International Student Information

Thinking about Coming to British Columbia?

There are many important considerations for an international student wishing to study in BC; appropriate planning for the cost of living, housing arrangements, and health and learning supports are absolutely critical. British Columbia is a beautiful place to live, but there can be a high cost of living, and accommodation is not always easy to find.

There are a variety of government and online resources that can aid in this process. Several of them are listed below (Please note that the inclusion of these resources should not be seen as Columbia’s endorsement of any particular product or service. We do not receive financial incentives from any of the suppliers listed below. Furthermore, any specific questions about immigration or study permits should be directed directly to IRCC).

Important note: our courses are NOT eligible for the federal Post Graduation Work Permit program.

Housing and Cost of Living Resources

Students must plan their budgets and accommodation in advance. Columbia does not offer on-campus housing. Students are responsible for sourcing and arranging their own accommodation. Rental markets can be extremely competitive and long term accommodation may be difficult to find.

The following resources may help students as they plan their budgets and research accommodation:

  • Cost of living calculator: WorkSafe BC provides a resource to help calculate the cost of living in different communities across the province.
  • Real estate trends and pricing: The BC Real Estate Association provides statistics and information on the cost of purchasing a home in BC, including recent average sale prices.
  • Rental information: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has a variety of resources and information on purchasing or renting a home, including information to understand and navigate the rental process
  • Tenancy rights: Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre provides information on tenancy rights and resources that are available to individuals who rent long term housing.

Student Health and Safety

Columbia Paramedic Academy ensures a safe, supportive environment for all students. Students receive a variety of protections through organizational policies while instructors foster an inclusive and supportive learning atmosphere. Orientation programs provide additional information on community and government resources.

Our lead instructors and management team are here to support students on their learning journey. They build personalized, individual relationships with our students and can then implement additional learning supports that may be required to ensure their success in the classroom.

Outside the classroom, students may find these additional resources to be of assistance in supporting their transition to Canada, as well as their mental and physical health once they have arrived:

  • WelcomeBC: a government site that provides a variety of information about moving, working and studying in British Columbia.
  • BC 211 by United Way BC. Provides links to a variety of resources including, addiction, counselling, financial assistance, housing, legal and advocacy, and mental health supports.
  • Post Secondary Education: Government of BC information regarding international education as well as additional resources to help individuals understand about living and working in British Columbia

Education agents

Columbia Paramedic Academy does not conduct student outreach or recruitment through any external education agency or agents.

Students interested in enrolling or learning more about our programs should contact our admissions team directly at admissions@columbiaparamedic.ca.