A Place to Discover
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Canada's Province of British Columbia (BC) presents some of the most breathtaking geography in the world and boasts warm, laid-back and adventure-loving people across its vibrant cities. Vancouver, the most densely-populated city in BC, is known around the world as one of the best cities in which to live. Offering an agreeable climate of warm, sunny summers and mild winters, Vancouver presents jaw-dropping scenic views of majestic mountains, rainforests, beaches and vast sea expanses.
Beautiful Vancouver also happens to be one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, drawing people from around the world to live, learn and work. It is a clean, safe, friendly and welcoming metropolis that offers an exciting array of outdoor adventure, sporting events, and top-notch restaurants and shopping destinations. Within close commute of Vancouver are numerous smaller cities that form the Metro Vancouver region. You will enjoy a unique and unforgettable living experience in the Metro Vancouver region!
While studying and living in Metro Vancouver, you are highly encouraged to explore as much of this magnificent province as possible. There is so much to see and do – go find yourself an adventure!
Discover more about Vancouver and British Columbia:
Chances are you will choose to live in Richmond, Surrey or Langley – depending on the location of most of your program courses. To find out what's going on in your new city and neighbourhood, check out these tourism websites:
You will be pleasantly surprised by the endless multi-cultural events and activities just steps away from your new home in Richmond, Surrey or Langley – from parades, sporting events, concerts and food fairs to museums, movie theatres, micro-breweries, and wineries. Such fun!
A Place to Grow
The KPU community reflects the friendly multiculturalism of British Columbia, and the city of Vancouver. KPU attracts gifted, engaging and high-performing students, faculty and staff from all over the world. Students choose KPU as an exceptional institution in which to challenge themselves, learn innovative ideas, develop new skills, work cooperatively, think independently, and ultimately achieve academic and career-focused goals.
KPU's campuses are situated in 3 cities just outside of the city of Vancouver - Richmond, Surrey and Langley. These Metro Vancouver regional cities radiate vibrant personalities. They offer countless fun and educational opportunities. From farmers' markets, cafes, food trucks, and every ethnic restaurant imaginable, to air shows, cultural parades, outdoor concerts, and night markets, to sporting events, parks, and hiking trails - these cities continuously and proudly reflect the amazing diversity of their respective populations.
At KPU, you are given the opportunity to fulfill your educational dreams and enrich your overall life experience!
A Place for You
Established by the government of British Columbia in 1981, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a recognized public institution with 5 campuses in the Metro Vancouver regions of British Columbia. KPU, a teaching-focused university, offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations in more than 140 programs. Over 20,000 students annually attend KPU, representing over 70 countries world-wide!
KPU meets all the quality assurance requirements as set by the Canadian government. As a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, KPU follows strict criteria and conforms to set principles of institutional quality assurance. These quality assurance measures ensure international transferability and recognition of your KPU credentials.
KPU develops degree programs and other applied credentials to successfully meet the evolving needs of regional and global employment markets. In fact, we are proud to offer some unique, world-class programs and courses that you will not find at other institutions. Our professional programs are accredited by their respective professional associations. You are sure to find a program that not only interests you at KPU, but that provides an extraordinary educational and life-changing experience.
Our 5 Campuses
KPU currently has 5 campuses spread across Metro Vancouver region, with a fifth campus scheduled to open in 2016. Each campus offers its own unique personality and charm, and each is accessible via an intercampus shuttle bus that runs daily. The campuses are modern, high-tech facilities that feature state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and other first-rate, student-friendly facilities like lounges, libraries, meeting rooms, multi-faith spaces, cafeterias, and bookstores.
Whether spending most of your time on one campus or taking courses across multiple campuses, you will enjoy the distinctive features of each. Each of our campuses present the spirit of the community where they are physically located, while continuing to reflect the diverse, multi-cultural essence of KPU.
KPU Tech
KPU Tech is a full-service campus geographically located on the outer limits of East Surrey, adjacent to the city of Langley. Cloverdale, the area where KPU Tech is located, is a colourful community that balances old-fashioned charm with plenty of modern amenities like shops, cafes, and restaurants.
With 21 workshops, 27 classrooms, and multiple computer labs and study areas, KPU Tech is dedicated to trades and technology. The campus accommodates 900 full-time students, and features a library, bookstore, cafeteria, student lounge and other amenities.
KPU Langley
KPU Langley is located in Metro Vancouver's City of Langley – a thriving metropolis that presents a wonderful sense of community, and combines lush offerings of nature with abundant high-end shopping, a growing business centre and a thriving arts community.
KPU Langley is all about hands-on learning. With approximately 1/2 an acre of dedicated green space boasting nurseries and flower beds, the opportunity for students to put their skills into practice abounds! You will find many student services on campus, including a cafeteria, library, and an auditorium that offers a series of highly-acclaimed music performances throughout the year.
KPU Richmond
KPU's Richmond campus is located in the City of Richmond, a growing multi-cultural city that is home to Metro Vancouver's international airport. Centrally-located on BC's west coast, Richmond is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, and 25 minutes from the US border, and offers a mix of urban and rural living spaces.
KPU Richmond, offering a wide-range of design programs, is currently expanding and construction is underway on the new Wilson School of Design that is scheduled to open in 2015. You will be well-served by KPU Richmond's many student services, including a cafeteria, library and student lounge areas.
KPU Surrey
Often referred to as the 'main campus', KPU Surrey is the largest of the 4 campuses and is easily accessible by public transit. The City of Surrey, located about a 40-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, is the second-largest city in British Columbia and presents a lively, young and culturally-diverse population.
At KPU Surrey, you will find the faculties of Business, Arts, and Academic & Career Preparation. A wide array of student services, including a gym, fitness centre, library, the Kwantlen Student Association-run GrassRoots café, and many student lounge areas are all available to you!
KPU Civic Plaza
Opened in 2016, KPU Civic Plaza is located in Surrey City Centre - the downtown core of one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. This campus is situated on the Surrey Centre Plaza and within walking distance of the SkyTrain, local restaurants, coffee shops and shopping, and neighbouring both Surrey City Hall and the iconic Surrey Centre Library.
KPU Civic Plaza is our newest campus and offers 2,800 square meters of post-secondary space, highlighting advanced business and post-graduate courses. Advance your career with one of our many programs offered by Melville School of Business in post-baccalaureate and graduate diplomas.
Read more about our KPU campuses: https://kpu.ca/campuses
The Polytechnic Advantage
- What is a polytechnic? Our polytechnic approach means that we combine academic excellence with hands-on, applied learning
- Skills for success. KPU is committed to student development and provides learners with relevant knowledge and practical skills for career success
- In a recent survey, 94% of students indicated that if they had to do it again, they would enroll at KPU
Opportunity to Work and Immigrate
Canada has one of the best and most respected education systems in the world. Every year, thousands of students from other countries pursue their educational goals in Canada.
With new ways to gain valuable Canadian work experience during and after your studies, the advantages of studying in Canada are great. There are also permanent immigration options for international students who have graduated from post-secondary programs in Canada.
For full information about your options, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website at www.cic.gc.ca/study.
A Relationship Focused Experience
We can't wait to meet you!
Whether you found out about programs and application details from our globe-trotting recruiters or by scrolling through our website, you can rest assured that our dedicated team at KPU International will support you, making your transition to your life as a KPU student as easy as possible. You will receive guidance from our recruiters, admissions representatives and educational advisors for all of your academic and non-academic concerns whether it be regarding application and admission, credit transfer, study/work permits, course planning, registration, student activities, volunteer opportunities, and more!