College of the Rockies
Visit WebsiteProfile Quick Links
Website
Founded
Locations
Student Inquiries
Info for Parents
Profile Quick Links
Who We Are
For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we deliver instruction to approximately 10,000 learners, in a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism and recreation, fire services, continuing education and general community interest.
You’ll find College of the Rockies in the southeastern corner of B.C., nestled between the awe-inspiring Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges. The main campus, in Cranbrook, is where the majority of the College’s 60-plus programs are offered. The College also has four regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, and Invermere, offering specialized training opportunities at each.
We strive to deliver the most personal student experience possible. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
At the College, we are proud to celebrate a wide range of cultures. From the rich heritage of the Ktunaxa and Kinbasket peoples, upon whose traditional territory we reside, to the nearly 200 students from more than 30 countries who study with us. At the Cranbrook campus, you’ll also find the yaqakiǂ ʔit̓qawxaxamki “Place Where People Gather.” We recognize this space as a sacred space that reflects the character, community and traditions of Indigenous cultures.
General Info
Enrolment Details
Applications for Admission to Fall 2024 at College of the Rockies open November 1, 2023
Detailed Costs
Campus Locations
2700 College Way,
Cranbrook, BC
2700 College Way
Cranbrook, BC
Nearby Highlights
Your adventure awaits at College of the Rockies. We hope you’ll join us.
Skiing And Snowboarding
World class skiing with 10 resorts within a 3.5 hour radius.
Cranbrook is a great base camp for backcountry skiers with access to world renowned areas like Kootenay Pass and the Fernie Region.
Hiking
Kootenays | AllTrails (Map and list option for some awesome hiking in the region!)
Paddleboarding
There are hundreds of lakes to paddleboard in the summer.
Golf
There are six golf courses within 30 minutes of the main campus.
Mountain Biking
Cranbrook boasts one of the longest mountain biking seasons in Interior BC. You can access the Cranbrook Community Forest (77 Trails) directly from the College parking lot.
Camping
11 Provincial Parks within an hour from Cranbrook.
5 National Parks within 3 Hours (Yoho, Kootenay, Banff, Glacier, Waterton).
Campus Tours
Varsity Athletics
Credentials Available
- Trades Apprenticeship
- Trades Foundation Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree: Career-Focused
- Diplomas: 2-3 Years
- Certificates: 1 Year or Less
- Upgrading / HS Completion
Programs
Featured Programs
Bachelor of Business Administration-Sustainable Business Practices
The Bachelor of Business Administration: Sustainable Business Practices realizes that sustainability is the benchmark for businesses in the 21st century and can help prepare you for this new business environment.
While sustainability is the focus, a combination of liberal arts, science and specific business courses make up this four-year degree. We are proud to say that our students regularly earn medals at the Western Canadian Business Competition, due in part, we’re sure, to our small class sizes which allow our faculty to provide more personalized attention.
The BBA is designed to be flexible and accessible. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, in traditional classrooms or online. You can also choose to focus with specific electives, and enter or exit the program at various points. Qualifying courses from other institutions may be used to meet some of the upper level course requirements.
Adventure Tourism Business Operations
Take Your Education to New Heights!
The name says it all. Get out of the classroom for some real, hands-on experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This program is big on adventure but also focuses on those business skills you need to work in the tourism industry or to start your own tourism business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, sustainability and business training.
Your ATBO instructors are highly skilled guides in avalanche safety, rock climbing, mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and sea kayaking.
The program is based at the College's Golden campus.
Mountain Adventure Skills Training
Did we get you at Mountain Adventure? Push your personal boundaries in this truly adventurous program. Imagine your stunning BC Rocky Mountain classroom where you’ll spend time hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, canoeing, whitewater rafting while also earning the certifications and training that employers want. That’s MAST!
With the 9-month Mountain Adventure Skills Training program, 60% of your learning time will be outdoors experiencing the regions amazing adventure lifestyle opportunities while also learning the skills employers want you to know. With 13 certification courses, you’ll be introduced to the knowledge you need to be successful in your dream job.
The Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program (MAST) is designed for full-time students interested in pursuing a one year certificate and meets the requirements of the B.C. Provincial common core curriculum.
Learn to be an Adventure Tourism professional from our highly skilled instructors who work in the industry, get a season’s pass at Fernie Alpine Resort as part of your tuition, and gain university credits toward a degree in Adventure Tourism. This program has it all.
Info on All Programs
Areas of Study Available
- Business and Management
- Health Related
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanical and Related
- Recreation, Tourism, Hospitality and Service
- Sciences
- Upgrading Programs
- Education and Library Sciences
Study Abroad Opportunities
College of the Rockies provides a variety of options to students to learn abroad, including Field schools abroad. Field trips abroad and Semester exchange programs abroad.
Admissions
Basic Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements are based on the program of study. Students must choose a program and determine if they meet the requiresments before applying
English Proficiency Requirements
Many programs or courses at College of the Rockies require a minimum of 65% in English 12 or equivalent. The following courses or assessments meet the English 12 or equivalent requirement:
- BC English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples , ENGL 090, ENGL 091, or COMC 100 (please refer to the program admission requirements or course prerequisite information to determine the minimum grade required);
For applicants whose first language is not English, or who have received their primary education in a language other than English, are required to provide proof of the College’s English language proficiency requirements.
Note: Communications 12 is not equivalent to English 12
Application Deadline
Applications for upcoming academic year opens on November 1st.
For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program:
- Applications are accepted from November 1 to February 15.
- All academic requirements must be completed and submitted by February 28.
- Specific application dates will be posted on the College website each year.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $30 Application Fee is required.
How to Apply
Apply online through EducationPlanner or download the pdf. on the website and submit by mail or fax.
Admissions Contact Email
Admissions Contact Phone
Financial Aid
Entrance Scholarships Deadline
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards:
Thousands of dollars in Bursaries and Scholarships are available to students who are either entering College of the Rockies for the first time, or are currently enrolled in a full-time program.
There are two main types of financial awards: Scholarships and Bursaries
- Bursaries are awards based on financial need and reasonable academic standing.
- Scholarships are awards to a student to help finance further education based on academic merit or excellence in the area to which the award pertains
Who’s eligible?
- Any student enrolled in any full-time program at College of the Rockies, in the current academic year.
- A student is considered full-time if they have a minimum 60% course load in any program (40% for students with documented disabilities. Students applying for the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) bursaries and Community Service Awards must be enrolled in a minimum 80% course load.
- If you’re not a College of the Rockies student yet, but are planning to attend, apply for our entrance awards
Entrance Scholarships Info
Other Scholarship Info
Student Loan Info
Financial Aid Contact Email
Financial Aid Contact Phone
Residence
First Year Residence Spots
Residence Options
Student Housing:
If you plan to live in Student Housing, you should apply early.
Living on Campus:
- Student Housing is located at the Cranbrook campus and is only 225 steps from the main entrance! (Kootenay Centre)
- There are lots of fun activities and you have other students close by to talk and study with
- It is your responsibility to apply for Residence. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The application period starts on November 15
Housing Options:
You may apply to live in either Purcell House or The Village
Located just steps from the Cranbrook main campus, you’ll be able to travel to and from classes in minutes. And with the buildings bordering the Cranbrook Community Forest, you also have easy access to recreation trails right outside your door.
Residence Cost Details
Purcell House Rental Rate for 2024/2025 (September – April):
- $2320.00 Fall semester (September – December)
- $2320.00 Winter semester (January – April)
- CAD$35 non-refundable application fee that is required before you are placed on a rooming list
- Fees must be paid before you arrive
Note: We offer revised rates and payment deadlines for programs which fall outside of the standard academic semester (such as Trades programs). Please contact Student Housing Services at housing@cotr.bc.ca for more information.
