In short
Capilano University is a public teaching university in North Vancouver, BC, offering small class sizes and specialized programs across arts, business, health, and more. It provides career-ready graduates with affordable tuition and a scenic location close to both nature and downtown Vancouver.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1968
- Students
- 13,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–16k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Capilano University is a public teaching university in North Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 1968. It serves about 13,000 students across campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish, and Sechelt, offering programmes in arts, business, education, health, tourism, and the creative industries. Known for small class sizes and close faculty engagement, CapU consistently produces career-ready graduates. Its scenic North Shore campus offers easy access to Vancouver while sitting at the doorstep of some of Canada's best outdoor recreation.
Why study here
- Small class sizes (often under 30) guarantee personal attention from faculty and stronger mentorship.
- Specialized programmes in motion picture arts, animation, jazz, and tourism management — rare at institutions this size.
- Affordable tuition (~CAD 18,000/year) compared with larger Canadian universities, with English pathway options.
- 20-minute transit ride to downtown Vancouver; direct access to skiing, hiking, and kayaking.
- Strong co-op and practicum placements connect students to British Columbia's film, tourism, and technology industries.
Student life
CapU's North Vancouver campus features a student union building, fitness centre, outdoor spaces, and an active student society running clubs in sports, arts, and culture. The campus borders Capilano River Regional Park, making lunchtime hikes a reality. Vancouver's multicultural urban culture is a short bus ride away. International students are supported by the International Student Services office offering orientation, advising, and social events.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately CAD 18,000–22,000 (~EUR 12,000–16,000) per year depending on the programme. Some professional programmes may be higher.
HomeDomestic students pay approximately CAD 5,500–7,000 per year for a full-time load.
LivingNorth Vancouver living costs are approximately CAD 1,500–2,200/month (~EUR 1,000–1,500) including rent, food, and transport. On-campus housing is limited; most students rent privately nearby.
Tuition is reviewed annually. International students must also budget for health insurance (BCMSP or private plan) and a student activity fee.
Admissions
UndergraduateBC Grade 12 or equivalent with specified subject prerequisites; minimum 65–73% average depending on programme
Diploma / CertificateHigh school completion or mature-student status
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT88+
Duolingo English Test115+
University scholarships
International Student Entrance AwardCAD 1,000–2,000
President's Entrance ScholarshipCAD 1,500
Accreditation
Capilano University is a publicly funded degree-granting institution recognized by the Province of British Columbia under the Degree Authorization Act and is a member of Universities Canada.
For international students
CanadaStudent 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
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
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.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / 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.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual tuition fee for international students at Capilano University?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately CAD 18,000–22,000 per year for tuition, depending on the specific program. Some specialized professional programs may have higher fees.
What are the estimated living costs for international students in North Vancouver?
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Living expenses in North Vancouver, including rent, food, and transportation, are estimated to be around CAD 1,500–2,200 per month. On-campus housing is limited, so many students opt for private rentals nearby.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 88+, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115+.
Does Capilano University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Capilano University offers scholarships for international students, such as the International Student Entrance Award (CAD 1,000–2,000) and the President's Entrance Scholarship (CAD 1,500).
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate programs at Capilano University?
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For undergraduate programs, students generally need a BC Grade 12 education or its equivalent, including specific subject prerequisites and an average grade of 65–73% depending on the chosen program.
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