Location:
2700 College Way, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 5L7, Canada
Campus Type:
Urban-suburban mix with scenic surroundings in the Canadian Rockies
Institution Type:
Public community college
1. Programs Offered:
The Cranbrook Campus offers a wide range of programs, including:
University Transfer Programs (Arts & Sciences)
Business Administration
Tourism Management
Health and Human Services (e.g., Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant)
Trades and Technology (e.g., Electrical, Welding, Automotive, Carpentry)
Kinesiology and Recreation
Culinary Arts
Computer Science
Early Childhood Education
English Language Program (ESL/EAP)
2. Facilities:
Modern classrooms, science labs, trades shops, and a Health Sciences building
On-campus residence with furnished student housing
Cafeteria, fitness center, and student commons
Library and Indigenous Gathering Place
3. Support for International Students:
Orientation programs and immigration advising
ESL and English upgrading courses
Homestay and housing placement services
Academic advising and cultural events
4. Class Sizes & Teaching Style:
Small class sizes (average 20–30 students)
Personalized learning experience with faculty who know students by name
Emphasis on practical, hands-on training and industry preparation
5. Location Advantages:
Situated in a safe, small city with a friendly community
Abundant outdoor recreational activities: hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing
Low cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities
Ideal for students looking for affordable education in a peaceful, natural setting
High-quality instruction with opportunities for university transfer
Access to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for eligible programs
Strong support for international students and skilled trades training
Associate of Arts Degree (2 years, transferable to university)
Associate of Science Degree
University Transfer – Science, Arts, Engineering, Commerce, and more
Business Administration Diploma (Accounting, Marketing, General Management)
Post-Degree Diploma in Business Management
Post-Degree Diploma in Sustainable Business Practices
Office Administration Certificate/Diploma
Computer Science/Information Technology Courses (University Transfer)
Health Care Assistant Certificate
Practical Nursing Diploma
Human Service Worker Diploma
Early Childhood Education Certificate/Diploma
Kinesiology Certificate/Diploma
Automotive Service Technician
Carpentry Foundation
Electrical Foundation & Apprenticeship
Heavy Mechanical Trades
Plumbing
Welding Foundation & Apprenticeship
Culinary Arts Certificate (Professional Cook 1 & 2)
Tourism Management Diploma (with Co-op)
Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) Certificate
Hospitality Management Diploma
English Language Program (ESL/EAP)
College and Career Preparation (upgrading)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business Administration (Sustainable Business Practices) |
4 years |
~$10,200–$10,500 |
Offered directly at COTR; includes sustainability focus |
|
University Arts & Science – Transfer to BA/BS Programs |
2 years (transfer) |
~$10,000–$10,300 |
Transfer to universities for BA/BSc degrees after 2 years |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (in partnership) |
4 years (with transfer) |
not fully delivered at Cranbrook |
Usually starts at COTR, then continues at partner universities |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Post-Degree Diploma in Business Management |
2 years |
~$10,500 |
For students with a completed bachelor's degree; PGWP-eligible |
|
Post-Degree Diploma in Sustainable Business Practices |
2 years |
~$10,500 |
Sustainability-focused; includes business and environmental content |
College of the Rockies – Cranbrook Campus in British Columbia, Canada, is a welcoming and affordable option for international students seeking high-quality education in a supportive, small-campus environment. As the largest campus of the College of the Rockies, it offers a variety of programs and services tailored to the needs of international learners.
The Cranbrook Campus provides a wide range of certificate, diploma, university transfer, post-degree, and one bachelor-level program (BBA in Sustainable Business Practices). Programs are career-focused and often include hands-on learning, co-op placements, or pathways to further university education. Popular areas of study include business, tourism, computer science, health care, early childhood education, trades, and environmental studies.
International students benefit from small class sizes, with an average of 20–30 students per class, allowing for personalized attention and stronger faculty interaction. The campus provides robust support through the International Education Office, which helps with immigration advising, academic counseling, cultural adjustment, and housing placement.
