Facts and Figures

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public post-secondary institution that combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for successful and rewarding careers, while also providing them with the critical understanding necessary for good citizenship.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public post-secondary institution that combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for successful and rewarding careers, while also providing them with the critical understanding necessary for good citizenship.
KPU started as Kwantlen College in 1981, became a degree-granting institution in 1995, and became Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2008.
The qw̓ ɑ:nƛ̓ ə̓ n̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation gifted its name to KPU and the university’s campuses are situated on the unceded traditional and ancestral territories of the qw̓ ɑ:nƛ̓ ə̓ n̓ (Kwantlen), qi̓ cə̓ y̓ (Katzie), SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), scə̓ waθən (Tsawwassen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), kwikwəƛə̓ m (Kwikwetlem), and xwməθkwəyə̓ m (Musqueam) First Nations.
KPU has five campuses, all in the Metro Vancouver region: KPU Surrey (in Newton), KPU Richmond, KPU Langley, KPU Tech (in Cloverdale), KPU Civic Plaza (in Surrey City Centre). All campuses are accessible to those with mobility and visual impairments.
KPU has educated over 240,000 students to date and boasts a diverse student population of over 16,000 students each year with approximately 12,000 FTE (full-time equivalency) students annually.
KPU students are supported by approximately 1,800 employees and backed by a network of 80,000 alumni.
KPU has a diverse offering of programs across seven faculties and schools: Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Health, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Trades and Technology, Melville School of Business and Wilson School of Design.
Distinctive programs include Entertainment Arts, Brewing and Brewery Operations, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, Fashion and Technology, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Farrier Science, Interior Design, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
KPU offers a diverse range of credentials – including bachelor’s degrees, apprenticeships, diplomas, certificates, and citations – designed to meet the evolving needs of regional and global employment markets. Post-baccalaureate and graduate diplomas further enhance opportunities for working professionals to augment their knowledge and skills.
Co-op education opportunities are available in many programs along with international learning opportunities all over the world through field schools, exchanges, studies abroad and international co-ops, with opportunities available in most program areas.
In the fiscal year 2025-2026, KPU was awarded 36 public and private research contracts with a total value of $6,327,407. In last five years, KPU received research funding for 139 projects valued at $24,638,908.
KPU’s state-of-the-art facilities for research and student experiential learning include the Applied Genomics Centre, the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, and the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems.
Of KPU graduates who responded to the 2023-2025 BC Student Outcomes surveys, 96% reported that they were in the labor force, 92% were in the labour force employed, and 67% of those employed had a job related to their studies.
The KPU Library provides 1,024,836 print and digital resources to meet needs of students across four campus library locations. The KPU Library is open to the public. In addition, students can access Learning Centres at Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Civic Plaza campuses.
The Gathering Place at KPU Surrey celebrates the important contributions of Coast Salish Peoples and other Indigenous groups. This space supports Indigenous social and educational activities for members of the KPU community and is the home of Indigenous Services at KPU.
Each campus has a prayer and meditation room. These spaces are available to KPU students and employees of all faiths and secular beliefs who want to participate in worship, reflection and meditation while on campus.
Kwuntiltunaat (Kim Baird) is chancellor, Dr. Diane Purvey is Acting President, Dianne Doyle chairs the Board of Governors, and Catherine Schwichtenberg is vice-chair of Senate.
KPU has membership in the following associations: Universities Canada; BC Association of Institutes and Universities; Business Council of BC; Post-Secondary Employers’ Association; Canada-India Business Council; Trades Training Consortium British Columbia; Canadian Academic English Language Assessment; and Vancouver Board of Trade.