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CANADA · BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia Open University

public · Founded 1871 · Languages: English

In short

British Columbia Open University was a distance-education provider that specialized in flexible learning. Its programs and functions are now part of Thompson Rivers University Open Learning.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1871
Students: 15,000
International students: 800
Tuition (intl): €4–9k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia Open University (BCOU) was a public open and distance-education university in British Columbia, Canada, that evolved from the Open Learning Institute founded in 1978. It specialized in flexible, open-admission degree programs delivered by distance, with a credit-bank system that recognized transfer credit and prior learning. In 2005 its open-learning functions were integrated into Thompson Rivers University, where they continue as TRU Open Learning.

Why study here

Flexible, open-admission distance learning designed for working adults and remote students.
A credit-bank system that recognized transfer credit and prior learning from other institutions.
A pioneering model of accessible online and distance higher education in British Columbia.
Programs and credits continued through Thompson Rivers University Open Learning.

Student life

As a distance-education institution, British Columbia Open University did not offer a traditional residential campus experience; students studied remotely with academic and administrative support delivered at a distance. Today, learners pursuing these programs through Thompson Rivers University Open Learning have access to TRU's online student services and resources.

Fees

InternationalAs an open-learning institution, fees were charged per course/credit rather than as a fixed annual tuition. International distance students could expect roughly EUR 4,000-9,000 per year of full-time-equivalent study; programs are now delivered through Thompson Rivers University Open Learning, whose current fee schedule should be consulted.

HomeDomestic open-learning students paid lower per-course fees; British Columbia residents benefited from provincially supported rates.

LivingBecause programs were delivered by distance, students could study from home with no on-campus residence costs; living expenses depended on the student's own location.

British Columbia Open University's open-learning role was absorbed by Thompson Rivers University (TRU Open Learning) in 2005. Prospective students should refer to TRU Open Learning for current programs, fees and registration.

Admissions

Open admissionMost programs accepted adult learners without standard entrance prerequisites.

Transfer creditRecognition of prior post-secondary credit and prior learning through the credit-bank system.

IELTS6.5 (via current TRU Open Learning requirements)

TOEFL88 iBT (via current TRU Open Learning requirements)

Rankings

NoteNot separately ranked; an open/distance institution now part of Thompson Rivers University

University scholarships

TRU Open Learning Entrance Award1000 CAD

BC Student Assistance ProgramVariable, needs-based

Accreditation

British Columbia Open University was a public, provincially recognized degree-granting institution in British Columbia. Its degree-granting and open-learning functions are now continued by Thompson Rivers University, a public university established under British Columbia legislation.

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is British Columbia Open University and where is it now?

British Columbia Open University (BCOU) was a public distance-education institution in British Columbia, Canada. Its open-learning functions were integrated into Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in 2005 and continue as TRU Open Learning.

How were fees structured at British Columbia Open University?

As an open-learning institution, fees were charged per course or credit, not as a fixed annual tuition. International distance students could expect approximately EUR 4,000-9,000 per year. Prospective students should consult TRU Open Learning for current fee schedules.

What were the admission requirements for British Columbia Open University?

BCOU operated on an open-admission basis, accepting most adult learners without traditional entry barriers. Admissions requirements and language proficiency scores are now set by TRU Open Learning.

What kind of student support was available?

As a distance-education institution, BCOU provided academic and administrative support remotely. Learners through TRU Open Learning now have access to TRU's online student services and resources.

What is the credit-bank system?

The credit-bank system at BCOU recognized transfer credits and prior learning from other institutions. This allowed students to assemble credits flexibly towards their degrees.

Last updated 3 July 2026