# Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is a Canadian public, board-governed college located in Calgary, Alberta, operating as a comprehensive community institution under the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta. The branch campuses are: Airdrie, Banff, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Strathmore. Bow Valley College is a member of the Alberta Rural Development Network and Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Bow Valley College had 8869 full-load equivalents in 2024.

## Programs

The college offers academic programs in a variety of areas including career training, university transfer courses, adult upgrading, and English language learning. The college is divided into specialized schools:
* Centre for Entertainment Arts offers training in Visual Effects, 3D Animation and Modeling, Video Game Development, Film Production, Art Foundations, and Entertainment Arts Production Management. Students work with industry professionals throughout this program.
* Chiu School of Business offers training in business and health administration.
* Continuing Learning administers the college's professional development ("continuing education") programming and open studies courses.
* Regional Stewardship offers programming at campuses located in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks where learners may access services such as classrooms, advising, and invigilation.
* School of Community Studies provides programs in social services, education and early learning, justice, and community services.
* School of Foundational Learning provides adult high school upgrading, basic literacy programs, and workplace training.
* School of Global Access is the college's hub for English language learning, services and programs for newcomers to Canada, and inter-cultural learning.
* School of Health and Wellness offers studies towards careers as a healthcare aide, nurse, pharmacy technician, and more.
* School of Technology offers education in information technology and design.

## History

It was founded as the Alberta Vocational Centre in 1965. Since 1972, it has been located on 3rd Street and 6th Avenue Southeast in Calgary and continues to expand its footprint between downtown Calgary and the city's East Village.
In 1998, the college transitioned from a government-administered model to an autonomous, board-governed public college and adopted the name Bow Valley College to reflect the region (the Bow Valley) which the college serves.
In 2009, the college's Director of International Education was fired after allegedly diverting nearly $200,000 in alleged fraud. From 2013-24 to 2023-24 the college increased their international student headcount from 532 to 3048.
In 2013, Bow Valley College opened the Iniikokaan (Buffalo Lodge) Centre. It offers Elder advising for students, consultations, and spirituality resources, ceremonial smudge, culturally relevant speakers and information sessions. It is also a gathering place to study.
In 2013, the Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner found the college had failed to protect personal information following the leak of 189,300 students and 3,500 employee's information.
In 2022, the Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts celebrated its grand opening. It offers diploma programs in Advanced Visual Effects (VFX), Advanced Film Production, Advanced 3D Animation and 3D Modelling, and Advanced Game Development.
In 2024, Bow Valley College's esports arena opened to students.

## Facilities

In May 2013, the college unveiled its new South Campus building on 6th Avenue Southeast. For almost a decade, the South Campus building hosted the Calgary operations of Athabasca University, Olds College Fashion Institute, and the University of Lethbridge.
Beyond downtown Calgary, the college operates smaller campuses in the communities of Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks, and offers academic and career education on a number of the region's Indigenous nations.

## Scholarships

There are more than 300 awards and bursaries available for students through Bow Valley College. Bow Valley College is committed to ensuring that all students are able to access the life-changing possibilities of an education free from financial stress and pressures. Many generous donors make an impact on the lives of students and help them reach their goals.