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Dropping one place in this year's QS Best Student Cities, Vancouver claims a position in the top 20 of the QS Best Student Cities ranking. It is home to two universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings®, of which the highest-ranked is the University of British Columbia at 38th in the world.
Vancouver’s other ranked institution, Simon Fraser University, offers a particularly unique study setting, thanks to the location of its main campus in the middle of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, just outside the city.
Whether you’re based in the city centre or in the suburbs, there’s always something to see, do or explore. The nearby Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains provide more than just a beautiful backdrop to the city – they’re also an incredibly popular destination for snow sports, offering some of the world’s best ski resorts.
Even in the centre of Vancouver the great outdoors is never far away – beaches, forests and stunning mountains are all within easy reach. For those who prefer cultural pursuits, Vancouver also offers an array of brilliant nightlife, theatres and music – everything you’d expect from one of Canada’s most loved cities.
The city achieves one of its highest scores (ranked 10th) in the desirability indicator, reflecting its popularity among prospective students and all-round high quality of life.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Vancouver?
Enjoy the outdoors – whatever the weather
Vancouver offers students a great climate with mild (albeit rainy winters) and very warm summers, ideal for getting out and exploring the great outdoors.
From skiing in the Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains in the winter, to spending the day at one of the city’s golden beaches or hiking in one of the surrounding parks and natural reserves in the summer, Vancouver has a lot to offer to those with a love of the outdoors.
Good employment prospects
Vancouver places in the top 50 in the world for employer activity – an indication that the city’s graduates are highly respected amongst employers.
Brilliant nightlife, theatres and music
Vancouver is a real culture hub, and its brilliant nightlife, theatres and music scene means there is plenty to keep students entertained after lectures and at weekends.
Cost of studying in Vancouver
Although tuition fees are a lower in Vancouver than in Toronto, average fees for international students are US$29,800 per year. This high cost of tuition causes Vancouver to rank 116th in the affordability indicator.
Life and culture in Vancouver
From the snow-capped mountains to the idyllic waterfront, the dazzling Downtown district to the national historic site of Gastown, Vancouver seems to have it all – and more.
Vancouver ranks 10th in the desirability indicator, reflecting its popularity among prospective students and all-round high quality of life.
It is a sophisticated, yet hardworking city that oozes opportunity and excitement for locals and tourists alike. Vancouver’s excellent transportation system allows locals to move around with city with ease which is great as there are so many things to see and do.
Its vibrant nightlife along with its theatres and fun music scene sees a range of events marked on the city’s calendar. For those who love the outdoors, you’ll be spoilt for choice; from skiing to hiking, swimming to kayaking (but don’t feel like you need to do it all at once)! And for a bit of rest and relaxation, then the very popular urban green space Stanley Park is the place to go.
Careers in Vancouver
Vancouver still places in the top 50 in the world for employer activity. The city has a range of opportunities open to graduates, particularly within its major economic sectors which includes international trade, film and television, construction, and tourism.
The city is also home to Port Metro Vancouver, Canada’s largest and most diversified port.
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Study in Vancouver
Holly Hemmings
Updated Aug 05, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 19th
Dropping one place in this year's QS Best Student Cities, Vancouver claims a position in the top 20 of the QS Best Student Cities ranking. It is home to two universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings®, of which the highest-ranked is the University of British Columbia at 38th in the world.
Vancouver’s other ranked institution, Simon Fraser University, offers a particularly unique study setting, thanks to the location of its main campus in the middle of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, just outside the city.
Whether you’re based in the city centre or in the suburbs, there’s always something to see, do or explore. The nearby Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains provide more than just a beautiful backdrop to the city – they’re also an incredibly popular destination for snow sports, offering some of the world’s best ski resorts.
Even in the centre of Vancouver the great outdoors is never far away – beaches, forests and stunning mountains are all within easy reach. For those who prefer cultural pursuits, Vancouver also offers an array of brilliant nightlife, theatres and music – everything you’d expect from one of Canada’s most loved cities.
Best universities in Vancouver
More about Vancouver
Vancouver is home to two universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings®, of which the highest-ranked is the University of British Columbia at 38th in the world.
The city achieves one of its highest scores (ranked 10th) in the desirability indicator, reflecting its popularity among prospective students and all-round high quality of life.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
University of British Columbia (38th)
Population
2,683,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$29,800
Desirability rank
10th
Employer Activity rank
28th
Affordability rank
116th
Student View rank
34th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Vancouver?
Enjoy the outdoors – whatever the weather
Vancouver offers students a great climate with mild (albeit rainy winters) and very warm summers, ideal for getting out and exploring the great outdoors.
From skiing in the Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains in the winter, to spending the day at one of the city’s golden beaches or hiking in one of the surrounding parks and natural reserves in the summer, Vancouver has a lot to offer to those with a love of the outdoors.
Good employment prospects
Vancouver places in the top 50 in the world for employer activity – an indication that the city’s graduates are highly respected amongst employers.
Brilliant nightlife, theatres and music
Vancouver is a real culture hub, and its brilliant nightlife, theatres and music scene means there is plenty to keep students entertained after lectures and at weekends.
Cost of studying in Vancouver
Although tuition fees are a lower in Vancouver than in Toronto, average fees for international students are US$29,800 per year. This high cost of tuition causes Vancouver to rank 116th in the affordability indicator.
Life and culture in Vancouver
From the snow-capped mountains to the idyllic waterfront, the dazzling Downtown district to the national historic site of Gastown, Vancouver seems to have it all – and more.
Vancouver ranks 10th in the desirability indicator, reflecting its popularity among prospective students and all-round high quality of life.
It is a sophisticated, yet hardworking city that oozes opportunity and excitement for locals and tourists alike. Vancouver’s excellent transportation system allows locals to move around with city with ease which is great as there are so many things to see and do.
Its vibrant nightlife along with its theatres and fun music scene sees a range of events marked on the city’s calendar. For those who love the outdoors, you’ll be spoilt for choice; from skiing to hiking, swimming to kayaking (but don’t feel like you need to do it all at once)! And for a bit of rest and relaxation, then the very popular urban green space Stanley Park is the place to go.
Careers in Vancouver
Vancouver still places in the top 50 in the world for employer activity. The city has a range of opportunities open to graduates, particularly within its major economic sectors which includes international trade, film and television, construction, and tourism.
The city is also home to Port Metro Vancouver, Canada’s largest and most diversified port.
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