We all want our children to have the chance to pursue their dreams and build a future in B.C. To ensure young British Columbians have those opportunities, we’re undertaking the largest expansion of post-secondary education in B.C. in 40 years.

Between 2004 and 2010, we are adding 25,000 new student spaces at colleges, university-colleges, universities and institutes across the province. Our goal is to ensure that students will be able to take their post-secondary education closer to home, and to build their futures in a province that is second to none. We also want students who earn a B average or better in high school to be able to attend one of B.C.’s universities if they wish.

The 25,000 added spaces will mean:

• New student opportunities -- These are being created particularly in priority skills areas like technology, health care, business, arts and programs that support careers in industries like forestry, oil and gas, mining and tourism.
• Reduced study costs -- Being able to study in their home communities means students can potentially save up to $25,000 over the course of a four-year degree.
• Expanded supply of skilled workers -- The new seats will expand B.C.'s supply of skilled workers for employers in priority areas like technology, health care, college-trades and vocational programs.
• Increased research -- UBC Okanagan alone will generate millions of dollars a year of research capacity in the southern Interior, creating new economic opportunities through capitalization and private-sector spin -off companies.
• Increased jobs and investment -- New educational facilities, faculty members and investment will mean new jobs in communities across B.C., and opportunities to leverage growth in each region's key industries.

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Find more information on and resources for post-secondary education in British Columbia:

• Post-secondary students
  
• Apprenticeship students