Choosing the right program in Canada starts with one question: what do you want your studies to help you achieve? You may need stronger English for daily communication, academic study or professional settings. You may be ready for career-focused training in business, marketing, supply chain, hospitality, customer service or early childhood education. You may also want a program that combines classroom learning with paid workplace experience.
At VanWest College, we bring these pathways together. We offer English programs in Vancouver and Kelowna, vocational co-op diplomas and certificates, non-co-op career programs, short professional courses and personalised student support. Our two British Columbia locations allow you to compare a large urban study experience in Vancouver with a smaller, community-focused environment in Kelowna.
Choose an English pathway when language development is your main priority. Choose a vocational program when you already meet the admission requirements and want structured career training. Some students begin with English and progress into vocational study after reaching the required level.
Our English as a Second Language program develop speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. We use level-based progression from beginner to advanced study, with personalised guidance from an assigned student advisor.
Most English courses begin every Monday, or Tuesday when Monday is a holiday. Students can choose 20, 25 or 30 lessons per week, depending on their schedule, learning goals and preferred study intensity.
General English is our broadest language pathway. It is available in Vancouver and Kelowna and includes eight benchmark levels.
The program is suitable when you want balanced improvement across all core English skills. Morning classes build reading, writing, listening and speaking, while electives can add focused practice in communication, grammar, pronunciation or professional topics.
General English may be the right starting point if you are unsure which specialised course to choose or need to strengthen your overall English before academic or career study.
English for Academic Purposes prepares students for English-speaking post-secondary environments. It focuses on academic reading, formal writing, vocabulary, listening, presentations and study strategies.
We offer EAP levels 100 to 400 in Vancouver and Kelowna. This pathway can also help students prepare for language requirements connected to future academic or vocational programs.
Our VanExpress IELTS Preparation program is offered in Vancouver for students who need structured practice in IELTS listening, reading, writing and speaking. The course includes test strategies and regular practice but cannot guarantee a specific result.
English for Business develops practical workplace language for emails, telephone calls, meetings, presentations and professional communication. It is also offered in Vancouver.
Speak Up is designed for students who understand English but want more fluency and confidence in real conversations.
Students can add career- and interest-focused learning through options such as English for Customer Relations, English for Social Media, English for Flight Attendants and selected communication electives.
Our Kelowna-specific English and Volunteer Experience combines language study with community participation. We also offer High School Preparation in both cities and One-to-One Lessons for students who need focused, individual feedback.
Course levels, schedules and availability vary. Review the individual course page and confirm your preferred intake before registering.
English for Youth runs in Vancouver during set winter and summer sessions. It is 30 lessons per week and can be booked from a minimum of two weeks.
This is for ages 12 - 17 and runs in both winter and summer. Mornings focus on communicative language study built around current topics. Afternoons move into self-development: public speaking, global citizenship, digital media and leadership. Students take part in weekly field trips and competitions, and receive individual progress reports.
Optional after-school and Saturday activities are available at an additional weekly cost. Session dates, ages and tuition vary by season, so check the course page and confirm availability before booking.
English for Kids runs in Vancouver during set winter and summer sessions. It is 30 lessons per week and can be booked from a minimum of two weeks.
This is for ages 7 - 11 and runs in summer. Days combine English classes with outdoor time, and the curriculum builds speaking and fluency, listening, phonetics, simple spelling and writing, and reading. Weekly themes cover nature, sports, creative expression, science, technology and geography. Children work on project-based tasks and build an individual portfolio.
Optional after-school and Saturday activities are available at an additional weekly cost. Session dates, ages and tuition vary by season, so check the course page and confirm availability before booking.
Our Vocational College Programs focus on practical industry knowledge, communication, job readiness and workplace application. Our vocational programs are reviewed and approved through British Columbia’s Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit.
We offer co-op diplomas and certificates, non-co-op career programs and individual professional courses.
The Supply Chain Management Co-op Diploma introduces procurement, operations and logistics. It also develops knowledge of analytics, purchasing, project coordination and global trade.
Choose this program if you are organised, analytical and interested in how products, information and business processes move through a supply chain.
The Commerce & Marketing Co-op Diploma combines business fundamentals with sales, marketing, advertising and commerce. Its 12-month co-op component makes it our longest vocational pathway.
Choose it if you want business training with a stronger focus on customers, communication, brand activity and market growth.
The Business Management Co-op Diploma develops broad skills in leadership, management, marketing, accounting, communication, social media and project management.
It can suit students who want a flexible business foundation before deciding on a more specialised professional direction.
The Hospitality Management Co-op Diploma covers front office, housekeeping, food and beverage service, supervision, security and facilities management.
It is available in Vancouver and Kelowna, making it the main vocational option for students who want to compare our two locations while preparing for hospitality, tourism and guest-service environments.