Cranbrook is a safe, quiet city surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. It offers a low cost of living, a friendly community, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities year-round. The college’s on-campus residence and homestay options make it easy for international students to settle in and focus on their studies.
All full-time academic programs at Cranbrook Campus are Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible, allowing international graduates to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.
1. Choose Your Program
Review available programs on the College of the Rockies website.
Ensure the program is open for international students and check the start dates and intake availability (September, January, or May for most programs).
2. Check Eligibility Requirements
Academic: High school diploma or bachelor’s degree (for post-degree diplomas)
English Language Proficiency (minimum scores may vary by program):
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79
Duolingo: 110
PTE: 56
Students without required English scores may apply for the English Language Program (ESL/EAP)
3. Prepare Required Documents
Official transcripts (translated into English if needed)
English proficiency test scores
Passport bio page
Application form (completed online)
Resume and Statement of Purpose (for post-degree programs, if required)
4. Apply Online
Submit your application through the COTR International Application Portal.
Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100 CAD.
5. Wait for the Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
If accepted, you will receive a Conditional or Unconditional Letter of Acceptance.
Processing time: Usually 2–4 weeks after submitting all required documents.
6. Pay Tuition Deposit
To secure your seat, pay the tuition deposit (usually one semester's tuition in advance), required for the study permit application.
7. Apply for a Canadian Study Permit
Use the Letter of Acceptance and tuition receipt to apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
8. Arrange Housing and Prepare for Arrival
Choose between on-campus residence, homestay, or off-campus housing
Attend pre-arrival orientation sessions
Book travel to Cranbrook, British Columbia
Intake Season |
Start Month |
Availability |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
September |
Main intake; most programs available |
|
Winter Intake |
January |
Many programs available |
|
Spring Intake |
May |
Limited programs, often ESL or short-term |
Application deadlines are typically 3–6 months before the start date.
It’s strongly advised to apply early to allow time for visa processing.
Program Type |
Minimum Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Certificate / Diploma |
High school completion (Grade 12 or equivalent) |
|
Post-Degree Diploma |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution |
|
University Transfer / Associate Degree |
High school completion with academic subjects (Science, Math, English as required) |
Accepted Tests |
Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic |
6.0 overall (no band below 6.0) |
|
TOEFL iBT |
79 overall |
|
Duolingo English Test |
110+ |
|
PTE Academic |
56 |
|
CAEL |
60 |
Students who don’t meet language requirements may apply for the English Language Program (EAP).
Must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (CAD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Student Entrance Scholarship |
New international students with strong academic performance |
Up to $1,000 |
Automatically considered at the time of admission |
|
International Student Continuing Scholarship |
Returning international students with strong GPA |
$500–$1,000 |
Based on academic excellence and full-time enrollment |
|
International Student Leadership Award |
Involvement in campus or community leadership activities |
$500–$1,000 |
Application required; available once per year |
|
English Language Program Award |
EAP students transitioning into academic programs |
$500 |
Awarded upon successful completion of EAP and entry into diploma/degree |
|
Program-Specific Awards & Bursaries |
Varies by department or faculty |
$500–$2,000 |
Application required; open to both domestic and international students |
|
Financial Need-Based Bursaries |
Demonstrated financial need (international students eligible) |
N/A |
Application and supporting documents required |
Facility/Service |
Description |
Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Type |
Main campus located in Cranbrook, British Columbia; scenic and urban-suburban mix |
N//A |
|
Academic Facilities |
Modern classrooms, labs, trades shops, simulation labs (health, tech, science) |
Included in tuition |
|
Library & Learning Centre |
Access to digital and print resources, quiet study spaces |
Included in tuition |
|
Student Commons & Lounges |
Social spaces, study areas, Indigenous Gathering Place |
Included in tuition |
|
Fitness Centre |
Gym, weight room, cardio equipment; optional membership for students |
~$50–$100/semester (optional) |
|
Cafeteria & Food Services |
On-campus cafeteria, snack bars, and nearby dining options |
~$10–$15/meal (estimated) |
|
On-Campus Residence (Pinnacle Hall) |
Fully furnished rooms, shared kitchens and bathrooms |
|
|
On-Campus Residence Meal Plan |
Optional meal plans available via cafeteria |
~$2,500–$4,000/year (optional) |
|
Homestay Accommodation |
Private room and meals with local Canadian host family |
~$950–$1,100/month (includes meals) |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Shared apartments, studios, or basement suites |
~$700–$1,000/month (plus utilities) |
|
Student Housing Support |
Help finding off-campus rentals or homestays; airport pickup for new students |
Included in international services |
Student life at the College of the Rockies – Cranbrook Campus is vibrant, community-oriented, and closely connected to the beautiful natural surroundings of British Columbia. The campus offers a welcoming atmosphere with small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a strong focus on student support and well-being.
