More high school students across the Lower Mainland are getting a head start on their post-secondary education, thanks to a dual credit program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
The Biomedical and Health Science program at KPU, which was first piloted with Surrey school districts in 2025, gives students the opportunity to take university-level courses that count towards high school and post-secondary credentials at the same time. The program is now expanding to welcome students from Delta, Langley and Richmond school districts.
Soumya Das, a grade twelve student in Langley, B.C., says the program brings her closer to her aspirations of a career in medicine.
“I heard about this program through my school announcements and it sounded interesting. It was a bit scary at first, and I was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone, but I’m really glad I applied,” says Das, who previously completed an introductory health science dual credit course at KPU last summer. “I would like to go to medical school to become a doctor, so this is really a step towards that goal.”
Students complete four classes over the course of four months: Biology 1160: Anatomy and Physiology I, Biology 1260: Anatomy and Physiology II, English 1100: Introduction to University Writing and Psychology 1100: Introduction to Psychology. Credits earned can be applied to various science programs at KPU, and may also be transferrable to other post-secondary institutions.
Dual credit courses can also give high school students a smoother transition into the post-secondary environment. Courses are designed to be accessible to high school students while still maintaining post-secondary academic standards.
“The strength of dual credit is that it expands access without lowering standards,” says Zena Mitchell, Vice-President of Students at KPU. “We maintain academic integrity by holding our curriculum, learning outcomes, assessment and faculty oversight constant, while increasing accessibility through thoughtful pedagogy and enhanced student supports.
“In other words, expectations are not reduced—students are better supported to meet them.”
The program, which has been introduced in school districts in Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta, has been completed by more than 30 students to date.
Additional opportunities are available for underrepresented students through the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program. Funded by Scotiabank, this program specifically provides support for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) youth and students from low-income families and those facing academic and social challenges.
The program is open to grade eleven and twelve students. Students interested in participating are advised to check with their school to see if there is a current dual credit partnership in place with KPU.