Capilano University

Founded in 1968, Capilano University is a teaching-oriented university with a reputation for delivering world class education and a fulfilling learning experience. The university offers a comprehensive offering of degrees, diplomas, and professional qualifications, and is internationally renowned for its excellence in teaching and student support.

The university is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada's third largest city in its westernmost province, and offers one of the most unique and exciting locations to study in all of North America. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with hundreds of kilometers of rugged Pacific coastline, evergreen forests, soaring mountain ranges and over 5,000 islands. British Columbia has a culture of outdoor activities, and students are well placed to hike, mountain bike or canoe the region's national parks in summer, or enjoy world-class skiing and snow-sports in winter.

Vancouver is one of Canada's most populous and culturally diverse cities. Coastal and surrounded by majestic mountains, it's a popular filming location with a booming film industry, as well as a thriving arts and theatre scene. Famous for its fresh local seafood, Vancouver offers all the benefits of a modern cosmopolitan city, hosting outstanding restaurants, charming cafes and lively nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music events. The city is also known for its International Jazz Festival and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting visitors from around the world.

CapU has around 9,958 enrolled full-time students, with an international community of around 4,200 representing over 92 countries. Graduate employability and career potential are enhanced by hands-on practicums and work experience opportunities integrated into studies, in addition to the university's network of alumni and professional partners.

Capilano University students join an inclusive and progressive institution which prioritizes effective communication between staff and students and builds opportunities to expand on academic work with extracurricular experiences and career-focused activities. The faculty and staff are highly experienced and offer a level of attention that is not usually found in universities of this size.

Many instructors have worked and taught overseas and are able to communicate effectively with students from all over the world, sharing their insights and expertise. The university has an average class size of 25:1 which is higher than the national average. Smaller group sizes result in a more personalized learning experience for students, allowing more one-on-one time with their instructors.

Capilano University cultivates a supportive culture of learning, where staff and students encourage each other in the pursuit of their academic and career goals. The university has been awarded British Columbia's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is Canada's premier seal of quality assurance for higher education. EQA designation indicates that the institution meets or exceeds the provincial government's standards of quality and educational rigour, and is a globally recognized symbol of quality assurance.

Capilano University offers over 95 different programs at undergraduate level. The university has a wide range of traditional programs including English, sciences, business, as well as an exciting selection of vocational and specialized programs like outdoor recreation management, interactive media design, jazz studies, and motion picture arts.

Many CapU programs offer practical, work-integrated learning experiences in the form of co-op and work practicum placements, as well as study abroad and volunteer opportunities. There are five undergraduate faculties which together offer a comprehensive range of programmes. They are:

• Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Professional Studies
• Faculty of Education, Health and Human Development
• Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
• Faculty of Global and Community Studies

The admissions team strives to ensure that the application process remains as accessible as possible to students from all backgrounds. Anyone with aspirations to study at Capilano University is encouraged to submit an application, and the university offers a large range of alternative entry routes.

Academic entry requirements vary on a program-by-program basis. Prospective students should explore the university admission requirements page to familiarize themselves with the entry standards as well as any key deadlines or extra requirements associated with the university or program to which they are applying. Applications are completed online at EducationPlannerBC.

International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency. The required level equates to an IELTS score of 6.5, with no single score below 6.0, although there are several equivalent assessment systems which may be found on the university's English Language Requirements page.

Capilano University upholds that access to higher education should be available to people from any financial background and are committed to keeping its tuition fees as accessible as possible.

Though tuition ranges widely depending on each program, the average international tuition fees for an undergraduate degree are approximately CAD 19,000 per academic year, which is significantly lower than the national average. and the university provides a number of financial support options for students based on various eligibility requirements.

Support services are free and confidential, including:

Academic Support Services

In addition to the academic advising team which supports students with course selection and registration, the university offers various resources to help students reach their academic goals and succeed in their studies. Students can receive on-hand to help with writing, math, research, English language and learning skills.

Accessibility Services

Available to serve students remotely via phone and email for help and advice relating to accommodations, specialized software, exams or communication with an instructor.

Career Development Centre (CDC)

The Career Development Centre (CDC) works with students and alumni to develop skills and gain knowledge to achieve their career goals. Staff members provide resources and information on career support, from interview training to resume writing, and help with finding volunteer and work experience while studying. They also host several job fairs throughout the year for students to network directly with potential employers on campus.

Centre for International Experience (CIE)

The CIE, is a "home away from home" for international students who attend CapU. Dedicated and experienced international staff assist international students with program selection, admissions, immigration advising, medical insurance, student leadership and mentorship opportunities, learning and transition support, study abroad, and more. They offer a wide range of workshops and events designed to help students thrive throughout their entire journey at CapU. These include pre-departure and transitions sessions, international orientation, PGWP and Co-op Work Permit Workshops, as well as fun social events such as international student mixers, and various cultural holiday celebrations throughout the year.

Counselling Services

Capilano University provides free and confidential counselling appointments via telephone to ensure the wellbeing of its students.

The Capilano University campus is surrounded by dense forest and fresh mountain air, providing a healthy and beautiful environment for its community of approximately 8,833 students. The campus contains all the facilities needed to ensure continued academic success of its students, as well as providing amenities to support the personal development of each individual.

The main North Vancouver campus features computer laboratories, modernized study spaces with high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, and a library which grants free access to hundreds of thousands of books, journals, articles and digital resources. Capilano University's Bosa Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire creativity and collaboration for students in film, animation, and performing arts.

There are options for student housing in the CapU Residence which is just a five-minute bus ride from campus. Accommodation includes a shared room with an all-you-care-to-eat meal plan, free laundry, parking and Wi-Fi, and costs are approximately CAD 13,900 per year (CAD 4,926.86 per regular semester).

The campus also offers a range of eating options and a selection of international cuisines, creating a diverse environment with plenty of space for socializing. The university has excellent sports facilities, with varsity teams in soccer, basketball and volleyball, as well as a fully equipped gym and fitness center.

The CapU Students' Union runs a lively program of events throughout the year, and coordinates the university's 42 student-run clubs and societies, offering everything from film, language and interest societies, to opportunities to start new organizations.

International Program Availability Webpage

CapU now has a webpage listing all programs open to international students, including their Post Graduation Work Permit (PWGP) eligibility.

View the full list of available programs.

Capilano University adds new team of International Student Transition Officers (ISTO)

ISTOs support new international students as they settle into life in Canada and at CapU. Through one-on-one meetings, they can help with:

• Finding housing
• Pre-departure prep
• Navigating student resources
• Adjusting to life in Canada
• Understanding international student responsibilities and requirements

Unibuddy now available for new and prospective international students

Prospective and admitted international students can now connect with current CapU students on Unibuddy to ask questions about programs, campus life, and settling in Canada. Admitted students can also join their cohort's virtual community to meet peers, join interest groups, and get CapU updates.

Environment & Society Bachelor Degrees

CapU announced two Bachelor of Environment & Society degrees, one in environmental science and the other in environmental studies, with the latter being offered at the Squamish campus.

A Bachelor of Environment and Society degree at CapU will help prepare anyone with an interest in sustainability and the future of the planet to become a future environmental leader.

New accommodation

In addition to its existing student residences close to Capilano University's North Vancouver campus, an on-campus student housing complex is currently under construction, anticipated to open in 2025.

New campus

Capilano University's new Squamish campus offers modern learning spaces, a library, sports centre, residence, and cultural hubs—all nestled along the scenic Sea-to-Sky corridor, just under an hour from Whistler Blackcomb; North America's #1 ski resort. Applications are now open for upcoming programs.