Langara College

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Langara College, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a public degree-granting institution that serves over 19,000 students annually. Also known by its Indigenous name snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, meaning "house of teachings" in Halkomelem, the college was given this name by the Musqueam First Nation, reflecting a deep connection to the local Indigenous community. The college offers a variety of programs in University Studies, Career Studies, and Continuing Studies, making it one of British Columbia’s leading post-secondary institutions. Langara takes its name from the neighborhood where it is situated, which was named after Spanish Admiral Juan de Lángara. The college began its educational offerings in 1965 as part of Vancouver City College at King Edward Centre. In 1970, Langara opened its current campus on West 49th Avenue. It became an independent public institution on April 1, 1994, under the Provincial College and Institute Act. Since gaining independence, Langara has seen significant growth and development. In 1997, the Continuing Studies division was established, and a new classroom and office building was opened the same year to accommodate expansion. In September 2007, the college opened a new library and classroom facility to further support student learning. As part of its long-term campus development, Langara began construction of a Science and Technology Building in 2013. This building was completed in September 2016 and marked a major advancement in Langara’s commitment to providing quality education in science and technology fields. Throughout its history, Langara College has maintained a strong focus on accessibility, cultural inclusion, and academic excellence. Its evolution from a branch of Vancouver City College to an independent institution with modern infrastructure highlights its role as a vital contributor to higher education in British Columbia and a valued part of the community it serves.