Do you want a first-class education in a beautiful province that has a high standard of living and safe, welcoming communities? Do you hope to find a great career in a strong economy upon graduation? If so, British Columbia is a great choice for your post-secondary education.

As Canada's westernmost province and gateway to the Asia Pacific, BC offers many advantages to both students and graduates of our widely varied and high quality programs.

Our post-secondary education system is among the most respected in the world. For example, three of British Columbia's universities are ranked among the world's best by the well-regarded Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Top 500 World Universities survey. Nationally, Maclean's Magazine places them near the top of its annual rankings.

British Columbia has 25 public post-secondary institutions – including five new universities. Together, they offer more than 1,900 programs, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs, trades, vocational, career and technical programs as well as English as a second language. There are more than 400 registered private career training institutions and 17 private and out of province public degree granting institutions with locations here, providing even more choice.

To ensure that students get the education and skills they sign up for, the province is creating an Education Quality Assurance designation, which will become BC's brand for quality post-secondary education.

To experience as much of BC as possible, you can take advantage of our highly-developed transfer system providing seamless transferring between institutions. For instance, you might start out at a small-town college that offers smaller classes and lower tuition. Later, you can transfer to a larger institution in a different part of the province to complete your studies.

Wherever you study, you are bound to be close to spectacular mountains, ocean, forests and lakes. This natural beauty brings people from around the world for hiking, skiing, swimming, kayaking and river rafting. If you prefer city life, Vancouver is ranked third best of 215 cities worldwide by the Mercer Human Resource Consulting survey.

If you stay in BC beyond graduation, you will find yourself in a booming economy, with 1.1 million job openings predicted between 2005 and 2015.

Every year B.C. welcomes up to 140,000 students from around the world. With a province so rich in culture, natural beauty and study options, it's no wonder that they join students from this province and across Canada to shape their futures.

Hon. Murray Coell
Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
www.gov.bc.ca/aved