International and domestic students have opportunities to engage in academic, recreational, and cultural activities throughout the year. The Students' Association organizes events such as movie nights, cultural festivals, wellness fairs, and outdoor excursions like hiking, skiing, and kayaking, taking full advantage of the nearby Rocky Mountains and national parks.
The campus provides a variety of student spaces including a fitness centre, library, student commons, and lounges for group work and socializing. Student services include academic advising, career counselling, mental health support, tutoring, and Indigenous services. International students receive dedicated support for immigration, housing, and cultural adjustment.
Cranbrook is a small, friendly, and safe city with a strong sense of community. It offers an ideal setting for students looking for a quiet environment to focus on studies while also having access to outdoor adventures and local cultural experiences. Students also benefit from part-time job opportunities in local businesses, hospitality, and tourism.
Overall, life at College of the Rockies – Cranbrook Campus provides a healthy balance of academic focus, social engagement, and nature-connected living, making it a great choice for students who prefer smaller, supportive environments over large urban campuses.
1. Co-op and Practicum Programs
Many diploma and post-degree programs include co-op work terms, internships, or practicums:
Business Administration (Diploma & Post-Degree)
Tourism and Hospitality Management
Health Care Assistant
Early Childhood Education
Kinesiology
Trades programs (apprenticeship pathways)
These work experiences are often paid and provide valuable Canadian work experience.
2. Career and Employment Services
The college offers:
Resume and cover letter workshops
One-on-one career counseling
Interview preparation sessions
Local job postings and employer networking events
Support with job search skills for international students
3. Employment Outcomes
Graduates from COTR, especially in high-demand fields like trades and health care, have good job prospects locally and nationally:
Many students are hired directly after completing co-ops or apprenticeships
Graduates of post-degree diplomas (e.g. Business Management) are competitive for entry-level to mid-level roles in Canada
4. Employer Connections
COTR has established partnerships with regional employers such as:
Local health authorities and care homes
Tourism operators and ski resorts
Construction and electrical companies
Small and mid-sized businesses across the East Kootenay region
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
All full-time, eligible academic programs at the Cranbrook campus qualify students for a PGWP of up to 3 years, allowing them to gain full-time work experience in Canada.
Health Care Assistant: $40,000–$45,000/year
Business Diploma/Post-Degree: $42,000–$55,000/year
Skilled Trades (e.g. Electrician, Carpenter): $45,000–$60,000/year
Tourism & Hospitality: $35,000–$45,000/year
The acceptance rate of College of the Rockies – Cranbrook Campus is estimated to be around 80% to 85%, making it a highly accessible public college for both domestic and international students.
Open Admission Policy: College of the Rockies is a community college, meaning it admits most qualified applicants who meet the basic academic and English language requirements.
Program Availability: While the college has a high overall acceptance rate, entry into specific programs such as Practical Nursing or Post-Degree Diplomas may be more competitive due to limited seats.
International Students: The college welcomes students from over 30 countries, with a strong support system in place. Acceptance rates for international students remain high, provided the application is complete and submitted early.
Completion of required education level (e.g. high school or bachelor's degree)
Meeting English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Availability of seats in the selected intake
Submission of all required documents and fees
College of the Rockies – Cranbrook Main Campus
2700 College Way
Cranbrook, British Columbia
V1C 5L7, Canada
