Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University offers an exceptional breadth of programs, from undergraduate diplomas to bachelor's and master's degrees. Hands-on learning experiences, accessible faculty and a network of services support student success.

A public, fully accredited institution, TRU offers more than 140 on-campus programs and more than 60 Open Learning programs in areas such as arts, business, computer science, education, environment, law, nursing, sciences, social work, tourism and trades and technology.

A vibrant community of more than 14,000 students on campus are working towards graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, professional certificates, continuing studies and English as a Second Language. In addition, the university has more than 4,000 international students from over 106 countries and regions. Wherever students are from, TRU is dedicated to supporting them in pursuing their passions.

Students enjoy the university's many academic options, individualized support and practical learning experiences. Learners are guided by expert faculty who foster a creative, innovative and flexible learning environment. 

Breathtaking Canadian experience 

TRU's Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Secwepemc peoples, in British Columbia's southern interior. In Kamloops (from the Secwepemc word for "meeting of the waters"), the main campus overlooks the junction of the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers, from which the university gets its name.

Kamloops is an area of stunning natural beauty, boasting hiking trails, ski runs, rivers, wildlife and rich heritage. In the heart of B.C., it takes around three and a half hours to get to Vancouver's exciting hustle and bustle and around seven hours to Calgary's Rocky Mountains. 

TRU maintains a high-quality assurance standard and holds an Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation through the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training (AEST). Standards for maintaining this trademark are outlined on AEST's website under Education Quality Assurance. TRU must meet or exceed these qualifications set out by the Ministry. 

Academic support and services 

At Thompson Rivers University, students enjoy an average academic class size of 31. In addition, more than 2,000 employees work at TRU, including over 400 full-time faculty members. All of this ensures that students are well supported by expert professionals throughout their studies. 

Academic services available to students include academic advising. Advisors work directly with students to help them form a strategic plan for their education. Other benefits include a language learning center, writing center, math help center and assessment center. 

Accreditation 

TRU is accredited by, approved by and a member of several bodies, such as: 

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 

• Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training 

• Universities Canada 

• Research Universities' Council of BC 

International students must be at least 17 years old to study at TRU. 

Each program has different academic requirements. At a minimum, all students must have completed their secondary school education. 

English language requirements 

There are English requirements for applicants from countries where English may not be the first official language.  

• IELTS 7.0, no bands below 6.5 for MBA, Master of Nursing, Master of Environmental Economics and Management, Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management and Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice. 

• IELTS 6.5, no bands below 6.0 for all other programs 

Academic requirements for specific programs can vary.

  For academic programs, non-native English speakers must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language ability. They can do this by providing an accepted English language test score (see below) or by taking the TRU English Placement Test (EPT).

The TRU Campus 

Set on 250 acres with stunning views of the North and South Thompson Rivers, the university's Kamloops campus, in the heart of the community, offers plenty of opportunities to live, work, play and learn.  

Quick numbers: 

• 100,0000 square feet of learning space 

• 40 acres of green space 

• 7 varsity wolfpack teams 

• 12 on-campus places to eat 

• 9 faculties and schools 

• Buses arrive on campus every 15 minutes 

• 4,500 international students from 100+ countries 

• 200+ lakes nearby 

• 80+ student clubs 

Sports at TRU 

TRU is right next to the city of Kamloops' top-notch athletic facilities in the Tournament Capital Centre sports complex, where there's an Olympic-length swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tracks, and numerous recreation spaces. Access to the aquatic centre is included in TRU's student fees.  

Housing 

TRU offers 2 on-campus and 2 off campus housing options for students along with homestay opportunities.

North Tower (on-campus)

The 11-storey residence tower at TRU is home to 570 students and features some of the best views in the city.

McGill Residence (on-campus)

A dorm-style residence on the south side of campus that houses 302 students in four-bedroom quads.

East Village (off-campus)

Bridging the gap between on- and off-campus living, East Village features over 450 beds in four-bedroom furnished spaces and two and three bedroom apartment style suites.

Coyote Den (off-campus)

The new student housing development at East Village features a mixture of single and shared bedroom studio style suites.

International students also have the option to live with a Canadian family in the Homestay Program. All homestay families are managed by TRU World staff, which is a great way to experience Canadian culture and practice English. More than 450 carefully selected Canadian homestay families are in this program. 

New programs of interest at TRU

• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Applied Data Science