[1] Founded in 1936, Columbia College first offered high school completion programs to hundreds of students.

In 1965 the college added university transfer courses to its offerings, and in the 1970s introduced English as a Second Language Program to meet the needs of the increasing number of international students.

During this period Columbia College established its reputation as Canada's premier university-preparatory school for international students.

In this building (the BCIT Downtown Campus) the college was able to provide improved science laboratories and classrooms, and expanded library facilities, as well as a refurbished Tutorial Centre.

Students who are refugees have the opportunity to complete their high school education in Canada or to pursue an associate degree at no cost to them.

There are five distinct foundation options, and, while only completion of the Senior Secondary Program will allow a student to be eligible for direct entry to university, completion of any of the options listed below will allow a student to enter the University Transfer Program at Columbia College, provided the minimum grade requirements are achieved.

Limitless is Columbia College's annual academic conference where students present their research to the community.

Previous keynotes speakers include CBC Vancouver News reporter Anita Bathe and Canadian mathematician and UBC professor of mathematics Malabika Pramanik.