Established in 1981, Kwantlen Polytechnic University is an undergraduate university granting four-year bachelor degrees and offers diplomas, certificates, university transfers, and qualifying studies opportunities that may later integrate into a bachelor's degree. KPU offers a diverse range of study opportunities with over 120 programs from which to choose.
KPU has four campuses in the Greater Vancouver region located in Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley. All campuses offer resources for students including learning centres, computer labs and Wi-Fi networks, bookstores, and dedicated study spaces.
KPU is home to many innovative and unique programs, often created and designed with input from industry professionals. New bachelor of science majors include sustainable agriculture, biology, health science, applied mathematics, and physics for modern technology. In addition, KPU now offers a diploma in brewing and brewery operations—one of only a handful of brewing programs that exist in Canada. KPU will also be the first public, post-secondary institution in British Columbia to offer a diploma in Tradition Chinese Medicine with studies in herbology, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises.
KPU does not currently offer on-campus housing. We do have a partnership with a local homestay provider and other services to help students find housing.
Homestay service offers safe and economical housing for students during their study period at KPU. The homestay provider places students with families who are willing to provide the assistance necessary to make their time away from home more comfortable. Students have a private room, share meals with their host families, and participate in family activities. Homestay is an excellent opportunity to develop lifelong friendships. In addition, homestay is a great option for ESL students, because immersion is a highly effective and fun method of learning and practising another language.
New international student orientation is offered every semester and tailored to meet the needs of international students at KPU. The Office of International Students and Scholars hosts multiple events throughout the year where students can meet new people, volunteer, and try something new!
Domestic and International Education Advisers are available to assist students with academic planning. Counsellors are available to assist students in determining appropriate career paths.
The KPU Eagles have intercollegiate teams in basketball, golf, soccer, and badminton. KPU also offers many intramural activities such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, hockey, and dance. The KPU Surrey campus is home to a full-size gymnasium and fully equipped fitness centre.
KPU offers many clubs based on activities and academic areas.
All KPU students have access to Wi-Fi on campus, and are provided with a KPU e-mail address. There are several open computer labs that students may access to complete assignments, and specialized program-specific computer labs that are restricted to students registered in those programs. The library system is online and can be accessed using Internet browsers either from the library or from home. The library is also linked to several online databases, which allows students to efficiently research other libraries linked in the system. Registration for courses can be completed through the online registration system.
Arts and culture events at KPU include regular performances from the music department; a choir that is open to all students; a year-end fashion show of student works; ongoing gallery exhibitions of student works; and many other events throughout the year.
As part of the public post-secondary system in British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University is affiliated with all other public post-secondary institutions in the province. Students may transfer to or from the larger universities in British Columbia and receive full credit for their studies. Course work will be recognized on a course-by-course basis at other institutions worldwide.
Currently, there are 690 international students representing Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. KPU accepts applications from all countries. Our most recent student and faculty exchanges occurred with Texas Christian University in the USA, The Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, and EVTek in Finland. In addition, KPU recently participated in the China-Canada Trade and Management Symposium and the Women in Enterprise Management Project, which were both held at Wuxi, China. KPU is a member institution in the British Columbia Centre for International Education, the Canadian Bureau of International Education, the Canadian Education Centre Network, and NAFSA.
Campus tours may be arranged on an individual and group basis. Please contact the International Education Department for more information.