Okanagan College is a public college based in British Columbia, Canada with the largest in Kelowna and others in Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm.
Offering a wide range of degrees, associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, it is an excellent option for international students who wish to take their education to the next level in a picturesque, welcoming and exciting location.
The College has 1,500 international students already enrolled from 65 different countries and offers pathway education to some of the top universities in Canada. Students come to Okanagan to acquire the knowledge to move into a top university degree, but also leave with the ability and the confidence to thrive.
Okanagan is a contemporary college with excellent facilities for both learning and recreation. Campuses are designed to be environmentally sustainable and there is a real focus on health and wellbeing, both through the support systems offered to students and the great range of sporting activities and healthy eating options around campus.
Students can also attend Success Centres to further their other skills, giving them every advantage when graduating. Okanagan College goes beyond just an outstanding education, helping students find their career and gain all the necessary skills to succeed in it.
There is always something happening at Okanagan College, including central developments which impact all students and those related to individual campuses, to improve life or offer new ways of learning.
In early 2023 the college began offering new trades training at the Salmon Arms campus, giving students more options for qualifications that can lead directly into future work opportunities.
Meanwhile in September 2022, the Kelowna Campus gained The Market, a new dining venue for students that offers healthy eating options promoting wellbeing.
Meanwhile in December of the same year, the College paid out over 420 bursary awards to students totalling CAD 450,000 – a commitment to helping students to achieve their goals without worrying about financial issues.
Students can check the Okanagan College website to keep up to date with the latest events surrounding the college, including student social events.
CAD$16,000 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$14,250 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$16,870 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$11,000 Living costs Source: Government of Canada
CAD$5,250 To live on campus Source: Government of Canada
There are a number of financial awards that students applying for Okanagan College may be eligible for. Some of these financial awards are paid for by the College, while others are sponsored by external bodies.
This includes the International Scholarship Program which is managed by the central EduCanada organization. Students can apply here if they believe they may be entitled to a scholarship to help cover the costs of their tuition.
Otherwise, students will be expected to provide evidence of their ability to pay for their studies as part of their application for their course. Tuition fees vary by chosen course and won’t include additional fees that may apply.
Students who undertake three courses and are considered full-time will be permitted, under their VISA, to apply for off-campus work to support themselves around their classes.
The entry requirements for each course at Okanagan College will vary, and students can use the website’s program search tool to look at their chosen option and determine whether their educational background meets the criteria. If they just miss out, or they are unsure, students are advised to contact the college to discuss flexibility and other options for application.
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 so students will need to be able to speak a minimum level of the language in order to apply, although there are additional courses available to support with the continued development of English language skills. Students can submit DuoLingo test scores via the app, while IELTS, TOEFL and OCELA scores are also accepted.
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 make their next steps confidently, whether that is directly into work or into their next qualification.
When international students apply for Okanagan College, they have a choice of different levels of qualification along with various fields of study.
This covers a range of areas including arts, communications, criminal justice, environmental studies and more, with BA degrees, associate degrees and diplomas available.
Covering 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.
At this school students can opt for a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Diploma in Business Administration, Commercial Aviation or Tourism Management, or a certificate to learn to be a commercial helicopter pilot. Study areas include accounting, marketing, HR and more.
There are four diplomas available in this area, including early childhood education, human service work, kinesiology and therapist assistant.
These hands-on qualifications include diplomas in automotive collision repair and refinishing, automotive service technician, and aircraft maintenance technician as well as a certificate for aircraft maintenance engineering.
Students in this area can take a Certificate in Culinary Arts or Pastry Arts, or a Diploma in Culinary Management.
There is also the option of Post Baccalaureate diplomas, and the option to learn English as a second language.
There are some excellent facilities at the various campuses of Okanagan College to help students achieve their full potential and enjoy a well-rounded student lifestyle around their studies.
Specific facilities vary by campus, but all students can expect modern and comfortable learning environments including classrooms and lecture theatres, as well as the practical learning spaces needed for hands-on courses.
Each campus has a library, open early until late 7 days a week (6 days a week for the Salmon Arm campus) and there are study rooms available when students need quiet spaces or group study locations.
The college also has Success Centres, which are available to help students expand on their core skills. Whether it’s developing their English language, or learning how to research and write essays better, students can opt in to give themselves the best opportunities upon graduation.
Various recreation events are organised to encourage students to mingle and build a healthy social life, including trivia nights, wellness events and more. There are also sports facilities for students who either wish to try out for a college team or just focus on their own personal fitness.
Kelowna, British Columbia (BC), Canada
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