University Canada West (UCW) celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year, marking a significant journey from its modest beginnings in Victoria to its bustling campuses in downtown Vancouver. Over the past two decades, UCW has been a launchpad for countless dreams, transforming eager learners into trailblazers across the globe.

UCW’s origins date back to 2004 when Dr. David Strong, former president of the University of Victoria, recognized that many potential students weren’t necessarily getting the opportunity to pursue a university education.

“Most universities across Canada post 65% as the high school average required for entry but use much higher cut-off grades as an enrolment management tool,” Dr. Strong wrote at the time. “Prompted by a belief that excellent marks in high school do not guarantee success in post-secondary education, UCW will accept registrations from motivated high school graduates with 65% or higher graduating average.”

Opportunity in flexible education

He also saw an opportunity for a university that offered greater flexibility in how students received their education. By using a quarter-term system, students could complete their undergraduate degree in three years, while the MBA program was designed to include both in-person and online learning and be flexible enough for students to continue working while completing their studies.

UCW was as a new kind of university, putting the University in a unique position in the province to deliver post-secondary education in new and innovative ways.

When University Canada West first opened its doors, only 19 students were enrolled. The first degree offered was a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Technology. A few weeks later, UCW’s MBA program, which has remained a mainstay, started with 15 students. The first graduating class of five had their convocation ceremony in 2006.

Growing a reputation

Fast forward to the present, UCW has evolved into a premier institution for business and technology education. UCW now offers MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts degrees with more than 14,000 active students on campus and online.

UCW’s reputation continues to grow, and its students are excelling. In 2021, UCW became the first university in British Columbia to receive a five-star rating from QS Stars higher education rating system, and earlier this year the university became the first to hold both the BC MBA Games and national MBA Games trophies at the same time.

As UCW turns 20, its journey from Victoria to Vancouver underscores a remarkable evolution into a thriving hub for domestic and international students. UCW’s trajectory reflects resilience, innovation and a steadfast commitment to providing accessible, quality higher education.

“At the heart of UCW’s success lies its dedicated faculty and staff, whose unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship has empowered students to reach their fullest potential,” said Dr. Bashir Makhoul, UCW’s president and vice-chancellor. “Through personalized guidance and hands-on learning experiences, UCW equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

To learn more, visit ucanwest.ca or connect on Facebook | LinkedIn  | X  | Instagram | Tik Tok