Overview
The University of Canada West (UCW) is a private, non-profit university located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 2004 and is accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education.
UCW offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields including business, arts, and social sciences. Some of their popular programs include Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Education.
One of the unique aspects of UCW is its focus on experiential learning, which means that students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships, co-op programs, and case studies. Additionally, UCW offers small class sizes and personalized attention from professors, which can be beneficial for students who thrive in a more intimate learning environment.
Campus
University Canada West has two easily accessible campuses in downtown Vancouver. The state-of-the-art Vancouver House Campus, which opened in October 2020, features 90,000 square feet of classrooms, computer labs, student lounges and an innovation hub. The West Pender Campus is located in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district and just steps away from public transit, including the Waterfront SkyTrain Station, bus routes and the SeaBus terminal.
EXPERIENCED FACULTY
The professors are not just esteemed academics; they also have years of industry experience. They don’t just repeat textbook content; they bring their years of experience in business into the classroom. Throughout the program, professors will use their years of professional work to equip you with the latest knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace.
Get Practical Canadian Experience
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, UCW is surrounded by many of the world’s largest companies, giving students unparalleled access to a network of prospective employers.
UCW students are ready to join the workforce as soon as they graduate. The Career Development Specialists help set students up for success with resumé, cover letters and job interview guidance, as well as weekly career workshops.
TRANSFER CREDITS
University Canada West is a member of the BC Transfer System (BCCAT) with more than 2,600 credit transfer arrangements with other post-secondary institutions. Students can transfer academic credits from other recognized post-secondary institutions to University Canada West courses and programs.
STUDENT-CENTRIC ENVIRONMENT
UCW offers a variety of services for students to help enrich their university experience and to ensure every student attains their educational goals and personal pursuits. UCW also offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries and grants. Eligible international students can save up to $25,000 in tuition fees.
The programs are delivered over four terms per year, which means motivated students can complete their degree more quickly, reducing the time they spend in school before landing their dream job. If you possess previously earned university credits recognized by UCW, you may find yourself completing your program faster than you thought possible.
DLI and PGWP
DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution in Canada. It is a status granted by the Canadian government to educational institutions that meet certain requirements, such as offering recognized degrees and diplomas, and complying with federal and provincial laws. DLIs are authorized to enroll international students, who can obtain study permits to study in Canada.
Having a DLI status is important for both Canadian educational institutions and international students. For institutions, it allows them to attract and enroll international students and to be eligible to provide students with the documentation needed to obtain study permits. For international students, attending a DLI ensures that their education will be recognized by the Canadian government and may make them eligible for post-graduation work permits and other immigration programs.
As a DLI, UCW will enable the students to apply for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP), a program offered by the Canadian government that allows international students who have completed their studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution to stay and work in Canada for a certain period of time. The PGWP can be up to three years in length, depending on the length of the student’s program of study.
The benefits of the PGWP are numerous. Firstly, it allows international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can help them to develop their skills and make them more competitive in the job market. This work experience can also help international students to build a network of professional contacts in Canada, which can be beneficial for their future career prospects.
In addition to the professional benefits, the PGWP also allows international students to continue living in Canada after completing their studies. This can be particularly valuable for students who have built a life in Canada and wish to remain in the country. By staying in Canada, students can continue to build their connections and contribute to Canadian society.
Another benefit of the PGWP is that it can lead to permanent residency in Canada. By gaining work experience in Canada through the PGWP, international students can increase their chances of being eligible for Canadian immigration programs that are designed to help international students transition from temporary to permanent residency.
It’s important to note that the PGWP is only available to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated Canadian post-secondary institution. Additionally, students must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final marks and must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a valid study permit and having completed a program of study that is at least eight months in duration.