CANADA · SURREY
Kwantleen University College
public · Founded 1981 · Languages: English
K
In short
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public polytechnic university in Metro Vancouver, BC, offering over 135 programs with a focus on hands-on learning and career readiness. KPU serves approximately 20,000 students from over 80 countries across its four campuses.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1981
- Students
- 20,000
- International students
- 5,000
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–16k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Surrey, Canada
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public polytechnic university in British Columbia serving Metro Vancouver from four campuses. Founded in 1981 and granted university status in 2008, KPU offers over 135 credentials — from trades certificates and diplomas to applied bachelor's degrees — across arts, business, design, health, science, and technology. With roughly 20,000 students from over 80 countries, KPU blends academic rigour with hands-on, employer-connected learning to produce career-ready graduates.
Why study here
- Polytechnic model: combine academic theory with applied, practical training and real industry projects.
- Over 135 programmes across arts, business, health, trades, and science — flexible pathways for every career goal.
- Accessible admission standards and dedicated support for international students from 80+ countries.
- Four convenient campuses across Metro Vancouver with strong public transit links.
- Strong employer connections in the BC Lower Mainland mean excellent co-op and career prospects.
Student life
KPU's four campuses each have their own character, with student associations, clubs, fitness facilities, and food services. The main Surrey campus features a student union building and common spaces for socialising and study. International students receive dedicated orientation, English language support, and peer mentoring. Metro Vancouver offers world-class outdoor recreation, diverse cuisine, and cultural events.
Fees
InternationalApprox. CAD $16,000–$23,000/year for international undergraduate students, depending on programme.
HomeApprox. CAD $5,000–$7,000/year for domestic BC students.
LivingMetro Vancouver living costs: approx. CAD $1,500–$2,200/month including accommodation, food, and transit.
Application fee: CAD $125 for international students. Various scholarships and entrance awards available.
Admissions
High school diplomaBC Grade 12 or equivalent with minimum 60–70% in required subjects depending on programme.
English proficiencyRequired for all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries.
Programme-specific prerequisitesSome programmes require specific high school courses (e.g., Math 12, Biology 12).
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (5.5 in each band) for most programmes
TOEFL iBT79 overall for most programmes
Duolingo105 for most programmes
University scholarships
KPU International Entrance AwardUp to CAD $2,000 for eligible new international students
KPU Excellence ScholarshipCAD $1,000 for high-achieving continuing students
Accreditation
KPU is a publicly funded institution under the British Columbia University Act, accredited by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) of BC. Individual professional programmes hold accreditation from relevant bodies (e.g., CPA for accounting, APEBC for engineering).
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 are the estimated annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)?
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International undergraduate students can expect tuition fees to range from approximately CAD $16,000 to $23,000 per year, depending on the specific program of study.
Does KPU offer any scholarships or awards for international students?
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Yes, KPU offers scholarships and awards for international students, including the KPU International Entrance Award, which provides up to CAD $2,000 for eligible new international students. An application fee of CAD $125 is required for international applicants.
What are the general English proficiency requirements for international students at KPU?
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Most programs require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each band, or a TOEFL iBT score of 79. Duolingo scores of 105 are also accepted for most programs.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission to KPU?
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Applicants typically need a high school diploma equivalent to BC Grade 12, with minimum grades of 60–70% in required subjects. Some programs may also have specific prerequisite courses.
Where are KPU's campuses located and how accessible are they?
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KPU has four campuses located in Surrey, Langley, Richmond, and Cloverdale within Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. All campuses are well-connected by public transit, making them easily accessible.
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