The Village (Buildings 1-5) Rental Rate for 2022/2023 (September – April):
- $2600.00 Fall semester (September – December)
- $2600.00 Winter semester (January – April)
- CAD$35 non-refundable application fee that is required before you are placed on a rooming list
- Fees must be paid before you arrive
Please note: We offer revised rates and payment deadlines for programs which fall outside of the standard academic semester (such as Trades programs). Please contact the Student Housing Coordinator for more information.
Residence Application Deadline
Preference will be given to full-time students. Priority is given based on first come, first served and availability of room type requested.
How to Apply
Student Housing Application Process:
To apply for student housing, download and complete the College of the Rockies Student Residence Application Form and submit it by emailing it to resapps@cotr.bc.ca, faxing it to 250-489-8240, or dropping it off in person at the Cranbrook campus.
Important note: Residence applications are only processed once an application fee of $35.00 has been received along with an application form. The application fee can be paid using the following methods:
- Over the phone with a Visa or Mastercard credit card by calling the Residence Office at 250-489-8282
- In person at the Residence Office (2700 College Way, Cranbrook BC) using cash, cheque, credit card or Interac (debit). The Residence Office is located in Purcell House student residence and is open for payments from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday – Friday.
- In person at any College of the Rockies campus using cash, cheque, credit card or Interac (debit). Please contact the individual campus to confirm.
- By mailing a cheque to the address below:
Purcell House Student Residence
Bag 9000, 2700 College Way
Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
*Residence fees are subject to change.
Residence Contact Email
Residence Contact Phone
Accessibility Supports & Services
Accessibility Supports & Services Info
At College of the Rockies, we are committed to maximizing success and reducing barriers so that students with disabilities have equal opportunities and equal access to information. We provide a variety of support services and accommodations for students with learning disabilities, physical or psychological challenges, as well as those with temporary disabilities.
We support students on all campuses, and there is no charge for any of the services provided.
More Accessibility Info
Indigenous Student Supports & Services
Indigenous Student Supports & Services Info
Ki’suk kyukyit (Greetings)!
College of the Rockies campuses are all located on the Ktunaxa traditional territory which is home to four Ktunaxa communities and the Shuswap Band.
Our Indigenous Education team consists of Resident Elders, Student Mentors, Student Navigator, Indigenous Education Coordinator/Advisor, and Director of Indigenous Strategy and Reconciliation. We work closely with representatives from the Ktunaxa Nation Council Education and Employment Sector. Our team is here to help make your College experience a success.
Some of our support services include:
- Help with funding applications, financial supports, awards and bursaries
- Completion of applications
- Assistance with assessing program readiness and pre-requisites
- Access to emergency funding sources
- Academic advising and planning (short term plans and long term)
- Assistance with Articulation and transfer of courses/credits
- Advocacy
- Referrals to college and community resources and services
- Academic and Career assessments
- Liaising with the regional Indigenous communities
- Hosting of Cultural events and gatherings
We primarily serve First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and community members seeking to further their education or training. We also offer opportunities and activities for all students, staff, faculty and external community members throughout the year. We seek to assist all who are interested in growing in their Indigenous knowledge.
Come and connect with our Student Navigator and Student Mentors who would love to share their experiences at the College and help you get settled in to college life.
More Indigenous Student Info
International Students
International Student Info
Programs include ESL, Associate Degrees, a Business Degree option and several Certificate and Diploma programs
English Language Requirement
For the most up-to-date information please click here: https://cotr.bc.ca/future-students/international/language-requirements/
Complete courses or assessments that demonstrate minimum proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
TOEFL iBT – TOEFL Internet-based test
- Overall 80 with minimum 13 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking
IELTS Academic – International English language testing system
- Direct entry academic program requirements: Overall 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
- Conditional admit requirements: Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
- English Language Program pathway: Less than 6.0 overall
CAEL-CE – Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test
- Computer Edition (CE) score of 60 overall (no sub-score less than 60)
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- PTE Academic – Academic overall 56
Visit the PTE Academic website