Okanagan College

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.

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 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.

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.

Health and Social Development

There are four diplomas available in this area, including early childhood education, human service work, kinesiology, and therapist assistant.

Trades and Apprenticeship

These hands-on qualifications include diplomas in automotive collision repair and refinishing, and automotive service technician.

Okanagan Chef School

Students in this area can take a certificate in culinary arts or pastry arts, or a diploma in culinary management.

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.

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 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 academic skills in English language, reading and writing, as well as math, science, and trades. Success centre coordinators are available to help international students in person at all campuses and online. Students can opt in to give themselves the best opportunities to succeed academically.

Various recreation events are organised to encourage students to mingle and build a healthy social life, including trivia nights, wellness events and more. There is also access to fitness facilities at each campus for students to focus on their own personal fitness.

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.