Associate of Arts

Program overview

Associate of Arts is a associate degree program in general studies at University Canada West (UCW), a private institution in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 2004.

First-year tuition is listed at 23,360 CAD and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Jul 2027.

Applications to University Canada West (UCW) typically receive a decision in 4 days and 6 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 46,808 CAD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Plan for first-year tuition, living costs at the level IRCC sets, and travel. Tuition varies widely between universities, colleges and provinces. IRCC revises the living-cost figure from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the official study permit page.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in Canada

Our directory lists 67 associate degree programs in general studies at 28 schools in Canada. Their median first-year tuition is 20,010 CAD, and the middle half cost between 18,300 CAD and 21,793 CAD.

At 23,360 CAD, Associate of Arts is 17% above the median, in the most expensive quarter. The full range runs from 10,985 CAD to 24,963 CAD.

• All general studies courses in Canada

Lower-cost associate degree options in general studies

If budget matters, these associate degree programs in general studies have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in Canada.

Plan for the Jul 2027 intake

Working back from a Jul 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September is the main intake. Many institutions also admit in January and May. Applications usually open several months ahead and some programmes close early.

Entry requirements and documents

University Canada West (UCW) sets the exact entry requirements for Associate of Arts. For a associate degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic or similar tests. Each institution sets its own minimum scores, so read the programme page rather than relying on a general figure.

• Class 12 marksheets and certificate (or the school's accepted equivalent).
• A personal statement or statement of purpose.
• A reference from a teacher or school.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Study permit

Students from India need a Study permit to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides the application.

Canada admits international students to designated learning institutions (DLIs) on a study permit. The admission, the funds and the permit application all have to line up, and several rules have changed in recent years, so check each step against IRCC before you pay anything.

• Shortlist programmes at a designated learning institution and check that the programme itself is eligible for the outcome you want (for example a post-graduation work permit).
• Apply and receive a letter of acceptance. Check on IRCC whether you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
• Prepare proof of funds, identity documents, a study plan or letter of explanation, and any language test results the institution or IRCC asks for.
• Complete the study permit application online and give biometrics when asked. A medical exam may be required.

• Study in Canada: full visa guide
• IRCC: Study permit
• EduCanada: study in Canada

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programmes at eligible institutions may apply for a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility depends on the institution, programme and field of study, and the rules have been changing, so check the current IRCC conditions before choosing a course on that basis.

Scholarships at University Canada West (UCW)

Check the eligibility rules for each scholarship before you apply. Some are applied automatically, others need a separate application.

• Aspire Global Graduate Grant: Varies
• Bright Futures Grant: $29,750 CAD
• In Canada Education Advancement Grant: Varies
• Rising Scholar Grant: $25,440 CAD

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Associate of Arts and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Associate of Arts?

First-year tuition is listed at 23,360 CAD. Living costs are extra; University Canada West (UCW) estimates 23,448 CAD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Jul 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Associate of Arts a degree?

It is listed as a associate degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in Canada?

You need a Study permit, decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to University Canada West (UCW), then help with the visa. The first call is free.