University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2005, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts, and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses and online, providing flexibility to students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain respected qualifications.
| Acronym | UCW |
| Nickname | UCW |
| Motto / Slogan | To be relevant, accessible, and innovative |
| Colour | Red and White |
| Mascot | Stanley the Otter |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 1 |
| Departments | 78 |
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Address | 1461 Granville Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 0E5, Canada |
UCW is an innovative business and technology-oriented, teaching-focused institution in Canada, offering applied undergraduate and graduate degrees for domestic and international students. The university is a dynamic and growing institution defined by its close connections to the business community and a commitment to outstanding student services.
To foster a diverse and challenging learning environment focused on practical application of knowledge and building competencies for scholarship, leadership and responsible citizenship in a global context.
To exemplify a contemporary Canadian university.
To be relevant, accessible, and innovative.
To offer career-focused courses to transform students into leadership-ready graduates.
To provide exceptional service and support to students, whether they study online or on campus.
To offer flexibility to make education more accessible to those eager to progress both academically and professionally.
To foster a diverse and challenging learning environment focused on the practical application of knowledge and building competencies for scholarship, leadership, and responsible citizenship in a global context.
Undergraduate programs
Graduate programs
Preparatory Programs
Micro-credentials
UCW is known for offering high-quality education that is both relevant and practical. The University’s programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and expertise required to thrive in the competitive business world. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends and innovations in various industries, ensuring that students gain real-world knowledge and hands-on experience before they graduate.
UCW hosts over 14,000 students from 110+ countries, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment. This diversity encourages cross-cultural exchange, networking, and a global perspective. Whether you want to collaborate with peers, share ideas, or build strong communication skills, UCW provides an enriching space for both academic and personal growth.
Understanding that life doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule, UCW offers flexible learning options that cater to a variety of student needs. Whether you're a full-time student, a working professional or someone balancing family obligations, UCW provides multiple ways to pursue your education.
UCW prides itself on providing a supportive and welcoming campus environment. Faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed academically and professionally, offering personalized attention, mentorship and guidance.
In addition to academic and career support, UCW provides a range of student services to enhance the overall student experience:
Entry requirements vary by program. Check the program, and course page for requirements.
Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)
AND
Academic IELTS – 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent (for students whose first language is not English). More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.
You can complete the English pathway courses (University Access Program) in order to meet the English proficiency requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce program.
General Entry Requirements
Secondary School Applicants who have graduated from British Columbia secondary school (high school) or equivalent are required to have, at minimum, the equivalent of a BC high school (Grade 12) diploma, with an overall average of C.
If you have graduated from high school but do not meet the minimum grade levels, you may still be considered for admission if you have successfully completed at least 24 academic post-secondary credits at a recognized institution.
International Students:
Applicants who completed high school or any post-secondary studies outside Canada must also submit:
Entry requirements vary by program. Check the program, and course page for requirements.
General Entry Requirements:
1. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.33 scale) or better in a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
AND
2. One of the following:
AND
3. If your first language is not English, submit an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in the writing band) or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo etc.). If your first language is English and you can demonstrate that you graduated from a recognized degree program in an English-speaking country, the English IELTS score or equivalent requirement is waived.
English Language Proficiency
The Admission Committee may require further proof of English language proficiency from applicants who attended English language-based education systems if the Committee sees deficiencies in language proficiency when the application package is reviewed.
English is the language of instruction at University Canada West. If your first language is not English, you must submit proof of English Proficiency as specified in the English Proficiency section of this website.
English language test scores are valid for admission purposes for a maximum of 2 years from the date of the test.
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +1-877-431-6887
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Recognized by the National Committee for Management Accreditation (NCMA)
Dr. Makhoul joined UCW in 2023 following a 6½ year term as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Crea... read more
Dr. Makhoul shares UCW’s “commitment to providing high-quality education” and draws on his global experience in academia to lead the University in providing innovative courses and programs.
He is passionate about technology innovation and social impact in education. He is a frequent speaker and presenter at various industry events and seminars. Komil holds a Triple Accredited MBA degree from Grenoble Ecole de Management (France) and a BA degree in Linguistics from Samarkand State University of Foreign Languages.
She has an extensive background working in education, administration and priva... read more
Her portfolio includes a variety of responsibilities ranging from Human Resources and Compensation to Strategic Planning and Initiatives.
Before joining UCW, Midya served as Director of Marketing at Langara Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) in Vancouver. Midya has also worked at ICEF, a global leader in international student recruitment events and services. Prior to joining ICEF, she had a marketing and communication role at one of the largest civil engineering companies in Canada where she managed national marketing initiatives and communication strategies across 23 locations throughout Canada. Midya also worked at VGC International College and Thompson Rivers University.
University Canada West was founded as a for-profit university by David Strong,... read more
The establishment of the university marked the first time in British Columbia that a for-profit institution had been authorized to use the designation "university," the result of the province's recently enacted, controversial Degree Authorization Act. UCW was approved in 2004 and opened its doors in 2005 in the former Blanshard Elementary School in Victoria, British Columbia. It initially offered undergraduate degrees in commerce, communications, geography, tourism, and economics and a master's degree in business. However, the geography, tourism, and economics programs were later dropped.