VanWest College, which operates campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, is offering a long‑awaited 2026 discount campaign for students who apply through GO AND SEE. In addition to a generous 20% tuition reduction for enrollments of 12 weeks or more, the campaign includes new Co‑op packages designed for Working Holiday participants and a childcare‑assistant qualification program, making it especially attractive for Japanese international students.
VanWest College 2026 First‑Half Discount Campaign
The VanWest College 2026 first‑half discount campaign is a limited‑time offer for applications submitted by June 30, 2026. The main benefits are as follows.
Promotion details
- 20% off for 12‑week enrollments or longer: Tuition is reduced by 20% for General English courses and vocational programs when the study period is 12 weeks or more.
- Kelowna residence fee waiver: For students who book the Kelowna campus residence for 4 weeks or more, the usual application/administration fee of CAD 250 is waived.
This discount rate is highly competitive among language schools and can significantly reduce costs for students planning a long‑term stay. For example, enrolling in a 24‑week (approximately 6‑month) program could save several hundred thousand yen.
Highlighted new program: ESL + Co‑op Working Holiday package
One of the flagship programs introduced in 2026 is the ESL + Co‑op Working Holiday package. This is particularly recommended for students considering a gap‑year study or a one‑year Working Holiday who want to use their time effectively.
Features of the ESL + Co‑op Working Holiday package
This package is designed so that VanWest College’s popular Global Customer Service Co‑op Certificate can be completed using a Working Holiday visa. While traditional Co‑op programs normally require a study permit (Co‑op visa), this Working Holiday package incorporates the following adjustments:
- Curriculum designed within 6 months of study: The program is structured so that the on‑site study period falls within the 6‑month limit allowed under a Working Holiday visa.
- Use of online options: In Plan B and Plan C, part of the ESL component can be taken online, allowing students to adjust their on‑site stay.
- Shortened vocational course option: Instead of the full 16‑week vocational course, students can choose to complete only 8 weeks.
- Same support as regular Co‑op students: Students receive the same job‑search support and Job Training as regular Co‑op students.
Because online classes follow Canadian time, careful schedule management is required, but this is a highly effective program for those aiming to secure work in an English‑language environment. A single certificate listing each class completed is also issued.
Getting work in an English‑language environment through the Working Holiday package
VanWest College’s Working Holiday package will continue to be offered this year. This program is ideal for students who want to find work in an English‑language environment through structured Job Training.
Benefits of the Working Holiday package
- Practical Job Training: Students learn essential job‑search skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and Canadian workplace culture.
- Improving English while job‑hunting: Students can enhance their English through ESL while simultaneously learning job‑search strategies.
- Access to local employer networks: Students can leverage VanWest College’s industry connections to increase their chances of finding work.
Job‑searching in Canada requires a different approach from Japan. In particular, for those aiming to work in English‑speaking environments, understanding Canadian‑style resume writing and interview techniques is key to success.
New arrival: ESL + Early Childhood Education Assistant qualification package
A standout new program in 2026 is the ESL + Early Childhood Education Assistant qualification package. This is ideal for students who want to work in childcare in Canada or who wish to make use of prior childcare experience from Japan.
Contents of the Early Childhood Education Assistant package
This program offers two options depending on English proficiency: one without practicum and one with practicum.
- Eligibility to apply for ECEA (Early Childhood Educator Assistant) qualification: Upon completion, students can apply for the Early Childhood Educator Assistant qualification.
- Flexible plans based on English level: Students can choose a program that matches their current English proficiency.
- Practicum‑included option: For those who want more hands‑on experience, a practicum‑included program is available.
Important notes
- Difference from ECE qualification: This program leads to an ECEA (Assistant Early Childhood Educator) qualification, not the full ECE (Early Childhood Educator) qualification.
- Working Holiday visa required for practicum: A Working Holiday visa is required if you choose the practicum‑included program.
- Medical examination for visa: A medical examination at a government‑designated clinic is mandatory when applying for the visa.
Canada’s childcare sector continues to face a labor shortage, so there are many employment opportunities after qualification. Demand for childcare workers is particularly high in urban areas such as Vancouver and Kelowna.
Barista course availability
One of VanWest College’s most popular programs is the Barista course. The current availability for 2026 is as follows:
- Start in May: 2 spots remaining
- Start in July: Fully booked
- Start in September: 5 spots remaining
A key feature of the Barista course is that it includes an internship at Starbucks. Because this internship is offered in a small‑class format, internship spots are limited. If you wish to participate in the internship, early application is recommended. During the internship, students learn coffee brewing techniques, customer service skills, and teamwork in an actual store setting.
