University in Canada
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
University profile
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public, teaching-focused polytechnic university established by the government of British Columbia in 1981. It offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations in more than 140 programs, and almost 20,000 students attend courses each year across its campuses in the Metro Vancouver region.
KPU operates campuses in Surrey (the main campus, 12666 72 Avenue), Richmond, Langley, KPU Tech in Surrey and Civic Plaza in Surrey City Centre. Programs are grouped in the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Health, Faculty of Science (including Horticulture), Faculty of Trades and Technology, the Melville School of Business and the Wilson School of Design, with Continuing and Professional Studies offering non-degree programs. Credentials are designed to ladder, so certificate and diploma graduates can bridge into bachelor's degrees.
Learning is applied: many programs include practicums, applied research, field schools, co-operative education and on-campus studios and labs. Programs include a teaching brewery (KPU Brew Lab) on the Langley campus, design studios at Richmond and trades shops at KPU Tech.
The Pathway to Undergraduate Studies lets applicants who do not yet meet the English requirement take English Upgrading (ENGQ) or English Language Studies (ELST) courses, with up to 12 undergraduate credits alongside, before entering a program. International students apply through KPU International, which also handles study permit guidance, orientation and agent authorization.
The university's name was gifted by the Kwantlen First Nation; 'Kwantlen' means 'Tireless Runner', reflected in the motto 'Through tireless effort, knowledge, and understanding.' KPU appointed its first Elder in Residence in 2015 and maintains an Indigenous Admissions Committee.
Open to students applying to KPU for the first time for Spring or Fall entry who have been accepted, including international students. There are 6 President's Scholarships ($30,000 each), 18 Merit Scholarships ($7,500 each) and 3 Indigenous Entrance Scholarships ($7,500 each). Selection is competitive, based mainly on academic achievement, with personal statement, community involvement and volunteerism (shown by references) also considered. Payment requires confirmed enrolment in at least 12 credits per semester, and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 is required to continue. The Fall intake application period runs October 15 to April 15 and the Spring period February 15 to August 15 (opening in the year before the intake).
Documents: students out of high school 2 years or less submit a high school transcript and two current reference letters (one from a counsellor, teacher or principal, one on community involvement, leadership or volunteering); others submit two current independent reference letters and their latest transcript. Apply through myKPU (Student Awards and Financial Aid dashboard) and email documents to [email protected]. Questions: [email protected], 604 599 2700.
Over 50 awards of $1,000 to $5,000, available for Fall entry, applied for in the same way.
International students may apply for scholarships and awards but not for bursaries or awards that require financial need. The KPU International Merit Scholarship ($5,000) recognizes continuing academic excellence; no application is needed and students are automatically considered. Since Spring 2022 KPU International has awarded over $300,000 to 70 students.
Student Awards and Financial Assistance also administers general awards, program-specific (horticulture) awards, student leadership awards, graduation awards, bursaries (based on financial need), the Student Education Enhancement Fund and a Work-Study Program. See kpu.ca/awards, the entrance scholarship page and the Awards Guide.
KPU Major Entrance Scholarships & Awards →
Browse the scholarships listed for Kwantlen Polytechnic University and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Kwantlen Polytechnic University →Open intake areas (for example Arts, Business and Science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Horticulture) place no limit on admissions and require KPU's Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement. Limited intake programs (for example Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Design degrees and Health Care Assistant) cap admissions and set their own program requirements in the University Calendar.
Applicants not meeting the undergraduate English requirement can enter the Pathway to Undergraduate Studies. Pathway 1 placement: IELTS overall 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 32 (12 in Writing and Speaking, 6 in Listening and Reading); Duolingo 65; LanguageCert 47 (no sub-score below 40). Pathway 2 placement: IELTS overall 5.5 with 5.5 in each band; TOEFL iBT 61 (no sub-score below 18); Duolingo 85; LanguageCert 60. Tests must be within two years of the admission term.
Undergraduate applicants need to meet the English requirement and have graduated high school or completed 9 or more undergraduate credits; mature admission is possible for certain programs. Post-baccalaureate and graduate applicants must meet the English requirement. Applicants submit transcripts (scanned copies may be accepted for conditional admission to open intake and post-baccalaureate programs) and proof of English proficiency. A valid IRCC study permit is required before the program starts. Only one application per intake is accepted per student.
International application fee: $120. Non-refundable confirmation deposit for international students: $5,000 CAD, applied to tuition (refundable only if KPU cancels an intake or the study permit is denied). Continuing international students maintain a $2,200 tuition deposit balance to register.
Same opening and limited intake dates as above (Fall: October 1 / March 1; Spring: February 1 / August 1; Summer: June 1 / December 1). No international applications are accepted after July 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring) or March 1 (Summer). Some limited intake programs close early or extend deadlines, space permitting.
Approximately $808.67 per credit including fees (tuition $755.77 plus $52.90 university fees); ENGQ and ELST courses $447.55 per credit. Most full-time international students pay between $16,400 and $26,400 per year in tuition and mandatory fees. Applications are made online at kpu.ca/apply.
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