Has anyone thought about this from the point of view of an international student. He or she wants a better education than what is available in the home country. With a limitation on budget they are trying to get a Canadian education that they can afford.
The point of steering to a better institution is well taken but 99% of international student do not have a luxury of having deep pockets.
UBC MBA cost is CDN 137,025 source (
https://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Programs/MBA/MBA_Full_Time/Admissions/International_Applicants) while a VIU dual degree option is CDN 52,750(tuition 37750+15000 cost of living) source (
https://international.viu.ca/fees).
The difference in Indian rupees is a cool 4.5 million (45 lakhs).
As for VIU it may have lower entry standards but it certainly does not have lower standard of education.
All in all opinions are dime a dozen mine included . My opinion for what it is worth is :
A favourable Cost benefit ratio may look good on paper but the bottom line is can I meet the cost.
As for transition and better future look no further than the early settlers who did not have any fancy education but the determination and grit which helped them succeed. If you can afford the best colleges you definitely should opt for them but if not then play the cards that life has dealt you.