Launch a College, University, or Professional School in Burnaby
This page is your practical starter guide for launching a College, University, or Professional School (NAICS 611310) in Burnaby. It offers a clear overview of the seven requirements, the permits you’ll need, and the typical costs and timeline, so you can plan with confidence. Use the roadmap here to turn your vision into a credible, compliant education institution in Burnaby.
Here’s what you’ll learn: a straightforward path from concept to opening day. We break down the seven requirements into plain terms—licensing and approvals, site and facilities, program accreditation or approvals, financial plan and funding, governance and staffing, safety and accessibility, and ongoing reporting and compliance. You’ll also get a sense of permits, estimated startup and operating costs, and a realistic timeline with key milestones.
Burnaby is a smart fit for education ventures. The city’s growth, diverse talent pool, and strong infrastructure support campus-style programs and professional schools. Proximity to Vancouver expands partnership opportunities and access to students. With the right plan and this seven-requirement roadmap, you can launch a respected college, university, or professional school that serves Burnaby and beyond.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is BC Independent School Certification. This certification is legally required to run a private college, university, or professional school in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and foundations your institution’s compliance with provincial standards for governance, curriculum quality, and student protection.
Beyond certification, you’ll want to keep health and safety in focus. You must comply with the BC Employment Standards Act to ensure fair treatment of staff and faculty, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage to manage workplace safety and injury insurance. These requirements help create a safe, fair, and well-run campus environment and may involve establishing clear policies, training, and record-keeping. There may also be general permits or local approvals required to operate a campus, so verify local zoning and occupancy rules as you plan your facilities.
For business registration and tax purposes, you’ll need to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. If you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll also register your BC Business Name. Depending on your revenue and payroll plans, GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions registration may be required once you start offering courses or employing people. Completing these steps ensures you’re compliant with tax reporting and withholding obligations.
You’ve got this—taking these steps in a thoughtful order will set you up for success. Start by confirming the BC Independent School Certification process and timelines, then set up your BN and business name registration, and plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations as you grow. If you’re unsure, consider a quick consultation with a compliance professional to map out a practical, end-to-end plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a colleges, universities, and professional schools in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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BC Independent School Certification RequiredCertification to establish and operate an independent (private) school in British Columbia under the Independent School Act Apply to Ministry of Education and Child Care. Submit Expression of Interest via BC Online Portal. Must incorporate as BC society, company, or by Order in Council. Groups 1-2 receive funding (50%/35%). Meet zoning, fire, health, building codes. Teachers need ISTC or Certificate of Qualification. Contact: EDUC.IndependentSchoolsOffice@gov.bc.ca
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your colleges, universities, and professional schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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