University Canada West is a private university located in downtown Vancouver. Offering students the option of studying on campus or online, this 20-year-old university offers four degree programs: a bachelor of commerce, a B.A. in business communication, an associate of arts degree and an MBA (the most popular program). With programming designed to emphasize leadership, critical thinking and persuasive communication, students are challenged using real-world case studies and examples.

The university offers four terms per year, accommodating students who wish to study at a faster pace. Of the more than 14,000 students enrolled per term, about 10 per cent study online. Students come from across Canada and more than 110 countries.

Four years ago, UCW moved its main campus to Vancouver House, a new development featuring a unique twisting tower, green space, ocean views and urban amenities. The campus features computer labs, student lounges, a library and an innovation hub. “UCW’s programs prize fresh thinking and provide a global perspective on today’s economic and social challenges,” says president Bashir Makhoul. “Our energetic, entrepreneurial faculty bring lots of hands-on field experience to their teaching and help connect students to local businesses.”

University Canada West was founded by former University of Victoria president David Strong in 2004 but became part of an educational conglomerate in 2008. Since 2014, the school has been owned by Global University Systems, an international network of private higher-education institutions.

An on-campus bachelor’s degree costs $9,670 per year for domestic students and $20,180 for international students. The MBA can be completed in less than two years or in up to five years if pursued part-time. The full cost of the MBA is $29,745 for domestic students and $40,635 for international students.