Learn without limits. Pay nothing for textbooks.
Since launching Canada's first ZTC initiative in 2018, KPU has saved students over $16 million in textbook costs. With more than 950 ZTC course sections available each term, that adds up to over $300 in potential savings every semester for a full-time student.
Low Textbook Cost Courses
In 2025, KPU launched a Low Textbook Cost (LTC) designation for courses where instructional materials cost $40 or less.
Zero Textbook Cost Criteria
A course qualifies as Zero Textbook Cost when students do not have to pay for course learning materials*. Educators can achieve this by using any of the following strategies:
- having no required textbook,
- assigning open educational resources (OER), such as open textbooks,
- assigning KPU Library resources that are available online to unlimited simultaneous users,
- assigning instructor-created resources, such as course notes or materials posted on Moodle,
- assigning free online resources.
Courses may also be designated ZTC if a commercial textbook is optional or if students have the option to purchase a print copy of an open textbook (as long as purchase is not required).
* Instructional/Course Materials include required textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized websites or software like online homework systems. The definition does not apply to supplemental items such lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.
ZTC Courses
KPU offers over 950 zero-cost course sections across the university. From introductory to advanced levels, students can find ZTC options throughout their programs - including 18 of KPU's top 20 most-enrolled courses.
Since launching in 2018, the initiative has grown as instructors move away from commercial textbooks and publisher platforms that often limit student access to a single term, require students to share personal information through platform sign-ups, and create ongoing costs with each new edition. This shift supports student privacy, provides access to materials beyond a single term, and creates more equitable learning environments where cost is never a barrier to success.
Faculty continue to expand ZTC by adapting open educational resources, curating library materials, and developing custom content tailored to their students' needs.
ZTC Programs
Beyond individual courses, KPU has mapped out complete credentials that students can earn entirely through ZTC, making it easier to plan a full program of study without textbook costs. Please note that these credentials may take longer to complete, as ZTC availability depends on individual faculty participation, and KPU cannot guarantee that all required courses will consistently offer ZTC sections.
New ZTC Programs!
- The Citation in Employment and Community Studies is designed to provide students with diverse learning needs that hinder educational success an opportunity to prepare for lifelong learning, employment, and community engagement.
- The Citation in Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) is designed to develop and enhance practical skills, increasing students' knowledge for a successful CADD career.
- The Minor in English offers students a flexible framework to pursue their interests in literature, narrative, film, and storytelling.
- The Minor in Creative Writing offers students an opportunity to explore the craft of creative writing, developing communication skills, creativity, and divergent thinking.
- The Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) prepares students for an entry-level position as a CADD drafting technician in the chosen specialty.
- The Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology is a provincially recognized two-year academic credential that provides students with an entry point into a Bachelor of Arts degree program.
- The Diploma in Fine Arts is designed to enable students to acquire a solid foundation in the basic skills of visual arts.
- The Diploma in Computer Aided Design and Drafting (Specialization in Architectural & Structural or Architectural & Mechanical) prepares students for a CADD career with a focus on architectural drafting, with a choice of specialization in either structural or mechanical applications.
- The Bachelor of Arts, Major in History provides students with the opportunity to study the many peoples and cultures whose contributions have created the world in which we live today.
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practice in the field of visual arts.
- The Adult Graduation Diploma enables adult learners to complete their BC Ministry of Education secondary school graduation requirements in order to enter the workforce or post-secondary studies.
- The Certificate in Arts is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students for work, citizenship, and an enriched life able to engage critically with their communities.
- The Certificate in Foundations in Design is a one-year program offered by the Wilson School of Design that develops students' skills and understanding of design as a career across a range of disciplines.
- The Diploma in General Studies is designed as a more flexible and personalized alternative to the Associate or Bachelor degrees, allowing students to construct their academic path with complete freedom.
- The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies is an exit credential designed to provide a more rigorous and broad educational experience, preparing students for employment, global citizenship, and future studies.
- The Bachelor of Arts, Major in General Studies provides students with the opportunity to develop a degree program that suits their unique interests, combining courses across different disciplines.
- The Bachelor of Interior Design provides students wishing to pursue a professional career in interior design with a four-year intensive education focused on the built environment.
Impact and Data
Our interactive dashboard provides comprehensive, regularly-updated data on ZTC courses at KPU. Explore trends in cost savings, initiative growth, course section offerings across disciplines, faculty participation rates, and student impact metrics. Alongside this public dashboard, KPU maintains an internal Credential Map to track ZTC program-level coverage and strategically identify credentials where targeted faculty recruitment can complete a full ZTC pathway.
FAQs about the ZTC Initiative
How do I find ZTC courses?
During course registration, click on the Advanced Search option and enter ZTC and/or LTC under "Attribute". Watch the video below for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Will I get the same quality education in a ZTC course?
Yes. ZTC courses meet the same learning outcomes and academic standards as all KPU courses. Faculty select or create high-quality open educational resources and library materials that support student learning. Many instructors find that ZTC materials allow for more current, customizable content that better serves their students' needs.
What if a ZTC section of my required course isn't available this term?
While KPU is actively working to expand ZTC availability, we cannot guarantee that ZTC sections will be offered every term. Check the course schedule each term for ZTC and LTC options, or consider LTC sections as an affordable alternative. You can also provide feedback to your department about interest in ZTC sections.
How do I make my course ZTC?
Transitioning your course to ZTC involves assessing your current materials, exploring zero-cost alternatives, and communicating changes to students. Our Transitioning to Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) toolkit guides you through each step of the process.
For quick access to resource repositories, visit the KPU Library Open Educational Resources research guide or book a consultation.
How can I get support creating a ZTC course?
KPU supports faculty in creating ZTC courses through several avenues. The Centre for Educational Transformation provides targeted grants and time releases to support courses identified through the ZTC Credential Map. Our Open Education Strategist offers consultations and support for creating or adapting course materials. For help finding and evaluating zero-cost alternatives for your course, KPU Library offers research support and resources. Contact open@kpu.ca to get started.
How can I implement ZTC at my institution?
Read about KPU's implementation journey in our case study published in Marking Open and Affordable Courses: Best Practices and Case Studies. You can also contact the KPU Open Education team at open@kpu.ca to discuss our approach, resources, and lessons learned. We're happy to share our experience with other institutions working to reduce textbook costs for their students.