Why KPU?
Am I an Exchange or Visiting Student?
Exchange and visiting students follow very similar processes to come to KPU. Please use the definitions below to identify which category you fit into.
Exchange Student
An exchange student is someone from one of KPU’s partner institutions who has been nominated by their institution to come on exchange to KPU. Exchange students pay tuition and fees to their home institution and not to Kwantlen. Scroll down to learn more!
Visiting Student
A visiting student is someone who is not from one of KPU’s partner institutions and who wishes to spend one semester or a year at KPU without earning a credential from KPU.
International Student
An international student is someone who wishes to study at KPU as a regular student and earn a credential from KPU.
Coming to KPU as an Exchange Student
NOTE
To be considered as an incoming exchange student, you must first apply through your home institution and be nominated to KPU. Please contact your institution's international office.
After the nomination deadline, accepted nominees will be contacted directly with the application link and details. KPU will NOT process your exchange student application unless you have been nominated by your home institution.
Check if your home institution is a KPU Partner
Step 1: Know before applying
Application Deadlines
| Term | Nomination Deadline | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (September to December) | April 1 | April 20 |
| Spring (January to April) | September 1 | September 20 |
Course Selection and Registration
Explore your course options at KPU! Available Fields of Study: Faculty of Arts, Melville School of Business, Wilson School of Design, Faculty of Science. Please note that your course options may vary depending on the student exchange agreement between KPU and your home institution.
Entry Regulations/ Visa Requirements
Learn how Canadian entry regulations and visa requirements apply to you.
Accommodation
While KPU doesn’t offer on-campus housing, there are plenty of accommodation options available for exchange students coming to KPU! Learn more about homestay, private rental, and other student accommodation possibilities in Metro Vancouver.
Mandatory Medical Insurance
All incoming exchange students are automatically enrolled in the 'KPU Temporary Medical Insurance Plan' upon registration in classes. KPU does not accept any other insurance plan for exchange students. Students coming to KPU for 2 semesters are also required to enroll in BC MSP (provincial medical plan).
Transportation Pass
(MultiPass/U-Pass BC) - As an exchange student, you benefit from the MultiPass/U-Pass BC, a transit program offering a discounted rate for post-secondary students studying in Metro Vancouver. The program provides system-wide transit access including bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain, as well as discounts on the West Coast Express. Students coming to KPU on exchange will automatically be enrolled in the MultiPass program upon registration in classes.
Step 2: Prepare your exchange application
Application Checklist
Check | Required Documents |
Personal information and Preliminary Course SelectionsPlease also prepare a list of 8 classes that you may wish to take at KPU and that you will be able to transfer back into your program. | |
Passport CopyPlease have a scanned copy of your passport photo page ready. You will need to enter your details and upload such copy for the application as a pdf. | |
Course OutlinesIf you wish to take KPU courses with pre-requisite requirements, please be prepared to submit the appropriate course outlines for classes on your transcript that may apply as pre-requisites for your course approvals. *All course outlines must be submitted in English | |
TranscriptPlease ensure to submit your transcript document/file using the following name format: *It must be submitted in English | |
Portfolio (if applicable)Students who wish to take classes in Faculty of Design and Faculty of Arts – Fine Arts. |
English Language Requirement
Exchange students who intend to take regular undergraduate and graduate courses at KPU are expected to meet the language standards governing all KPU students. Each of our partner institutions assess this level. While exchange students do not ordinarily need to provide any documentation to prove their level of English proficiency, KPU reserves the right to request Proof of Language Proficiency if deemed necessary. Exchange students are not entitled to any special consideration in assignments or examinations due to perceived language disadvantages. Partner institutions are responsible for nominating students that meet KPU’s requirements. See English Proficiency Requirements for Admission to review appropriate level of English language proficiency required for KPU programs.
The above rule applies to the majority of course offerings at KPU, with the exception of some courses, including ENGL (English) course requests. A TOEFL or IELTS score will be required for the request to be considered.
Step 3: Prepare to come
Pre-arrival webinars
KPU International is happy to share with you our Pre-Arrival Video Series, where we talk about all the things you need to know before and after you arrive to Canada.
KPU International Events
Our fun International Student Life team organizes many events on campus and around Metro Vancouver to help you make the most of your time at KPU!
KPU Dates and Deadlines
Check the semester dates and deadlines so that you know what key dates to keep in mind.
Global Buddy Program
The Global Buddy Program is a social network of current KPU students who are interested in welcoming incoming exchange and visiting students to KPU.
Your KPU Buddy will help you navigate KPU’s student services, invite the you to events, and provide necessary support that ensures a comfortable stay and a sense of belonging in Canada.
