3 ECE Programs for International Students in Vancouver (Public Colleges)
Finding the right college can be difficult. This is why we have compiled information from three well-known public colleges in and around Vancouver, BC. There are many post-secondary institutions that offer Early Childhood Educator programs, but these three have great learning opportunities and the chance to gain work experience.
LANGARA COLLEGE
Langara College is located in Vancouver, BC on W49th Avenue and Columbia Street. The Canada Line Skytrain has a station a few minutes away by walking. They offer a Early Childhood Education Diploma for international students and have two intakes per year: September and January. The program length is 3 full-time semesters (equal to one year), note that this program cannot be completed part-time. The entire program is 63 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $39,400 CAD.
General College Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)
- CAEL: overall 70
Program Specific Admission Requirements:
- Two reference letters
- Current First Aid Certification (Level B)
Upon completing the diploma program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate, an additional citation (three courses and practicum) can be taken to earn the Post-Basic ECE Special Needs Certificate.
DOUGLAS COLLEGE
Douglas College has two campuses in Metro Vancouver: New Westminster and Coquitlam, BC. However, the Early Childhood Education Certificate program is only offered at the Coquitlam campus. There is one intake in September, and the program length is 3 semesters (one year). The program can be full-time or part-time, note that the 3 semester time is for full-time students. Students will earn 43.5 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $18,727 CAD.
General College Admission Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Graduated from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall band test score of 6.5
- CLB Level 8 in each module
Program Specific Admission Requirements:
- Two reference letters
- Complete and show proof of 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in a licensed ECE setting with children aged 0-6 (A form must be submitted when applying for the program)
- Complete a Criminal Record Check
- Complete a medical declaration or assessment
Upon completing this certificate program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate.
VANCOUVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Vancouver Community College has many locations across Metro Vancouver, however the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma program is only offered at the downtown campus. There are three intakes per year: September, January, and May. The program length is 2 years full-time, equivalent to 6 semesters. Students earn 76 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $42,287 CAD.
General College Admission Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Graduated from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: overall 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)
- CAEL: Overall 60
Program Specific Admission Requirements:
- Interview with selection committee
- Two letters of recommendation
Upon Acceptance to Program Requirements:
- Criminal Record Check
- TB Screening
- Immunizations
Once students have completed the diploma program, they can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate as well as the ECE Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) and ECE Special Needs Educator (SNE) Certifications.
