CANADA
University College of the Cariboo
public · Founded 1970 · Languages: English
U
In short
University College of the Cariboo, now Thompson Rivers University, offers an open-access education in Kamloops, BC, with flexible pathways and affordable tuition for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1970
- Students
- 14,000
- International students
- 2,000
- Acceptance rate
- 80%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–16k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
The University College of the Cariboo was a public post-secondary institution in Kamloops, British Columbia, offering degrees, diplomas, certificates and trades training with a strong open-access tradition. It was renamed Thompson Rivers University in 2005, which now continues its programmes and mission. The institution is known for small classes, flexible pathways and a welcoming environment for international students in the British Columbia interior.
Why study here
- Open-access admission with flexible pathways between certificates, diplomas and degrees.
- Small class sizes and supportive, teaching-focused faculty.
- Affordable tuition compared with major Canadian metropolitan universities.
- Scenic Kamloops location in British Columbia with strong outdoor and recreation opportunities.
- Continuity as Thompson Rivers University, with expanded degree and distance-learning options.
Student life
Student life centred on the Kamloops campus, with student clubs, athletics, and outdoor recreation taking advantage of the surrounding British Columbia interior. The institution offered residence accommodation, student support services and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. These facilities and activities continue under Thompson Rivers University.
Fees
InternationalAs an open-access Canadian public institution, international undergraduate tuition was typically in the range of CAD 16,000-24,000 per year, varying by programme. Students should consult Thompson Rivers University, its successor, for current fees.
HomeDomestic Canadian tuition was set according to British Columbia public post-secondary rates and was substantially lower than international tuition.
LivingLiving costs in Kamloops, British Columbia, are moderate by Canadian standards, with student budgets typically around CAD 12,000-15,000 per year for accommodation, food and personal expenses.
The institution is now Thompson Rivers University (since 2005); entry scholarships and bursaries for international and domestic students are administered under TRU.
Admissions
Admission typeOpen access with multiple entry pathways
Successor institutionThompson Rivers University (since 2005)
IELTSTypically 6.0-6.5 for degree programmes
TOEFL iBTTypically 79-88 for degree programmes
Rankings
UniFinder editorial noteOpen-access institution (not ranked in global research league tables)
University scholarships
Entrance Scholarships (now via Thompson Rivers University)Partial tuition awards based on academic merit
International Student Bursaries (now via Thompson Rivers University)Need-based partial support
Accreditation
The institution was a recognised public post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada. It is now Thompson Rivers University, established under the Thompson Rivers University Act and 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 University College of the Cariboo?
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The University College of the Cariboo was a public post-secondary institution in Kamloops, British Columbia, known for its open-access tradition, small class sizes, and flexible learning pathways. It has been known as Thompson Rivers University since 2005.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
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As an open-access Canadian public institution, international undergraduate tuition was typically between CAD 16,000-24,000 per year, varying by program. Students should consult Thompson Rivers University for current fees.
What are the living costs in Kamloops?
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Living costs in Kamloops are moderate by Canadian standards. Student budgets for accommodation, food, and personal expenses were typically around CAD 12,000-15,000 per year.
How can international students apply?
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International applicants now apply through Thompson Rivers University. Evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79-88, is typically required for degree programs.
Does the university offer scholarships?
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Entrance scholarships and international student bursaries were available, often based on academic merit or need. These are now administered by Thompson Rivers University.
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