Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers more than 140 programs—a wide range of degree programs as well as trades, vocational education and qualifying studies—designed with flexibility in mind. Students may build on applied and technical programs by bridging certificate and diploma credentials into bachelor’s degrees. KPU also offers graduate and post-baccalaureate diplomas. Class sizes are small; the maximum is 35 students. Co-op education and international learning opportunities are available in many programs. In the school’s zero textbook cost initiative, students can choose from more than 1,000 courses that don’t require the purchase of textbooks, thanks to open educational resources and library materials. “Our broad range of programs offer opportunities for students to engage in work-integrated and experiential learning, further creativity and conduct research. In so doing students have the skills and the knowledge to be successful in their careers and to be engaged as citizens in their communities,” says president Alan Davis.The school’s dual-credit pathways program offers some post-secondary courses to high school students from nearby school districts. KPU has five campuses. The largest campus, Surrey, has 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 closer to more rural areas. KPU recently announced plans for its first on-campus housing project, which will be located at the Surrey campus. Projected to start construction in 2027, the building will have 350 beds and a 160-seat dining hall and prioritize spots for Indigenous students and former youth in care.

Campus Buzz: Students in the Brewing and Brewery Operations program develop and brew their own beers, which are available on tap at the Camp Beer Co. in Langley, B.C.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$6,366 

Median Entering Grades
Not tracked. KPU does not admit students based on secondary school GPA

School Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 9,859 | Part-time: 2,663
Graduates: Full-time: 138 | Part-time: 46
International Students: First-year: 23% | Graduate: 100%

Housing Facts
Residence: Not offered

Standout programs

Human Behaviour and Applied Psychology: Students develop research and analytical skills required for today’s data-driven industries both in the classroom and through a workplace practicum. 
Traditional Chinese Medicine: This bachelor’s degree program teaches students to diagnose, treat and manage patients with complex care needs.
Sustainable Agriculture: Students learn the science of agro-ecosystem design, ecologically sound crop production methods and sustainable farm business management.

Kwantlen Polytechnic 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 diploma programs, visit Kwantlen’s college profile.