International Students
Your Home Away From Home in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada
Your Journey, Our Support
At Focus College, we proudly welcome students from across the globe. As an international student, you’ll be more than just a visitor, you’ll become an important part of our community. Our friendly campuses in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Kelowna offer supportive learning environments where you’ll feel at home from day one.
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why our team is here to support you academically, socially, and personally. From your first application to settling into Canadian life, Focus College ensures you always feel safe, supported, and connected. For step-by-step details about preparing for your studies, including travel, settlement, and life in Canada, visit our International Student Guide.
Why Study in British Columbia?
British Columbia (BC) is one of Canada’s most diverse and beautiful provinces, making it an incredible place to live and study. When you choose Focus College, you’ll gain career-ready education while enjoying an unforgettable Canadian experience.
Surrey campus: Surrey is British Columbia’s fastest-growing city, home to 650,000+ residents and more than 200 cultural communities. For Focus College students, Surrey offers a diverse and welcoming environment, affordable living, and quick access to Vancouver. With booming opportunities in business, technology, healthcare, and education, it’s an ideal place to study, gain work experience, and build your future in Canada.
Abbotsford campus: It offers affordable living, a welcoming community, and career opportunities in agriculture, health care, business, and just 70 km from Vancouver and near the U.S. border.
Kelowna Campus: It’s the largest city in BC’s Okanagan Valley, home to 150,000+ people and 12,000+ businesses. Kelowna offers affordable living, career growth in tech, tourism, health care, and business, plus a vibrant student lifestyle.
Whether lakeside, metro, or valley living suits you best, BC offers endless adventure, culture, and opportunities for new friendships.
How to Apply as an International Student
If you live outside Canada and want to join Focus College, here’s the admissions process:
- Apply Online: Submit your application with your agent’s help or directly through our form.
- Include Required Documents:
- First and second program choices
- Education documents (transcripts, certificates)
- Passport bio-data and photo pages
- Official IELTS (or equivalent) results
- $500 CAD non-refundable application fee
- Conditional Acceptance: Issued within 3–5 business days if your application is complete.
- Confirmation of Acceptance: Provided once you meet all requirements.
- Apply for Your Canadian Study Permit using your acceptance letter.
- Send Visa Results:
- Approved? Email us a copy of your visa approval to admissions@focuscollege.com
- Refused? Email us the refusal letter to process your refund (within 4–6 weeks).
Living in Canada: Housing and Support
Finding a comfortable place to live is key to your student experience. Focus College may assist by providing housing resources to help you secure accommodation.
- Inform us at least 6–8 weeks before arrival so we can guide you.
- Wait until you receive your official acceptance confirmation before arranging housing.
- Housing is subject to availability, but our support simplifies your search.
Cost of Living in Canada
According to the Government of Canada, living expenses may be higher than in your home country. Be prepared for:
- Housing & Utilities: 35–50% of income; rental costs vary ($450+ for shared rooms, $2,000+ for larger homes).
- Food & Clothing: Groceries are essential; costs rise with restaurants and specialty items. Clothing typically <10% of income.
- Transportation: Public transit, biking, or driving are common. Owning a car includes insurance, fuel, and registration.
- Health Insurance: Some provinces require newcomers to purchase private coverage for the first 3 months.
- Occasional Expenses: Prescription medicine, school supplies, and calls home may add extra costs.
Our International Student Guide includes detailed budgeting tips to help you prepare.
Why Choose Focus College?
- Career-focused diplomas and certificates
- Monthly and quarterly intakes (no waitlists)
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
- Co-op placements and industry connections
- Campuses in Surrey, Abbotsford, Kelowna, and online options
- 18 Industry Partners
- Focus College Innovation Centre
- Canadian and International University Partners
At Focus College, you’ll gain quality education, strong support, and unforgettable experiences in one of the most welcoming places in the world.
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