- Level
- 2-Year Associate Degree
- Duration
- 2 Year
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreSep 2026, May 2027
- Field
- International Relations and Political Science
- Institution
- Private College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
The Associate of Arts Degree in Political Science Concentration at Columbia College provides a comprehensive foundation in political theory, government systems, and international relations, equipping students with analytical skills to understand political behavior and public policies. 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 Political Science or related fields such as international relations, public administration, or law. 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 the study of political institutions, ideologies, and global affairs, fostering critical thinking about how values, ideas, and culture impact politics. With a diverse student body from over 60 countries, including a significant international cohort, students benefit from a multicultural learning environment that enhances perspectives on political realities. Note that for the January 2026 intake, this program is currently listed as closed (C), so prospective applicants should monitor updates on the college website for availability in future terms.
Learning Outcomes and Key Benefits
Upon completing the Associate of Arts Degree in Political Science Concentration, students will:
- Develop a critical understanding of local and global political systems, including the formal institutions of government and socio-economic factors influencing politics.
- Explore how values, ideas, and culture shape political structures and behaviors.
- Enhance analytical and research skills to evaluate political arguments, policies, and international issues.
- Acquire strong communication skills for presenting political analyses in academic or professional settings.
- Build transferable credits that align with university requirements, ensuring a smooth transition to bachelor's programs.
- Benefit from an accelerated pathway via the trimester system, potentially completing the degree in 16 months, and qualify for PGWP to gain Canadian work experience.
The program promotes personal growth by integrating social sciences, humanities, and arts, helping students become informed citizens and advocates adaptable to roles in government, NGOs, and policy analysis.
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 Political Science, International Relations, or Public Administration at universities like UBC or SFU, leading to advanced roles in policy or diplomacy.
- Policy Analyst/Advisor: Research and advise on public policies in government or think tanks, with average salaries around $60,000–$80,000 CAD in Canada.
- Legislative Aide/Assistant: Support politicians with research and constituency work, earning approximately $50,000–$70,000 CAD.
- Public Relations Specialist: Manage communications for organizations or campaigns, salaries around $55,000–$75,000 CAD.
- Lobbyist/Advocacy Coordinator: Influence policy for NGOs or interest groups, averaging $60,000–$85,000 CAD.
- Program Coordinator in Non-Profits: Manage community or human rights programs, with salaries approximately $45,000–$65,000 CAD.
About Columbia College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Private
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Reference No.
- O19279591302
