Congratulations on your acceptance to Kwantlen Polytechnic University! You are now ready to start your journey at KPU. Here is a checklist to support you with the next steps.
New international student checklist
▢ Documents. Apply for your Study Permit, eTA and/or Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable). Click here to find more information on how to apply.
▢ Pre-Arrival Guide. Planning to pack and move to Canada soon before your program starts? Check out our pre-arrival website here with all essential information for new students.
▢ Orientation. Visit Spring 2026 orientation website to learn and register to mandatory orientation sessions for new international students. All new international students must attend online Live Orientation session (December 10, 2025 at 9am PT) and in-person New Student Orientation in Richmond (January 5, 2026 at 12:00pm) or Surrey (January 6, 2026 at 12:00pm).
▢ Download KPU iCent app and the MySSP app for quick access to lots of free resources and services.
▢ Download UniBuddy. It's an app that connects you with peers and student mentors to learn about life at KPU — from academics and campus culture to student life and more. You’ll receive an invitation link through your KPU email — simply accept it to start engaging with the KPU communities.
▢ IPM Program. Learn more about the International Peer Mentorship Program. As a new student, you are automatically assigned an International Peer Mentor to support you in your first semester at KPU!
▢ Connect with your International Education Advisor. Your Advisor will contact you in your KPU email before the start of classes. Visit this page to book an appointment or check the advising daily drop-in schedule.
▢ Review the University Calendar. This is the official guide to KPU’s programs and where you can find a list of courses you are required to take in your program. You can access the calendar at calendar.kpu.ca.
▢ Course Registration. On the assigned registration date and time, you must register for your courses. You can find your registration ticket under Academics/Register for Classes at myKPU Student Portal. We also run free registration webinars every semester, usually about a month before the registration period starts – keep an eye out for an invitation on your KPU email!
▢ Dates & Deadlines: Check all important dates and deadlines for your first semester such as last day to pay your tuition & fees in full, class registration, dropping classes without penalty etc.
▢ Update Information (Important!). Please update your email and mailing address on the myKPU Student Portal. Please note that all correspondence from KPU will be sent to your KPU email address and NOT your personal email. If you want to update any other information, please visit Update Personal Information website
▢ Get familiar with your KPU email and check it frequently. This is where you will receive important messages and updates from the University. You can access your KPU email via myKPU. For instructions on how to set up and use your KPU email, click here.
▢ Learn what to expect from your classes. Check out these resources with tips on how to prepare for and adapt to a Canadian classroom. Take this tutorial on Academic Integrity prior to the start of classes.
▢ Student ID Card: Apply for your student ID card as early as possible
▢ Housing: New student housing complex is coming to KPU Surrey soon. In a meantime, check out other options available to all students outside of KPU
▢ Stay in touch! Contact us if you have questions or need any type of support.
Welcome to KPU! We’re excited that you are joining us!