Criminology Schools and Programs in Canada

Criminology Studies in Canada

Criminology looks at why crime occurs, how society defines and responds to it, and how the justice system works in practice. In Canada it is taught at universities as a four-year Bachelor of Arts, under the name Criminology or Criminal Justice, and it draws on psychology, sociology, political science and criminal law. Many programmes add a practicum or field placement with a justice or community organisation.

SpainExchange lists four universities in Canada for criminology: the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford and Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, both in British Columbia; Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Athabasca University, which describes itself as Canada's Open University and teaches online.

How criminology degrees are organised in Canada

Canada has no national ministry of education: the provincial and territorial governments are responsible for education, and each university designs its own programmes. The four schools show the range:

• UFV: Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice), 4 years, full-time or part-time, with honours and minor options and start dates in January and September; a Criminal Justice diploma ladders into the degree
• VIU: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, 4 years, as a major or a minor, with a focus on law and a field placement or applied research project in the last year
• Saint Mary's University: a Criminology programme within the Bachelor of Arts, with courses such as Criminological Theory, Organized Crime and Digital Criminology
• Athabasca University: Bachelor of Professional Arts, Criminal Justice Major, a four-year programme designed for students who already hold a two- or three-year diploma or 60 credits; sixty further credits complete the degree

The first two years usually cover the history of criminological thought, psychological and sociological explanations of crime, the criminal justice system and criminal law. In the third and fourth years students study research methods, carry out a research project and choose electives; UFV mentions topics such as terrorism, organised crime and forensics. VIU's degree includes courses in Canadian law and legal institutions, criminal law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and youth law, and its Inside-Out programme lets students study alongside students inside prisons. At UFV, practicums are built into the programmes, and co-op placements add paid work experience.

Admission and language

Each university sets its own admission requirements and has its own system for assessing school or university credentials from other countries, so applicants should contact the admissions office of the school they choose. To study at a Canadian university, international students must prove their English or French skills. English-language universities may ask for the TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English or CAEL tests. UFV states that its Criminal Justice degree is open to international students. Athabasca's Criminal Justice major is a degree-completion route: full enrolment requires 60 credits from an approved diploma or university coursework.

Study permit and work

International students must apply for and be approved for a study permit before they arrive in Canada. According to EduCanada, the Government of Canada's study portal (page modified 23 April 2026), the application needs:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students
• A provincial or territorial attestation letter (in Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate), with some exceptions
• Proof of identity
• Proof of financial support

Many post-secondary international students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session. After graduating, some students can stay and work with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP); eligibility depends on the institution and the programme, so check it before applying for the study permit.

Costs

Tuition fees depend on the province, the programme and the university. EduCanada gives an average of CAD 41,746 per year for international undergraduate students (Statistics Canada, 2026) and advises budgeting at least CAD 23,000 per year for living costs. Each university publishes its own fees for international students.

Careers

The universities name similar fields for their graduates: policing and criminal investigation, corrections, probation and parole, border services, customs and immigration, crime prevention, crime analysis, victim and youth advocacy, and research. UFV adds that many graduates move into graduate studies or work in government, public policy and non-governmental organisations. Some of these careers, such as law, require further study after the bachelor's degree.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a criminology degree take in Canada?

A bachelor's degree takes four years at UFV and VIU. Students who already hold a college diploma can enter a degree-completion programme such as Athabasca University's Criminal Justice major, which requires sixty further credits.

Do I need a study permit to study criminology in Canada?

Yes, for a degree programme you must be approved for a study permit before you arrive. You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, an attestation letter from the province or territory in most cases, and proof of identity and of financial support.

How much does it cost for international students?

EduCanada gives an average of CAD 41,746 per year in tuition for international undergraduate students (Statistics Canada, 2026), plus at least CAD 23,000 per year for living costs. Fees differ by university.

Can I work while I study?

Many post-secondary international students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session, if their study permit allows it.