Who We Are

COVID-19 UPDATE: Information is available HERE on our website.

FALL 2021 UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Okanagan College is planning for a number of different options, including a blend of online and face-to-face delivery of classes, labs and shops. Our priority is to maintain safety and wellbeing for all students and employees, which means closely following guidelines laid out by the province and the Provincial Health Officer. MORE INFORMATION

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Situated in one of Canada’s most picturesque and dynamic regions, Okanagan College offers more than 130 different programs, and credentials that range from certificates to bachelor’s degrees to post-baccalaureate diplomas. With a half-century history of transforming lives and communities with quality education and training, Okanagan College connects with the region it serves, addressing everything from entrepreneurial aspirations to the demand for a wide array of skilled tradespeople. Okanagan College is B.C.’s second-largest trades training institution and offers six engineering technology diploma programs. It is a hub for training for the region’s renowned wine, food and tourism industries and has a nationally respected School of Business. Four major campuses (in Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon) and 10 additional learning and training centres serve more than 20,000 people annually; the equivalent of more than 7,500 full-time equivalent students. The College serves more than 1,700 Aboriginal students. More than 500 international students represent 44 different nations on campus.

General Info General Info


Enrolment Total
20,000

Detailed Costs
Campus Locations

Kelowna (Central Okanagan)

1000 KLO Road,
Kelowna, BC

Vernon (North Okanagan)

7000 College Way,
Vernon, BC

Penticton (South Okanagan-Similkameen)

583 Duncan Ave. West ,
Penticton, BC

Salmon Arm (Shuswap Revelstoke)

2552 Trans Canada Hwy. NE ,
Salmon Arm, BC

Kelowna (Central Okanagan)

1000 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC

Vernon (North Okanagan)

7000 College Way
Vernon, BC

Penticton (South Okanagan-Similkameen)

583 Duncan Ave. West
Penticton, BC

Salmon Arm (Shuswap Revelstoke)

2552 Trans Canada Hwy. NE
Salmon Arm, BC

Nearby Highlights

Kelowna Campus
Sustainable LEED Gold facilities
Cutting-edge new trades building
Vibrant city living with strong economic growth
5,000+ full-time equivalent students

Penticton Campus
Sustainable LEED Platinum facilities
Largest solar panel array in B.C.
Thriving wine-making industry & popular recreation destination
884 full-time equivalent students

Vernon Campus
Close to Silver Star Mountain Resort
Turquoise Kalamalka Lake views
Home to Kalamalka Press, inspiring Canadian authors
753 full-time equivalent students

Salmon Arm Campus
Shuswap Lake summer activities
Revelstoke Mountain Resort powder skiing
Dynamic art, theatre, and music community
430 full-time equivalent students


Credentials Available
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Diplomas: 2-3 Years
  • Certificates: 1 Year or Less
  • Trades Apprenticeship
  • Upgrading / HS Completion
  • Trades Foundation Certificate

Programs Programs


Featured Programs

NEW: Applied Bachelor of Arts: Community Research and Evaluation

Study the social sciences and liberal arts through applied learning, including a field experience and a significant capstone research project. This innovative program prepares graduates to contribute solutions to regional issues and to access further studies in the Master of Social Work at UBC Okanagan.

Animation Diploma

The two-year Animation diploma program focuses on drawing, design and the principles and techniques of traditional and digital character animation. There is an optional Co-op work term offered between year 1 and year 2 of the program. Features include a state of the art classroom in the new Innovation Centre in downtown Kelowna, the latest technology in the field of digital animation, and comprehensive drawing classes taught by industry professionals to develop artistic skills, technical dexterity and creative thinking. Industry standard production scenarios and professional practices mimic the production pipeline. Core courses include 2D, digital 2D and 3D animation, life drawing, character design, storyboard and layout design. Animation history, communications and an introduction to business functions are also studied.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate

Offered in partnership with Okanagan Mountain Helicopters, this one-year program is in conjunction with Transport Canada’s guidelines/examinations and incorporates Business Administration courses that are applicable to the commercial helicopter industry. Okanagan College continues to incorporate business development skills with aviation course so students can advance their professionalism and work ethic within future career positions. By blending commercial helicopter pilot training skills with the Okanagan College School of Business, graduates will enter the industry with more advanced education than that of a general pilot.

