Coquitlam College (CC), founded in 1982, is a private college located in Coquitlam, British Columbia (BC), Canada. As one of the first private institutions in BC to join the provincial credit transfer system, CC has consistently been dedicated to offering university transfer courses and high school programs. With rigorous academic standards and an outstanding transfer success rate, the college has earned the trust of students worldwide, helping them embark on their journey through Canadian higher education. In 2025, CC relocated to a new campus at the Broadway Tech Centre in Vancouver, further enhancing its teaching facilities and student experience.
Location and Transportation
The new campus is adjacent to the Renfrew SkyTrain station and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, offering students convenient transportation and a wealth of resources for academic and campus life.
Key Strengths: A Leader Among BC Transfer Institutions
CC is an active participant in the BC Transfer System, and the credits earned in its university transfer courses are recognized by all public universities in British Columbia. Students can earn up to 60 university transfer credits, equivalent to completing the first two years of an undergraduate degree. Thanks to its high-quality instruction and exceptionally high transfer success rate, CC has become the premier institution for university transfer credits in British Columbia.
College Structure and Curriculum
Coquitlam College offers three core program areas, as well as adult high school courses (Grades 10–12) and ESL English language courses:
| Program Types | Main Content | Features/Pathways |
|---|---|---|
| University Transfer Courses | First- and Second-Year University Transfer Courses | Credits transferable to prestigious universities such as UBC, SFU, and UVic; leads to one- or two-year associate degrees |
| One-Year Diploma Programs | Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Computer Science, etc. | Quick entry into the workforce or progression to further studies |
| Two-Year Associate Degree Programs | Associate Degree in Liberal Arts | Graduates can directly apply to bachelor’s programs at universities across Canada, with a higher acceptance rate |
| Grades 10–12 high school curriculum | BC High School Dogwood Diploma | Includes adult high school (for those aged 19 and older) and university bridge programs |
Affordable Tuition and Graduate Outcomes
Tuition for CC’s university transfer programs ranges from approximately CAD 14,400 to 18,500 per year, which is about 50% less expensive than top provincial universities. Over 90% of graduates successfully transfer to top Canadian universities such as UBC, SFU, and the University of Victoria; CC is hailed as a “golden stepping stone” to prestigious institutions .
How long does it take to earn a diploma at Coquitlam College?
The time required to earn a diploma at Coquitlam College depends primarily on the program pathway you choose.
| Program Type | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Year Diploma Program (Diploma) | Approx. 2 years | These programs typically require 60–61 credits. Upon graduation, students receive a diploma or an associate degree and can transfer directly into the third year of a university bachelor’s degree program. |
| University Transfer Program | 1 or 2 years | This program is designed to allow students to complete two years of university-level coursework before transferring to prestigious universities such as UBC or SFU to complete their bachelor’s degree. |
| High School Program (Grades 10–12) | Typically within 2 years | High school courses (Grades 10–12) can typically be completed within 2 years. Students who are 18 years of age or older may enroll in the “Adult High School Graduation Program,” which allows them to earn a diploma in as little as 1–2 semesters. |
