Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Advanced Education provides overall funding and policy direction for British Columbia's public post-secondary education system. The Ministry administers provincial statutes governing public and private post-secondary institutions and some professions.

Management of the public post-secondary education and training system is a responsibility shared between the Ministry and post-secondary institutions. The Ministry provides leadership and direction, establishes policy and accountability, and provides funding through operating grants to public post-secondary institutions and contributions toward capital projects. Post-secondary education institutions develop and deliver programs and courses, provide education and training to students, and undertake research.

In British Columbia, post-secondary education and training is delivered through public and private institutions. In the public system, students have the choice of traditional and specialized universities, university colleges, community colleges and provincial institutes. Overall, the system provides a comprehensive range of post-secondary education and training programs including academic education, adult basic education, industry training, career technical training, vocational training and continuing education programs. Students who successfully complete programs may be entitled to certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees or graduate degrees.

British Columbia also has a diverse private post-secondary sector that offers a range of education and training. Several new initiatives are underway to ensure more opportunities for students and a level playing field for private institutions. A new Private Career Training Institutions Act was passed in the fall of 2003 to establish a new legislative framework for private training in the province. In November 2003, the Degree Authorization Act, which establishes a process for private and out-of-province public institutions to obtain authority to grant degrees in BC, was brought into force.

The Ministry is also responsible for student financial assistance programs that provide loans to eligible students to cover education and living costs while they are enrolled in post-secondary studies.