Kwantlen Polytechnic University

In Spring 2022, KPU International awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 60 students. Students from KPU's key emerging markets received scholarships of $5,000 in recognition of their academic achievements and successes. Additionally, as part of KPU International's commitment to supporting international students' academic journey, we offered eligible students with impressive academic achievements an opportunity to receive a one-time Merit Scholarship of $5,000.

In May 2022, KPU Richmond Campuses started offering new certificate and diploma programs in advanced 3D animation, virtual production, and game development. Entertainment Art (ENTA) programs offer foundational and advanced credentials to prepare students for an exciting future in the creative digital economy. Led by instructors who work in the industry, these programs deliver the hands-on education students need to build their portfolios, enhance job prospects, or help accelerate their careers in the entertainment arts. An industry student work initiative program is available to ENTA diploma students to help place them in a studio prior to graduation.

At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, students have access to industry-standard laboratories and learning environments. An extensive variety of programs, backed up by practical learning opportunities and work experience, will prepare students for life after study.

All classes at KPU have a maximum of 35 students. Strong industry connections ensure that all students have access to professional advice, experience, and future career opportunities.

Many of KPU's courses are unique to Western Canada, including a diploma in Green Business Management, Technical Apparel Design, and other fashion and technology and product design degrees. The university's brewing diploma is recognized by the Master Brewers Association.

Students are assisted in the pursuit of knowledge and experience by a vibrant, passionate, and experienced team of tutors and employees. The university is recognized as one of British Columbia's top employers for 2021, and students are provided with many ‘earn while you learn' opportunities.

Student testimonial

I decided to return to school after a few years of working in procurement and logistics in Vietnam. At first, I was quite doubtful about my decision, leaving all behind to head for the Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program at KPU. For now, after one and a half years at KPU, I consider choosing OSCM at KPU is one of the right decisions that I have made in my life.

KPU has so much to offer: the passionate professors with advanced academic degrees and proven industry experience the well-designed courses which help us learn about various aspects of OSCM in the real-world practices and develop essential skillsets through class activities and assignments friendly and awesome classmates a great deal of supporting resources from KPU which facilitate students to succeed not only in academic studies but also in our careers. I feel motivated and grateful for the study journey at KPU.

Thi Huong Nguyen, 2022, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma: Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has seven separate faculties, together offering more than 140 programs of study. The faculties are:

Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation

The faculty of ACP offers Pathway to Undergraduate Studies. KPU's International Pathway to Undergraduate Studies is an effective, affordable, and flexible English upgrading program that ladders directly into the eligible undergraduate KPU program of your choice. In order to support Pathway students, KPU is proud to offer international students a new affordable tuition rate at only 56% of the cost of regular undergraduate courses, saving students over $300 per credit! Eligible Pathway students can choose from a wide selection of university credit classes to enroll in alongside English upgrading courses.

Faculty of Arts

Students can work towards a variety of qualifications through the Faculty of Arts. Programs within this faculty include psychology, music, teaching, law, languages, anthropology, geography, history, philosophy, counseling, entertainment arts, and criminology.

Faculty of Health

The Faculty of Health provides programs that cover healthcare, nursing, psychiatry and traditional Chinese medicine. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech laboratories.

Faculty of Science and Horticulture

In state-of-the-art learning environments, students can work towards qualifications in computer-aided design, science, mathematics, environmental protection, brewing, horticulture, and agriculture.

Faculty of Trades and Technology

Hands-on learning can be experienced at the Faculty of Trades and Technology, where varied programs include farrier science, landscape horticulture, carpentry, masonry, metal fabrication, welding, plumbing, and mechatronics.

School of Business

The business people of the future can develop their skills across more than 20 programs at the School of Business. This faculty has been evaluated by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to ensure up-to-date quality of education.

Wilson School of Design

Programs available through the Wilson School of Design include product design, graphic design, interior design and fashion and technology. Field schools provide travel opportunities, so students can be inspired by design in other environments.

Applicants can qualify to study at Kwantlen Polytechnic in one of four ways. Each program also has its own entry requirements.

High School applicants must have graduated from a secondary school in British Columbia, or from a recognized equivalent educational system elsewhere.

Transfer applicants must have completed at least 24 undergraduate credits and must provide college or university transcripts as evidence.

Mature applicants must be at least 19 years old on the first day of classes, showing proof of not graduating from high school.

Aboriginal applicants must be considered by the Aboriginal Admissions Committee. The committee will take into consideration a student's life experience, educational background, history and cultural knowledge. Applicants should provide a personal letter of application, two references and formal documentation of Aboriginal heritage.

Programs with ‘Open Intake' have no limit on the number of admitted students. Programs with limited intakes have a limit to the number of students accepted to study.

Spring, Summer and Fall admissions are available for Kwantlen Polytechnic programs. Applicants must meet the application deadlines.

Applicants must also meet the admissions requirements of the faculty they're choosing to study in. All applicants must be proficient in the English language, as this is the language of study at KPU.

Interested in coming to KPU but don't meet the English Proficiency Requirement for Undergraduate Admission? Students can still come to KPU with the Pathway to Undergraduate Studies program There are non-refundable application fees for the processing of an application. Applicants can create a profile online to access vocational, preparatory, undergraduate and graduate programs of study.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University facilities include libraries on every campus. Libraries have study rooms, quiet spaces, and facilities for printing, scanning and photocopying. Other facilities include gymnasiums, conference centers, computer labs, cafeterias and bookstores. Though each campus offers similar facilities, there is an intercampus shuttle bus that connects Surrey, Langley, and CloverdaleKPU campuses.

Kwantlen Polytechnic does not have its own student accommodation. Students are encouraged to rent privately, choosing from a wide variety of nearby properties including off-campus student accommodation. The intercampus shuttle bus can be a valuable asset, allowing students to consider a broader radius when choosing where to live.

When studying at KPU, students will have access to high-tech facilities relevant to their study programs. Facilities include laboratories, warehouses, turf training facilities, breweries, auditoriums, horticulture fields, greenhouses, music classrooms, studios, performance venues, conference rooms, and computer labs. KPU Surrey also offers an on-site public art gallery.

Tuition costs do vary and students can use the KPU Tuition Estimator to find the total costs per semester of their chosen programs of study. Costs for a semester are typically between CAD 2,000 and CAD 5,000 for domestic students, though can rise above CAD 15,000 for international students. Applicants may be eligible for a scholarship, bursary or award.

Scholarships are awarded according to a student's academic merit. Bursaries are provided to students that might otherwise be unable to afford to study at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Awards may be given for a variety of reasons, with specific criteria chosen by the donor.

Students wishing to apply for financial assistance will make their application through the KPU Online Self-Service Portal, once they have been provided with a KPU ID. Evidence will be required.

Applications for scholarships should be backed by high school transcripts or transfer documents. References may also be required. Scholarships awarded can provide as much as CAD 20,000 in financial assistance.

Students wishing to apply for a bursary must be enrolled in at least nine undergraduate credits. These students must be able to demonstrate financial need. This will include completing a budget worksheet.

International students may apply for scholarships and awards, where the criteria for an award is not based on financial need. International students do not have access to bursaries.