- Level
- 2-Year Associate Degree
- Duration
- 2 Year
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreSep 2026, May 2027
- Field
- Business, Commerce, and Management
- Institution
- Private College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
The Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration at Columbia College provides a solid foundation in business knowledge and principles, equipping students with essential skills for the modern business world. This 2-year program is designed as a pathway to higher education, equivalent to the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree. It prepares students to seamlessly transfer to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related fields such as commerce, management, or economics. Offered at the Main Campus in Vancouver, British Columbia, this program is classified as a STEM field by IRCC, making it eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion.
As part of Columbia College's university transfer offerings, the program emphasizes practical and theoretical business concepts, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional communication. With a diverse student body from over 60 countries, including a significant international cohort, students benefit from a multicultural learning environment that enhances global perspectives on business practices.
Learning Outcomes and Key Benefits
Upon completing the Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration, students will:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary business principles and practices, including ethical decision-making and strategic planning.
- Develop proficiency in key business areas such as accounting, marketing, economics, finance, operations, technology, and quantitative analysis.
- Enhance critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills through interdisciplinary coursework, preparing for advanced studies or entry-level professional roles.
- Build transferable credits that align with university requirements, ensuring a smooth transition to bachelor's programs.
- Acquire business and professional skills that support career readiness, including teamwork, leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
The program also promotes personal growth by integrating social sciences, humanities, and arts, helping students become well-rounded professionals adaptable to diverse industries.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
- Minimum average on the best four academic Grade 12 subjects: 65% for CBSE/ISCE applicants.
- 70% for PSEB and other state boards (reduced by 5% from standard thresholds).
- Up to a 2-year academic gap is accepted.
- Admission is conditional on official transcripts, including CBSE admit cards where applicable.
- Note: Punjabi is not considered for admission calculations in science-related streams, though this program is arts-based.
Backlogs are permitted for undergraduate programs. Conditional admission is available based on Term 1 results.
Open schooling (e.g., NIOS, IGNOU) and private certificates are not accepted. Agent changes are not allowed after deposit or rejection.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
- University Transfer: Seamlessly enter the third year of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or related fields at universities like UBC or SFU, leading to advanced roles in management or finance.
- Entry-Level Business Roles: Pursue positions such as administrative assistant, customer service representative, or sales associate, with potential salaries starting around $40,000–$50,000 CAD annually in Canada.
- Sales and Marketing: Become a sales manager or marketing coordinator, earning approximately $76,000 CAD per year, focusing on business development and client relations.
- Human Resources: Work as an HR assistant or manager, with average salaries of $78,000 CAD, handling recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.
- Finance and Accounting: Enter roles like loan officer or financial services representative, with salaries around $70,000–$80,000 CAD, involving budgeting, analysis, and client advising.
- Entrepreneurship: Start your own business or work in operations management, leveraging skills in strategy and finance for small business ownership or startup roles.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Gain up to 3 years of Canadian work experience in business fields, qualifying for permanent residency pathways.
About Columbia College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Private
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Reference No.
- O19279591302
