Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Originally established as a community college, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has evolved to offer more than 140 degree, trade, vocational and qualifying programs. KPU has five campuses; the largest one, Surrey, boasts a student art gallery, an Indigenous gathering place, a gym and a conference centre. The Richmond and Civic Plaza campuses, also located in Surrey, have a metropolitan vibe, while the Langley campus and KPU Tech in Cloverdale are more rural. As a polytechnic, KPU emphasizes experiential learning opportunities and small class sizes, with a maximum of 35 students. Co-op education and international learning opportunities are available in many programs.
In 2023 KPU launched a new Indigenous studies department, to strengthen its work in reconciliation (the school has been offering courses in Indigenous Studies in 2017). The university also offers the zero textbook cost initiative. Students can choose from more than 900 courses that don’t require the purchase of expensive textbooks, thanks to open educational resources and library materials.
Quick facts
School size:
Large
Tuition:
Degree $5,900-$13,700
Diploma $5,900-$13,700
Certificate $5,900-$13,700
Post-Grad $9,100-$25,400
Residence offerings:
No
Popular programs
Bachelor of Arts—Criminology
Bachelor of Arts—Psychology
Bachelor of Business Administration
(Accounting and Marketing Management)
Bachelor of Technology—Information Technology
Cool options
Advanced Game Development: This two-year diploma program prepares students to enter the video game industry with job-ready skills from courses in art, design, programming and production.
Citation in Cloud Architecture and Security: Students learn to proficiently design, implement and manage resilient cloud computing environments, and also gain expertise in enhancing data security.
Front-End Development for Interactive Applications: A new program that focuses on fundamentals, design and project management for the development of websites and apps.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers a range of degree, diploma and certificate programs and is profiled in both the Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities and the Ultimate Guide to Canadian Colleges. To learn more about the school’s degree programs, visit the Kwantlen Polytechnic University university profile.
