Okanagan College, Canada - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About Okanagan College

Located in the Southern Interior of the province of British Columbia, Okanagan College is a public post-secondary institution, committed to empowering individuals and communities in the region and contributing globally to positive change since its inception more than 60 years ago. Learners are at the heart of everything at Okanagan College, as is evident with its smaller class sizes, exceptional learning experiences, industry-experienced professors, hands-on learning, and field and practicum opportunities.

Okanagan College offers diplomas, degrees, and post-baccalaureate programs in a varied range of subject areas including arts, science, business, engineering technologies, computer information systems, culinary arts, automotive trades, and health. The international office provides students with a full range of services, including immigration and academic advising, homestay, medical, and cultural adjustment assistance.

With four campuses in the region, Okanagan College has impacted the development of the area in meaningful ways and is committed to designing change to meet the learning needs of students throughout the region, as well as nationally and globally. The college’s campuses are located close to some of the best skiing and golfing and lake beaches in the province, and historic farms and orchards dating back more than 100 years that provide fresh fruits and vegetables in season.

Graduate outcomes

The focus of learning at Okanagan College is always about helping student to reach their personal career goals. With the variety of courses available to study, those goals are going to be individual, and the team at the college are on hand to help make them achievable.

Many students will opt to study a diploma, and may wish to then transfer onto a degree at a university in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada. There are support staff who can help students understand the application process involved and when to take the necessary steps.

Many other courses at Okanagan College are trades-based and graduates may enter the world of work directly after completing their course. There are careers fairs and other opportunities to connect with local and national businesses, and students may be able to network with businesses that ultimately hire them upon graduation.

The college provides dedicated support services to allow students to explore their potential as graduates. The college’s Careers Hub is a user-friendly digital platform that students can access from anywhere in the world. The Careers Hub helps to connect Okanagan students and alumni with job listings and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) schemes, making sure that each student has every opportunity to find the job that’s right for them.

What's New

There is always something happening at Okanagan College to improve life or offer new ways of learning.

In Fall 2024 the college will offer new on-campus housing at the Salmon Arms, Vernon, and Kelowna campuses, giving students more options for local accommodation. All accommodation is comfortable, safe, and stylish, as well as located within a convenient distance of students’ lecture halls and classrooms.

Planning is well underway for a new wellness and recreation centre at the Kelowna campus that will have a full gymnasium, indoor walking track, fitness suite, and host intramural sports. It is expected to open in 2026. This new centre will allow students to develop themselves through sports and exercise, building a healthy routine and socialising with like-minded individuals.

Students can check the Okanagan College website to keep up to date with the latest events surrounding the college, including student social events.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

10,20,680 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

10,09,158 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

11,26,205 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Living costs

6,67,111 Living costs Source: Government of Canada

3,18,394 To live on campus Source: Government of Canada

Scholarships & funding

Students will be expected to provide evidence of their ability to pay for their studies. Tuition fees vary by chosen program and additional fees are applicable. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require additional evidence of finances to support living costs in addition to tuition. Prospective students can go online to find more information about study permits and the correct documentation needed to study at Okanagan College.

Students who undertake three courses are considered to be full-time students, and will be permitted under their study permit to work off-campus, if meeting all other criteria. Full details of the off-campus work program can be found online, and doing this is a great way for Okanagan College students to subsidise the cost of their tuition.

Okanagan College does not provide entrance scholarships, bursaries, or loans. However, students are encouraged to explore external funding options such those that are funded by the Government of Canada. These additional finding opportunities are plentiful, and the Okanagan College student support team can help international students to build and submit an application.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for each program at Okanagan College will vary, and students can use the website’s program search tool to look at options and determine whether their educational background meets the criteria. If students are unsure, they are advised to contact the college directly.

All students who apply must be aged 18 or turning 18 during their first semester and will be expected, as part of their application, to provide evidence of their completed education so far.

Courses are taught in English and students will need to meet the minimum English admissions requirements. Students can submit DuoLingo English Test scores via the Duolingo English Test website , while IELTS, TOEFL and OCELA scores are also accepted.

English as second language programs are available for students from non-English speaking countries if they do not meet the minimum English requirement for academic programs.

Department and Faculty

Teaching quality

The quality of a student’s education doesn’t just hinge on their own initiative, but on that of the teacher. This is why Okanagan College hires only those with genuine industry experience to help develop students’ understanding of their chosen subject, providing real-world experience and perspective.

However, it is not simply about choosing those who have worked in their field before – the faculty at the college are also excellent at delivering their course material in a way that is engaging and exciting, helping students to remain passionate about their subjects and develop key insights of their own.

Students will learn in a variety of ways, including practical hands-on learning where appropriate, especially with trades qualifications. Students will be prepared by the college to take their next steps confidently, whether that is directly into work or their next qualification.

Department structure

When international students apply for Okanagan College, they have a choice of different levels of qualification along with various fields of study.

University Studies in Arts

This covers a range of areas including arts, communications, criminal justice, environmental studies and more, with BA degrees, associate degrees and diplomas available.

University Studies in Science and Technologies

Courses cover various technology fields including water engineering, infrastructure and computing, civil engineering and others, as well as animation. Choices for study include a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree and various diplomas.

School of Business

At this school students can opt for a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or post-baccalaureate diploma in a variety of subject areas including tourism management, accounting, marketing, human resources and more.