There are two different types of options available for post-secondary education in B.C. - public and private.

Public Post-Secondary

Over 1,900 programs are offered by B.C.'s 25 publicly funded post-secondary institutions:

• 11 universities – including five new universities as of September 2008.
• 11 colleges – serving rural and metropolitan communities.
• Three institutes – offering a variety of specialized programs.

Universities offer an array of undergraduate degree programs and graduate programs. Some also offer courses and programs in trades, vocational, and career technical studies leading to certificates and diplomas, as well as developmental programs that prepare adult learners for post-secondary studies. Some universities undertake original and applied research in a range of disciplines, while others focus on applied research and scholarly activities in support of their programming.

• Check out B.C.'s universities.

Colleges offer courses and programs in trades, vocational, career technical and academic studies leading to certificates, diplomas, associate degrees and applied degrees. They also provide developmental programs that prepare adult learners for post-secondary studies.

• Check out B.C.'s colleges.

Institutes are organized according to career, vocational and technical specialties, covering a variety of occupations. They may offer credentials ranging from certificates to degrees. One B.C. institute has an Aboriginal focus.

• Check out B.C.'s institutes.

Private Post-Secondary

• Check out private or out-of-province institutions authorized to offer degree programs.
• Learn about theological programs.
• Sign up for career training at a private institution.