University Canada West is a private, for-profit university located in downtown Vancouver. Offering students the option of studying on campus or online, this 18-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.

Class sizes are small—usually 28 students or fewer—to maximize the interaction between professor and student. The university offers four terms per year, accommodating students who wish to study at a faster pace. Of approximately 6,000 students enrolled per term, about 10 per cent study online; 90 per cent are students from more than 100 countries.

Two years ago, CanWest 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. “Our programs provide students with the skills that B.C.’s top business and technology employers tell us they need most,” says interim president Sheldon Levy. “Our new campus in the award-winning Vancouver House development gives us a beautiful new downtown home.”

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 $8,010 per year for domestic students and $18,270 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 $25,740 for domestic students and $36,840 for international students.