All the knowledge, none of the textbook costs
To reduce the cost of learning for students, KPU started Canada’s first Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative. Instead of textbooks, we use library and open educational resources (OER) in over 950 course sections.
Since ZTC started in 2018, KPU has gone even further, offering many credential programs with zero textbook cost through the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation and the Wilson School of Design.
ZTC helps remove barriers to access post-secondary education, adapting our programs to create a more equitable place for all students to learn.
ZTC Courses and Programs
Use the Register for Classes app at ONE.KPU.ca to search for course sections with zero textbook costs (Browse Classes> Select a Term> Advanced Search> Attribute> Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)).
In addition to individual course sections, KPU offers eight complete credentials* that don't require the purchasing of commercial textbooks:
- The Bachelor of Interior Design, a four-year university degree based on the completion of 128 credits of coursework (approximately 40 courses)
- The Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies, a four-year university degree based on the completion of 120 credits of coursework (approximately 40 courses)
- The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies, a credential based on the completion of 60 credits of coursework (approximately 20 courses).
- The Diploma in General Studies, an exit credential designed as a more flexible alternative to the Associate or Bachelor degrees.
- The Certificate in Arts, a flexible yet foundational program based on the completion of 30 credits of coursework (approximately 10 courses)
- The Certificate in Foundations in Design, a one-year full-time program offered by the Wilson School of Design.
- The Adult Graduation Diploma, equivalent to the BC grade 12 graduation diploma, with Academic & Career Preparation courses that help you prepare for university studies, career pathways, and trades entry by upgrading English, math, and science skills
*We cannot guarantee that required courses will consistently offer ZTC sections, so these credentials may take longer to complete.
Did you know?
ZTC saved students more than $2 million dollars during remote learning in 2020, and KPU continues to see growth in its ZTC initiative.
KPU ZTC Data Dashboard
FAQs about the ZTC Initiative
What makes a course ZTC?
To be considered ZTC, your course must have zero required textbook costs. You can achieve this by,
- having no required textbook,
- assigning open educational resources (OER), such as an open textbook,
- assigning KPU Library resources that are free for students,
- assigning instructor-created resources, such as instructor notes or other resources posted on Moodle,
- assigning free online resources.
Sections may be included in the ZTC if a commercial textbook is optional or if students have the option to purchase a print copy of an open textbook (as long as this is not required).
What course materials does this apply to?
Instructional/Course Materials include required textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized websites or software like online homework systems. The definition does not apply to supplemental items such lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.
How do I find open resources for my course?
Several online sites and repositories exist that contain OER supporting a variety of disciplines and subject areas. For more in-depth guidance on searching, visit the KPU Library Open Educational Resources research guide or book a consultation.
Which Library resources can be used for ZTC?
Textbook, articles, and other items in the KPU Library that are available online to an unlimited number of simultaneous users. To check whether a library resource qualifies, or if we do not currently have a resource that fits your needs, please contact your liaison librarian.