About the College
Understanding Ashford Career College
PTIRU — the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit — is the BC government body that regulates private career colleges under the Private Training Act. Designation means Ashford has met rigorous provincial standards for curriculum, student protection, and institutional quality. It also means your credential carries real weight with employers and licensing bodies. Learn more about PTIRU →
Ashford is a designated private career college — meaning our programs are focused, practical, and built to get you into a career faster than a traditional two- or four-year degree. Classes are small, instruction is hands-on, and every program is designed around skills employers are actively looking for. You're not here to fulfill general education requirements — you're here to launch a career.
Ashford operates two campuses: Coquitlam Centre (1214-2929 Barnet Highway) and West Vancouver (1854 Marine Drive). Both offer the same programs and the same standards of instruction — choose based on what is most convenient for you. Both are accessible from across Greater Vancouver.
Yes. Our career support services help students plan their path from graduation to employment. This includes guidance on building a professional portfolio, understanding any applicable licensing requirements, exploring employment opportunities at clinics and spas, and preparing for independent practice. Speak with your instructor or reach out to our admissions team to connect with a counsellor.
Admissions
Getting Started
Most programs require a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, and English language proficiency sufficient to follow instruction. Some advanced programs have prerequisites — typically completion of a related foundational program at Ashford or an equivalent from a recognized institution. Full requirements are listed on each program page, or you can speak directly with our admissions team.
Yes — new cohorts begin on the first of every month at both campuses. Once your registration and payment are confirmed, you can enroll in the very next available intake. There are no fixed semester start dates to wait for.
Program lengths vary. Technician certifications can run from a few days to several weeks, while our flagship 800-hour Master Diploma typically takes several months full-time. Every program is designed to get you job-ready as quickly as possible without compromising the depth of training.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply. You will need a valid Canadian study permit for programs of the applicable duration. Please contact our admissions team for guidance on the process and any documentation required before you apply.
Tuition & Funding
Financial Aid & Payment Options
StudentAid BC is the provincial program that provides loans, grants, and bursaries to eligible BC residents pursuing post-secondary education. Because Ashford is a designated institution, students enrolled in qualifying programs may apply for both provincial and federal student assistance. Eligibility depends on your program, residency status, and financial situation — contact our admissions team to confirm which programs qualify.
Yes. Ashford offers interest-free installment plans — for example, splitting tuition into four monthly payments. We also accept tuition coverage from approved third-party funding providers. Contact our admissions team to discuss the option that works best for your situation.
Yes — in a good way. StudentAid BC funding is only available at designated institutions. Ashford's PTIRU designation is a prerequisite for the college to be eligible for StudentAid BC at all. It also reassures third-party funding providers that the institution meets provincial regulatory standards, which can open up additional funding options.
As a PTIRU-designated institution, Ashford follows BC's regulated refund policy under the Private Training Act. This policy is designed to protect students and ensures fair treatment in the event of a withdrawal. Full details are provided in your enrollment contract. If you have questions before enrolling, please ask our admissions team.