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Universities in Surrey, Canada

Updated on 25 April, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

From mesmerizing natural landscapes to a peaceful suburban atmosphere and reputed educational institutions, there are many reasons to choose universities in Surrey, Canada. It lies in British Columbia, with easy proximity to Vancouver. The city was founded in 1879, and named after its counterpart in England. It obtained city status in 1993 with a sizable growth in population over the years. Here are some of the key reasons behind its popularity with students: 

  • High Quality of Life- Surrey offers nature-friendly lifestyles with several tourism landmarks, urban forests, beautiful beaches, golf courses, and more. It also offers comparatively affordable housing in comparison to Vancouver, which is just 23 kilometres away from the city. Surrey has 600+ parks and green spaces, while its major landmarks include the Surrey Bend Regional Park, Crescent Beach, and Stewart Farm. 
  • Flourishing Economy- Surrey has witnessed considerable economic growth over the years, with international trade, agriculture, real estate, healthcare, clean energy, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and education being key growth areas here. Leading companies in the city include the Surrey School District, Fraser Health, City of Surrey, SAP, Apple, Microsoft, and Vancouver Coastal Health, among others. 
  • Good public transportation facilities- Surrey offers great connectivity to Vancouver through the SkyTrain Expo network. There are buses available to several surrounding areas with 1,300+ stops as well. 
  • Inclusive environment- Surrey is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment for new residents. The city has community and language support programs for settlers along with a cosmopolitan population. Surrey’s population has 32.4% South Asian residents along with 7.7% Chinese residents and 6.2% Filipino residents. There are 2.5% Southeast Asian residents and 2.6% aboriginal residents too. Hence, it is a truly diverse community. 
  • Reputed educational institutions- There are reputed universities in Surrey Canada. Simon Fraser University has a campus here, along with the Kwantlen Polytechnic University as well. Aspirants can also study at the best colleges in Surrey Canada, including Sprott Shaw College, Brighton College, CDI College, Surrey Community College, and many others. Surrey colleges and universities are known for their emphasis on quality learning, along with hands-on experience. 

Cost of Living in Surrey

The cost of living is something that students should consider, while choosing the best university in Surrey Canada for their desired courses. According to Numbeo, these are the average figures for the cost of living in Surrey, Canada (per month): 

Food- 

  • Meal at a reasonable restaurant- CAD$18
  • Meal at a mid-range restaurant- CAD$80
  • Milk (1 litre)- CAD$2.48
  • Bread (500 grams)- CAD$2.80
  • Rice (1 kg)- CAD$5.33
  • Eggs (12)- CAD$4.17
  • Cheese (1 kg)- CAD$15.33
  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)- CAD$16.46
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)- CAD$3.27
  • Apples (1 kg)- CAD$3.59

Transportation- 

  • Local Transportation Ticket (One-Way)- CAD$3.27
  • Monthly Transportation Pass- CAD$125

Utility Costs- 

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Cooling, Heating, Garbage, Water)- CAD$226.78
  • Internet- CAD$91.88

Housing- 

  • 1 Bedroom apartment rental- CAD$1,694.44 in the city centre and CAD$1,377.27 outside the city centre. 
  • 3 Bedroom apartment rental- CAD$3,225 in the city centre and CAD$2,350 outside city centre. 

Educational Costs- 

  • Books and Supplies- CAD$160-200 

List of Top Surrey Colleges and Universities 

Here are some of the top universities in Surrey, Canada: 

  • Simon Fraser University- QS World University Ranking (2023) of 328
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University 
  • Sprott Shaw College
  • CDI College
  • Douglas College
  • Oscar International College
  • Brighton College
  • Surrey Community College

Best Universities in Surrey, Canada

University Name Popular Courses Average Fees Establishment Year
Simon Fraser University Anthropology and Criminology, Actuarial Science, Biological Physics, Business, Chemical Physics, Computer Engineering, Data Science, English and Global Humanities, Finance, Film, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Nuclear Science  CAD$32,724  per year in tuition fees  2002 (Surrey Campus)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Asian Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations  CAD$747.18 per credit for tuition fees.  1981 

Studying in Surrey, Canada, can be a rewarding experience for students, considering the city’s universities and colleges, inclusivity and diversity, great future employment prospects, stunning natural landmarks, and comparatively affordable housing options. 

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FAQs

Why should I study in Surrey, Canada?

Surrey offers highly reputed colleges and universities, along with great opportunities for industrial and professional exposure. There are great employment opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, education, and others. Surrey is also cheaper than nearby Vancouver in terms of accommodation while offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

 

 


 

Is Surrey cheaper than Vancouver?

Numbeo highlights how rental prices in Vancouver are 23.49% costlier than Surrey, Canada. This equates to savings of close to CAD$100 each month on rentals for those living in Surrey.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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