Associate Of Arts - International Studies at Columbia College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-04-14

Program overview

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts Degree in International Studies at Columbia College offers students a comprehensive understanding of global development. This program is designed to prepare students for further studies, such as a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies or related fields. Students will develop a solid grasp of political, social, cultural, and economic issues within a global context. The curriculum emphasizes a multi-perspective and multi-disciplinary approach, fostering critical thinking and strong communication skills. Graduates will be equipped with diverse research skills to evaluate policy decisions and global narratives, making them well-prepared for various career paths.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts Degree in International Studies is structured to provide flexibility and depth in learning. The program features:

Program Length: Students can complete the degree in either 16 months through an accelerated tri-mester system or in 2 years at a standard pace.
Intakes are available in January, May, and September, allowing for multiple entry points throughout the year.
Students are required to take a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 courses per semester.

This structure enables students to maximize their learning opportunities and complete their degree efficiently while gaining a broad understanding of international studies.

Featured Experiences

The Associate of Arts Degree in International Studies includes several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Experiential learning opportunities that promote interpersonal and community-building skills.
An inter-cultural curriculum designed to encourage critical thinking about global issues.
Access to diverse research projects that evaluate public opinion and policy decisions.

These experiences are integral to developing a well-rounded perspective on international studies and preparing students for real-world challenges.

Career Options

Graduates of the Associate of Arts Degree in International Studies can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

International Development Worker: Engages in projects aimed at improving living conditions in developing countries.
Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes policies to provide recommendations for government or organizations.
Market Research Analyst: Studies market conditions to examine potential sales of products or services.
Immigration Officer: Assists individuals with immigration processes and ensures compliance with laws.
Foreign Business Advocate: Supports businesses in navigating international markets and trade regulations.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, reflecting the program's emphasis on global awareness and practical skills.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-04-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To be admissible to the Associate of Arts - International Studies program at Columbia College, students must meet specific academic requirements. Here are the key points to consider:

Students must have a high school graduation with satisfactory marks, which is equivalent to a British Columbia 60% average or better on four academic Grade 12 subjects.
For students from the North American Education System (or other 12-year systems), completion of high school is required.
Students from the British-Patterned Education System need to have five GCE O-level/GCSE/IGCSE/SPM passes with a minimum average of 'C' and three subjects at the Advanced level with a minimum score of D.
Graduates from the Post-Soviet State Education System must have a minimum average of 4 on academic subjects in their final year.
International Baccalaureate (IB) students should have completed the IB diploma or IB certificates equivalent to North American high school graduation.
Students from the India High School Education System should have a minimum of 75% average on their best four academic Grade 12 courses or 70% average for CBSE and ISCE.
For other education systems, students must have an equivalent of British Columbia Grade 12 graduation with a satisfactory (minimum C) average on academic Grade 12 courses.

Additionally, it is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For international students, especially those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process and requirements.

Language Requirements

For the Associate of Arts - International Studies program at Columbia College, students must meet specific English language proficiency requirements. The accepted English proficiency tests and their corresponding minimum scores are as follows:

IELTS Academic:
- Overall Band 6.5 & Writing Band 6.5
- Overall Band 6.5 & Writing Band 6.0
- Overall Band 6.0 & Writing Band 5.5
PTE Academic:
- Overall 65 & Writing Minimum 65
- Overall 60 & Writing Minimum 60
- Overall 55 & Writing Minimum 55
CAEL:
- 70 or over & Writing 70
- 60-69 & Writing 60
- 40-49 & Writing 40
Duolingo:
- 115+
- 110+
- 100+
TOEFL iBT:
- Overall 88 & Writing 21
- Overall 79 & Writing 19
- Overall 71 & Writing 16

All test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of registration. Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!