are ‘generalist degrees’, providing students with a broad and flexible foundation across multiple disciplines. This approach will allow students the freedom to explore educational and career pathways.

● The specialized allied health programs will help address the needs of B.C.’s aging population, which is driving demand for more qualified talent in the sector. Allied health roles, such as ultrasound technicians to respiratory therapists, cover preventative, diagnostic, technical, and therapeutic care, playing a critical role in collaborative health teams. The university’s programs will equip students with occupation-specific training.

“The new university will prepare the next generation of graduates for meaningful careers,” says Matt Wadsworth, Principal of Columbia College. “We’re excited to leverage both institutions’ academic strengths to deliver engaging academic programs that bring together quality curriculum, experienced faculty, and new opportunities for students.”

Further details on the university’s launch and program offerings will be released as the merger continues to move forward. You can learn more about Columbia College and Quest University Canada by visiting www.columbiacollege.ca or questu.ca

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About Columbia College

Founded in 1936, Columbia College is an independent, not-for-profit institution dedicated to empowering students to discover their voices and reach their full potential. As a registered charity, Columbia College reinvests all revenues and resources directly into education, providing students with the guidance, tools, and support they need to succeed academically and personally.

About Quest University Canada

Quest University Canada was the nation’s first independent, secular, non-profit liberal arts and sciences university. It was established by the Sea to Sky University Act (SBC 2002, c. 54) which received Royal Assent on May 30, 2002.

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