Trinity Western University is Canada's largest accredited Christian university, offering a liberal arts education with personalized mentorship in small class sizes. It provides significant financial aid and is situated in Langley, British Columbia, with a diverse international student body.
Trinity Western University (TWU) is Canada's largest accredited Christian university, founded in 1962 in Langley, British Columbia. With approximately 5,000 students from 80+ countries, TWU offers 48 undergraduate and 19 graduate degrees across arts, science, business, education, nursing, and law. The university's Christian liberal arts model integrates faith and reason, with small class sizes (avg. 25) enabling personalised mentorship. Over 95% of undergraduates receive financial aid from the university's $10 million annual scholarship pool.
On-campus living is expected for first and second-year students, with various residence options and meal plans creating an immersive community experience. The 157-acre campus features sports facilities, chapels, study spaces, and green areas. Student life includes over 300 on-campus jobs, chapel services, intramural sports, academic clubs, and community outreach. Proximity to Vancouver means students can access big-city amenities while enjoying a quieter campus environment.
An average of CAD $5,750 in institutional aid is awarded per undergraduate student. Payment plans and external OSAP/StudentAidBC available.
TWU is a chartered BC university under the University Act, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU — American accreditor recognising international quality). The law school (TWU Juris Doctor) is accredited by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. Nursing is accredited by the CASN, and education programmes by BC Teacher Education.
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.
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.
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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Applied Linguistics is the study of language and its use in society. Trinity Western University offers diverse and engaging courses designed to equip students with the skills needed to understand and describe languages, including those without a written alphabet. This includes recognizing speech sounds, forming alphabets, analyzing grammars, and understanding systems of meaning and belief, all based on extensive research. The program prepares students for careers in translation, cross-cultural communication, international development (especially literacy programs), speech-language pathology, and teaching English as a second language.
Trinity Western University's Art + Design program offers a unique opportunity to explore and hone your creative talents within a supportive Christian community. You will learn to use visual language to interpret, challenge, and engage with the world around you. The program encourages critical thinking, risk-taking, and the intersection of faith and art, preparing students to be adaptable and innovative leaders in the field of visual arts and design.
The Certificate in Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship (CALE) is designed for students pursuing creative careers. This program blends essential business fundamentals with practical, hands-on learning experiences, providing a professional advantage in today's rapidly evolving job market. Offered by Trinity Western University's School of the Arts, Media, and Culture (SAMC), the CALE is a five-course certificate that can be integrated into any degree program, particularly those within SAMC. Through this certificate, students will gain practical experience working with real clients while developing crucial skills in business, finance, and marketing. The program aims to equip students with the confidence needed to effectively lead in arts organizations and businesses, preparing them for entrepreneurial endeavors and diverse roles within the creative economy.
Trinity Western University's Arts, Media + Culture program invites students to explore their creativity and consider its connection to faith and meaning. This interdisciplinary program allows you to combine interests from art, film, and music to create a unique course of study. You can choose to focus on two or three of these areas, tailoring your degree to your specific passions and career goals. The program encourages students to take risks and push the boundaries of their creative expression.
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.
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.
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.
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.
full fundingOpen 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.
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.
International undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD $23,850 per year for the 2026-27 academic year. The total estimated annual cost, including housing and meals, is around CAD $34,700 before any financial aid is applied.
Yes, TWU offers substantial financial support. Over 95% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average of CAD $5,750 awarded per student annually from institutional aid. Specific awards for international students include the TWU International Student Award ranging from CAD $2,000–$4,000.
For direct undergraduate entry, international students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 88. The Duolingo English Test is also accepted with a minimum score of 110.
Applicants generally require a high school diploma, such as a BC Grade 12 or equivalent, with an average typically between 70–80%. Specific program requirements may vary, and applicants should check the details for their chosen field of study.
TWU's main campus is a 157-acre site located in Langley, British Columbia, about 50 km east of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley. The university also has a campus in Richmond and the Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa.