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Focused guides that answer one question well — each linked to the official sources.
Topic guides
Deep dives on the rules and steps that trip people up most.
Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) in BC: who needs one in 2026 What a Provincial Attestation Letter is, who is exempt in 2026, how BC schools issue them, and how to avoid delays in your study permit application. Proof of funds for a Canadian study permit (from September 1, 2026) How much money IRCC expects you to show, what counts as proof, how GICs work, and how the real cost of living in BC compares to the minimum. Health insurance in BC: MSP, the wait period and the $75 health fee When BC's Medical Services Plan starts, what to do during the wait, how much international students pay, and how to get your BC Services Card. Working while you study in BC: the 24-hour rule, co-op and your SIN How many hours international students can work, what counts as a break, the April 2026 co-op change, and how to get a Social Insurance Number. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): the rules for BC graduates Who qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, the CLB language requirements, which college programs need an eligible field of study, and when to apply.
Schools
What international students should know about popular BC schools.
University of British Columbia (UBC) for international students UBC's 2026/27 international tuition by program, English test minimums, PAL rules for undergraduate and graduate students, and costs of living near campus. Simon Fraser University (SFU) for international students SFU's estimated 2026/27 costs for international undergraduates, English test minimums (including the new TOEFL scale), campuses and PAL rules. BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) for international students What international students pay at BCIT, the $6,000 commitment fee, planned tuition increases, and what to check about PGWP eligibility for diploma programs. Langara College for international students Langara's 2026 per-credit international tuition, a typical yearly budget, university transfer to UBC and SFU, and PGWP points to check. Douglas College for international students What to know about Douglas College in New Westminster and Coquitlam: program types, how to estimate tuition, transfer options and PGWP points to check. Camosun College (Victoria) for international students Camosun College in Victoria: published international tuition per term, deposit amounts, transfer to UVic, and what living in Victoria costs.
Cities
Costs, transit and student life in BC’s main study cities.
Studying in Vancouver: rent, transit and real monthly costs Current Vancouver rents, what the U-Pass covers, a realistic student budget, and which schools are in Metro Vancouver. Studying in Victoria: rent, transit and student life Current Victoria rents, the UVic U-Pass, schools in Greater Victoria, and how Victoria compares with Vancouver for students. Studying in Kelowna: rent, transit and the Okanagan lifestyle Current Kelowna rents, the UBC Okanagan U-PASS, schools in the Okanagan, and how Kelowna's climate and costs compare with the coast. Studying in Prince George: low rent and northern BC living Current Prince George rents, transit passes, the schools in northern BC, and what to expect from winter.
By home country
Country-specific steps for students coming to BC.
Studying in BC from India: study permit steps for 2026 What students from India need for a BC study permit in 2026 — biometrics, the medical exam, life after the SDS, and the TCS and LRS rules for sending money. Studying in BC from China: study permit steps for 2026 What students from mainland China need for a BC study permit — the medical exam, certified translations, biometrics, and planning tuition payments around foreign-exchange rules. Studying in BC from the Philippines: study permit steps for 2026 What Filipino students need for a BC study permit — biometrics in Manila or Cebu, the medical exam, English test questions, and showing funds. Studying in BC from Vietnam: study permit steps for 2026 What Vietnamese students need for a BC study permit — biometrics in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the medical exam, certified translations, and showing funds. Studying in BC from Nigeria: study permit steps for 2026 What Nigerian students need for a BC study permit — biometrics in Lagos or Abuja, the medical exam, the end of Nigeria Student Express, and documenting funds.
Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of services students sign up for.
Student GIC programs compared: TD, RBC, Scotiabank and CIBC How the main Canadian banks' international student GIC programs compare on fees, minimums and how your money is paid out — checked against each bank's own pages. Student phone plans in BC compared (October 2026) Current prices for popular bring-your-own-phone plans from Public Mobile, Freedom, Koodo, Fido and budget brands — plus how to get connected when you land.