Nestled in the North Shore mountains and a mere 20 minutes from all that downtown Vancouver has to offer, Capilano University is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and urbanites alike. Founded in 1968, the University is best known for its jazz, film, animation and performing arts programs. CapU's business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design programs are also highly regarded. Capilano University offers programs including bachelor's degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, undergraduate diplomas, and certificates.
The institution has 5 locations in North Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Squamish, as well as the as well as the Lil'wat Nation's Ts'zil Learning Centre north of Whistler. The University provides student housing near its main campus and also serves the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. A new on-campus housing will open in 2025. Capilano University is a teaching-focused university. With an average of 25 students per class, learners at CapU are afforded individual attention. Many of our instructors balance teaching with professional practice and share real-world experiences and industry connections. It's not uncommon for a student's class to end on a Friday and their first professional employment to begin the following Monday. Quality of instruction at Capilano University is rated by bachelor's degree students at 92 per cent, one of the top ratings in British Columbia, according to B.C. Student Outcomes Baccalaureate Graduate Survey results for 2020 to 2022. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh) Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
Alumni and instructors from Capilano University Film and Animation programs have been nominated for and won Juno Awards; alumni have worked on Oscar-winning animation teams; Jason Karman, faculty in the Motion Picture Arts program and alumnus of CapU, had his feature film 'Golden Delicious' screen at festivals across Canada, including the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival. The film stars Cardi Wong and is produced by Kristyn Stilling – both CapU alumni. Motion Picture Arts faculty Lisa Kolisnyk has done sound for FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournaments in Paris, Qatar, and, in Summer 2023, Australia – winning two Emmy Awards along the way. Documentary alumni (2023) Alix Buck has received funding to pursue a feature-length documentary based on her grad film ‘Lobster Queens'. Students and alumni had 15 nominations at this year's Leo Awards – and 6 wins, including Jessica Kalan, Best Costume Design – Motion Picture for ‘Bones of Crows', also co-winner of the Canadian Costume Artists and Designers Award.
Out of more than three hundred teams, CapU business students placed third in 2018 and second in 2017 in the American Marketing Association Collegiate Case Competition. North Vancouver, B.C., home to Capilano University's main campus, is an inspiring setting in which to learn and grow. When the school day is done, the outdoor adventures begin. Minutes from campus, you'll find hiking and mountain biking trails, secret beaches, and world-class ski resorts with spectacular views of the Vancouver skyline. Further up the Coast, where CapU serves the communities of the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, you'll discover even more ways to enjoy the active West Coast lifestyle.
| | # Beds | Lowest | Highest |
| Female only: | | Lowest: $4,827 | Highest: $5,615 |
| Male only: | | Lowest: $4,827 | Highest: $5,615 |
Starting at just $1,210 per month including your meals, your housing fees include a fully furnished room with a bed, storage, desk, chair and closet, unlimited high-speed wireless Internet, and access to laundry, washrooms and showers, as well as dedicated lounge and study spaces.
Four-month (Fall 2025) per semester costs:
- Shared Double Occupancy Room = $4,826.86
- Single Occupancy Room = $5,615.34
- Application Fee = CAD$ 50
- CAD$ 500 confirmation payment on acceptance is required
- Estimated 2025-26 fees. Fees may be subject to change.
Meal plans are mandatory for all residents, and is included in the prices listed above.
Living in CapU Squamish housing
Our Squamish residence provides students with a tranquil and adventurous environment surrounded by breathtaking nature landscapes.
The buildings are located at:
- 3021 University Boulevard (Ossa Building)
- 3031 University Boulevard (Serratus Building)
The buildings — containing more than 200 units — are clustered together to create a sense of community where you can study, dine, socialize and relax.
Apply now for CapU student housing for Academic Year 2025-26.
Capilano University's sports teams are known as the Blues. A proud tradition built on excellence attracts elite athletes every year to the school's six teams.The Blues have varsity programs for men's and women's soccer, men's and women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball. All teams compete provincially in the PACWEST conference which is part of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Since the inception of the Blues athletics program in 1973, CapU teams have claimed 62 provincial titles and 15 national championships including the 2020 men's volleyball national championship. Blues sports provide an important part of campus life. With home soccer games at Lillooet Park and home basketball and volleyball games at the Centre for Sport and Wellness, there is opportunity most weekends to attend sports events at CapU and cheer on the Blues. You can find the latest updates on Blues sports on Instagram @CapilanoBlues or website.
#GoBlues
Internationalize your degree, your resume and your network by spending part of your studies at a partner institution in another country — for the same tuition fee you normally pay at CapU. Students typically apply in their second year of studies to go abroad in their third. View Study Abroad info on the CapU website.