Info on All Programs
Areas of Study Available
  • Business and Management
  • Communications
  • Computer and Information Systems
  • Engineering and Electronics
  • Upgrading Programs
  • Sciences
  • Recreation, Tourism, Hospitality and Service
  • Legal and Social Services
  • Health Related
  • Mechanical and Related
  • Transportation: Air, Land, Marine
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities

Study Abroad Opportunities

The Study Abroad exchange program at Okanagan College is co-ordinated by the Okanagan School of Business and Bachelor of Business students are eligible to participate in Study Abroad semesters. Study Abroad agreements with many partner institutions around the world means you can spend one or two semesters at an international partner school, and as long as your courses are pre-approved, all credits earned during your semester(s) away will apply towards your Okanagan College BBA degree.

Admissions Admissions


Basic Admissions Requirements

Okanagan College admission requirements are program specific; students need to make sure they read and understand the admission requirements for their program of interest before they apply. It’s important to also check the program admissions requirements for the level of English required. Applicants must be 18 years of age or turn 18 during their first semester. Applicants who are 17 years of age may be admitted if they have completed British Columbia Grade 12 or equivalent, or if they wish to study for the summer session only.


IB and AP Credits

Okanagan College recognizes and gives credit for Advanced Placement (AP) programs and may give credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Official AP transcripts (College Grade Report) and official IB transcripts must be sent directly to the College. To apply for transfer credit, submit a Transfer Credit Request form, available on the website, in person, by mail or by fax.

English Proficiency Requirements

English requirements are program specific. Admission to first-year university studies requires English Studies 12 with a minimum 60%, or alternatives.


Application Deadline

Early application for all programs is strongly advised as there are no fixed deadlines for most programs. Okanagan College may cease to accept applications for a given intake or program if the number of applications submitted greatly exceeds enrolment capacity. Okanagan is a multi-campus institution, and many programs are offered at more than one campus but not all programs are offered at all campuses.

Applications for the following fall open on October 1.

Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $30 for domestic and $100 for international applicants.

How to Apply

Apply online via www.educationplannerbc.ca, but if you are unable to apply online, Okanagan College will accept paper applications. You can apply for up to two programs per application session. While applying online speeds the processing of the application, how you submit your application is not a factor in determining your admissibility.


Admissions Contact Email
Admissions Contact Phone

Financial Aid Financial Aid


Entrance Scholarships Deadline

Applications open November 1 and the deadline for most entrance awards is early March


Entrance Scholarships Info
Other Scholarship Info
Student Loan Info

Financial Aid Contact Email
Financial Aid Contact Phone

Residence Residence


Residence Options

In the Skaha Residence on the Kelowna Campus, students have a private, locking bedroom in a five-bedroom apartment. Students in each apartment share a common kitchen, equipped with an oven, microwave, two fridges and table and chairs, and share two bathrooms with stall showers in both. A more private option is the studio suite, which includes a small kitchen and private bathroom with a stall shower.

Total Average Residence Cost
$2,100 / semester
Residence Cost Details

The shared apartments cost of $2,100/semester, while the private studio option is $2,600/semester (as of 2018-19).


How to Apply

Apply online through the website. Only fulltime students are eligible to apply for the academic semesters.


Residence Contact Email

International Students International Students


International Student Info

International students can apply for a full range of program options, from English Language to university transfer, one of three Okanagan College Bachelor degrees, and multiple Post-Baccalaureate options..

English Language Requirement

English language requirements can be met through several options, including IELTS-Academic Version, TOEFL, CAEL and LPI tests. Okanagan accepts test results taken no more than two years before you apply, with the exception of the LPI which does not have a time limit. Details are on the website.

More International Student Info

International Students Contact Email