The Professional Customer Service Co-op Certificate is our shortest main co-op pathway. It focuses on customer relationships, workplace communication, sales and service environments.
Choose it if you want a compact career program that combines four months of academic study with four months of co-op.
Not every student needs a co-op diploma. We also offer focused programs for early childhood education, professional communication and short-term skills development.
Our Early Childhood Education Certificate is an 11-month Vancouver program with 550 hours of academic study and 480 practicum hours.
Students learn about child development, positive guidance, health and safety, curriculum planning, communication and reflective practice. Three practicums help students apply classroom learning in registered early childhood education settings. Graduates may apply to the B.C. ECE Registry, subject to current provincial requirements.
Our Early Childhood Education Assistant program is a 2–4 week Vancouver pathway. Students complete one focused course in child growth and development, positive behaviour guidance, or health, safety and nutrition.
The program is designed for students who want a fast educational route towards applying for B.C. ECEA certification. Certification decisions remain with the provincial ECE Registry.
The Cross-Cultural Business Communication Certificate is a two-month Vancouver program. It develops workplace communication, business correspondence, cultural awareness, teamwork and job-search preparation for diverse English-speaking environments.
Our single-course options allow eligible students to study a specific subject without completing a full diploma.
Available areas include cross-cultural communication, marketing, management, customer service, accounting, social media marketing, project management and leadership.
Career readiness is built into our vocational programs through communication training, workplace preparation and practical assignments. Co-op students also receive structured support before and during their placements.
Our Co-op team develops job opportunities, manages mandatory documents, provides counselling and training, supervises the overall process and conducts site visits. Students can attend workshops, employer information sessions and exclusive job fairs to improve their applications, interviews and professional networking.
A paid co-op provides practical exposure, but wages, employers, schedules and job duties vary. A program or co-op placement does not guarantee permanent employment, permanent residence or another immigration outcome.
Our Vancouver location places students in the heart of downtown, close to public transportation, city attractions, restaurants, parks, and everyday services. This location includes 16 classrooms, a computer lab, and welcoming student lounge and patio spaces, making it a strong choice for students who enjoy an active, multicultural urban experience.
Choose Vancouver for downtown energy, convenient transportation, diverse city experiences, and a broad selection of study options.
Our Kelowna location offers a bright, modern learning environment in the Okanagan Valley, within walking distance of the main bus station and Okanagan Lake. With eight classrooms, a computer lab, and a comfortable student lounge, This location provides a friendly, community-focused atmosphere alongside easy access to outdoor recreation and lakeside living.
Choose Kelowna for a welcoming community, a more relaxed learning environment, outdoor activities, and a distinctive Okanagan lifestyle.
Admission requirements vary by program. Contact our admissions team when you are unsure whether your current English level meets the requirement. Vocational applicants may need Grade 12 completion, English proficiency evidence and program-specific documents.
English programs generally start every Monday, while vocational programs have scheduled annual intake dates. Current 2026 tuition varies by course, program type, study length and domestic or international status.
We provide student housing information for Vancouver and Kelowna, including homestay and residence choices.
Compare booking periods, meals, location, commute and total cost before reserving accommodation. Our current options include downtown Vancouver residences, a Vancouver Oakridge residence and the Kelowna Copeland Residence.
Students can also participate in educational, cultural, social and athletic activities. Vancouver offers a large urban setting with extensive transportation and city attractions, while Kelowna provides a more compact community close to lakes, parks and outdoor activities.
Our current vocational programs are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically provide PGWP eligibility, so review current Government of Canada requirements before selecting a program.
Co-op and part-time work eligibility also depends on current immigration rules and the conditions on your study permit. Do not rely on employment income to cover all tuition and living costs, and do not begin work until you have confirmed that you are legally authorised.
We offer English language courses, vocational co-op diplomas and certificates, early childhood education programs, Cross-Cultural Business Communication and individual professional courses.
Yes. General English or EAP can help you build the language level required for future study. Admission requirements vary, so review the relevant vocational program before planning your pathway.
Our Kelowna location offers a diverse range of English and career-focused programs. Kelowna is also home to our Hospitality Management Co-op Diploma, which combines academic study with practical Canadian work experience.
Yes. Our co-op model includes compensated, productive workplace placements. Pay, duties, schedules and employers vary by placement.
Business Management provides the broadest mix of leadership, management, marketing, accounting, communication and project skills.
Professional Customer Service takes nine months and includes co-op. Cross-Cultural Business Communication takes two months without co-op, while ECEA courses take 2–4 weeks.
Yes. Our English options include English for Kids, English for Youth and High School Preparation. Age, season and campus requirements vary by course.
Students in our Commerce & Marketing Co-op Diploma may access a pathway to PGWP eligibility by transferring to and completing VCC’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management, subject to IRCC requirements.