International student programs

University Transfer means you start studying for your degree at Douglas and transfer to another school to complete your studies. Douglas is the starting point to over 1,000 different degree programs around the world including UBC, SFU, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, McGill University, and many more. To learn more about how and where specific courses transfer within British Columbia, see the BC Transfer Guide.

The benefits of university transfer at Douglas College include:

• More time with professors. While university professors are often focused on research, our instructors are dedicated to teaching.
• Smaller class sizes. First-year classes at major universities can have 500 to 800 students. At Douglas, the same courses are taught in a class of 30 to 35 students. As a result, you will have the chance to engage in class discussion and develop meaningful connections with the instructor and your classmates.
• A strong return on investment. On average, international students save approximately $40,000 by taking their first and second year at Douglas and then transferring into third year at a top Canadian university.

Co-operative (Co-op) Education is an option for some programs. For more details and a list of programs that have Co-op, please refer to Co-operative Education

➡️ To check if a program is PGWP-eligible or meets the field of study requirement, please refer to your program’s CIP code on IRCC’s website.

Associate of Arts degrees

Associate of Science degrees

Business, computing science, and engineering university transfer 

• Commerce and Business Administration Diploma (for students wanting to transfer to university for business studies)
• Computing Science Diploma - PGWP Eligible
• Engineering and Fabrication Technologies Diploma (transfer pathway with UBC and UVic Engineering) - PGWP Eligible
• Engineering Foundations Certificate (transfer pathway with UBC, SFU, and UVic Engineering) - PGWP Eligible
• Geological Resources Diploma - PGWP Eligible

Disclaimer: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

Please also note, that the list of Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, as posted by IRCC is subject to change. 

We recommend checking if your program remains PGWP-eligible under the latest requirements on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) information page, provided by our Student Services team, for further details.

Our bachelor’s degrees are equivalent to those offered at universities. But here’s the difference: our degrees are applied, which means you’ll have opportunities to take what you’ve learned and actually do it – before you graduate. Our instructors work with industry professionals to ensure you get the skills and hands-on experience you need to launch a rewarding career.

Co-operative (Co-op) Education is an option for some programs. For more details and a list of programs that have Co-op, please refer to Co-operative Education

On March 14, 2025, IRCC confirmed that graduates of bachelor’s degree programs are not required to meet the field of study requirements(external link) to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Disclaimer: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

Please also note, that the list of Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, as posted by IRCC is subject to change. 

We recommend checking if your program remains PGWP-eligible under the latest requirements on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) information page, provided by our Student Services team, for further details.

At Douglas College, we offer many one and two year career programs to help prepare you to enter a new job or upgrade to a higher position in your current field as soon as you graduate. Choose from a variety of diploma and certificate programs in business, performing arts, and more. You’ll graduate with the skills to begin working right away.

Co-operative (Co-op) Education is an option for some programs. For more details and a list of programs that have Co-op, please refer to Co-operative Education.

➡️ To check if a program is PGWP-eligible or meets the field of study requirement, please refer to your program’s CIP code on IRCC’s website.

Diplomas (two years)

Certificates (one year)

Disclaimer: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

Please also note, that the list of Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, as posted by IRCC is subject to change. 

We recommend checking if your program remains PGWP-eligible under the latest requirements on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) information page, provided by our Student Services team, for further details.

Douglas College is the leading provider of post-degree programs in British Columbia. As an international student at Douglas College, you have the opportunity to pursue a one-year Post Degree Diploma (PDD) or two-year Post Baccalaureate Diploma (PBD).

Since you already have a degree, we know that you're looking for a program that will provide you with advanced skills that build upon your existing education. Our rigorous post-degree programs are comprised of upper-level courses that will equip you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. You'll earn a recognized credential that can help you get a job, take your career in a new direction, expand your earning potential and, for working professionals, upgrade and broaden your skills. 

Admission to these programs requires that you have a bachelor's degree.

➡️ To check if a program is PGWP-eligible or meets the field of study requirement, please refer to your program’s CIP code on IRCC’s website.

One-year Post-Degree Diplomas (PDD)

The Career Boost Program and Business Internship are available for Post-degree programs to help students gain the career development skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market. Visit Career Boost Program and Business Internship for more details.

Two-year Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas (PBD)

Co-operative (Co-op) Education is an option for some programs. For more details and a list of programs that have Co-op, please refer to Co-operative Education

Two-year, two-credential option 

If you want to complete two years of study and diversify your learning and experience, we offer post-degree programs consisting of two, one-year post-degree diplomas. You’ll graduate with two credentials and a solid combination of experience and skills. 

Disclaimer: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

Please also note, that the list of Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, as posted by IRCC is subject to change. 

We recommend checking if your program remains PGWP-eligible under the latest requirements on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) information page, provided by our Student Services team, for further details.

English Language Learning and Acquisition (ELLA)

Study ESL at one of the largest public colleges in Western Canada through our English Language Learning and Acquisition program.

You'll experience:

• Learning and practicing English for 20 hours per week including classroom discussions, workshops, conversation labs and field-trips.
• Practicing four language skills: discussion, comprehension, academic writing and accuracy.
• Studying alongside domestic and international students from 80+ countries.
• Accessing all the services available to the Douglas College Community including International Centre, library, gym, Career Centre, campus events and much more.
• Learning in courses professionally designed and led by highly-qualified college instructors.

Is ELLA a pathway to an academic program at Douglas College?

• You may be able to take College-level courses when you complete or are exempt from at least three of the four third level ELLA courses.
   
• Our ELLA Early Academic Pathway allows qualifying students to register in up to six credits of pre-approved Early Academic Courses while completing the third level ELLA courses.

Admission requirements

To learn about the admission requirements to the ELLA program, please see here.

For more information, please contact Douglas College International team or the ELLA department.