Residence and homestay availability
VanWest College can arrange both on‑campus residences and homestays at both the Vancouver and Kelowna campuses. The availability as of February 2026 is as follows.
Vancouver campus residences
Thulow Residence
- Location: 3‑minute walk to campus
- Facilities: Private bathroom
- Minimum stay: 6 months or longer
- Availability: Please inquire
Nelson Residence
- Location: 10‑minute walk to campus
- Facilities: Shared bathroom
- Minimum stay: 12 weeks or longer
- Availability:
- Standard Room: February 8, 2026 – April 17, 2026; October 11, 2026 and after
- Premier Room: Now – April 17, 2026; August 9, 2026 – September 11, 2026; October 17, 2026 and after
Kelowna campus residence
Copeland Residence
- Location: 10‑minute walk to campus
- Facilities: Shared bathroom
- Minimum stay: 2 weeks or longer
- Availability: Generally good availability
Promotion benefit: For bookings of 4 weeks or more, the application/administration fee of CAD 250 is waived (under the JAPAN promotion).
Homestay
For homestay, direct inquiry is required if your departure date is less than one month away. Homestay allows you to live with a Canadian family and improve your English through daily life.
There is a 48‑hour deadline for holding a residence room. When inquiring, please provide your name, date of birth, gender, preferred room type, and check‑in/check‑out dates.
Support system at the Kelowna campus
The Kelowna campus is smaller than Vancouver but offers a strong support system.
Support services at Kelowna
- Dedicated Japanese‑language LINE support: Students can contact staff in Japanese.
- ZOOM counseling: Online counseling and consultations are available.
- Emergency phone support: Students can speak with Japanese‑speaking staff immediately in case of problems.
- Remote support: Comprehensive support is available even for students who are not physically on campus.
Class organization
At the Kelowna campus, classes may be combined or adjusted depending on the number of students at any given time. Basic beginner, intermediate, and advanced English classes are offered, but for elective courses such as Speakup or Business English, the Vancouver campus offers more options and is therefore recommended.
Kelowna is a quiet city surrounded by nature, ideal for focusing on studies. Because there are fewer Japanese residents than in large cities, students have more opportunities to use English in daily life.
Start dates for 2027 vocational programs
When considering 2026 programs, it is also important to keep the 2027 vocational program start dates in mind. VanWest College has issued the following important notices.
- Temporary suspension of the ESL + Co‑op package: Until the details of the 2027 PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) are clarified, VanWest College is temporarily suspending information and new enrollments for the ESL + Co‑op package.
- Limited start dates in 2027: Vocational programs in 2027 will be offered only on specific start dates.
These changes are in response to updates in the Canadian government’s international student policy. Program offerings will be adjusted as the situation develops. For students considering starting in 2026, this timing is especially important.
Why VanWest College is chosen
VanWest College is one of the few language and vocational schools in Canada that operates campuses in two contrasting cities: Vancouver and Kelowna.
Strengths of VanWest College
- Practical, employment‑oriented programs: Students learn skills that directly support employment or further study.
- Strong Japanese‑language support: Japanese staff provide detailed, personalized support.
- Flexible campus choice: Students can choose between the urban environment of Vancouver and the nature‑rich setting of Kelowna.
- Industry connections: Co‑op programs and internships help students build networks with local employers.
- High‑quality education: Small‑class instruction led by experienced teachers allows for efficient learning.
The programs are carefully designed with the needs of Japanese international students in mind.
Summary: Now is the time to apply to VanWest College
VanWest College’s 2026 first‑half discount campaign runs until June 30, 2026. A 20% tuition reduction for programs of 12 weeks or more is a rare opportunity that does not come around often during the year.
This is an especially good timing for:
- Students planning a long‑term study in Canada
- Those who want to make the most of a Working Holiday visa
- Those who want to obtain a childcare qualification in Canada
- Those aiming to find work in an English‑language environment
- Those who want to study in the nature‑rich environment of Kelowna
At GO AND SEE Learning, we provide free support for enrollment at VanWest College. From program selection and application procedures to visa applications and pre‑departure preparation, we guide you step by step in Japanese.
Internal link: Book a free counseling session
To make your 2026 study in Canada a success, start by checking the latest information and finding the program that best suits you. Why not take your first step toward achieving your study goals at VanWest College?