Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Established on: 1981

Kwantlen Polytechnic Institution (abbreviated KPU) is a public degree-granting undergraduate polytechnic university in Surrey, Richmond, Cloverdale, Whalley, and Langley, British Columbia, Canada.

KPU is one of British Columbia's most prominent universities in enrollment, with 20,000 students and 1,400 staff members spread among five campuses in the Metro Vancouver region.

KPU offers undergraduate and vocational education in over 140 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certifications, apprenticeships, and citations. The institution is primarily an undergraduate polytechnic university and vocational school, providing apprenticeships in specialized crafts.

Diplomas in vocational education are also available for skilled technicians and individuals in support positions in fields like engineering, accounting, business administration, nursing, medicine, architecture, and criminology.

Kwantlen Polytechnic was established in 1981 as Kwantlen College in response to the rising demand for increased vocational training in the Fraser Valley. It became a university college in 1995.

The provincial government declared in 2008 that it intended to change the University Act to designate Kwantlen University College as a polytechnic university. On May 29, 2008, the law changing the university college to university got royal assent.

On September 1, 2008, KPU commenced operations as Kwantlen Polytechnic University. On October 24, 2008, KPU joined the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). 

KPU is connected with the International Association of Universities (IAU), Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), and Canadian University Press (CUP).

The Globe and Mail Canadian University Report put KPU among the best post-secondary schools in Canada in terms of enrolment, with several A-to-B ratings in categories such as Teaching and learning quality, career preparation, student happiness, and information technology.

The National Survey of Student Engagement, published in Maclean's magazine, also ranked KPU among the top Canadian universities regarding student involvement, instructional methods, and educational quality.

History

After splitting from Douglas College in 1981, KPU was created. The university later took up the site south of the Fraser River.

The institution became a degree-granting college in 1995 and a polytechnic university in 2008.

Why Kwantlen Polytechnic University?

  1. KPU is Canada's only polytechnic university focused on hands-on skills in addition to traditional academics.
  2. KPU will take education beyond books, with experiential learning opportunities like group projects, presentations, guest speakers, and more
  3. Many KPU programs include work experience terms, practicums, or cooperative education options.
  4. International learning opportunities worldwide through field schools, exchanges, study abroad opportunities, and more
  5. KPU works closely with industry partners and organizations to ensure our graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce.

University highlights

University Type

Public

Established Year

1981

No of Students

20,000

Number of Courses

140

Tuition Fees for International Students Yearly

10,500-34,000 CAD

Intakes

September, January, and May.

Main intakes

The main intakes are in September, January, and May.

Scholarship

KPU Major Entrance Scholarships

Range

  • The President's Scholarship ($20,000),
  • The Merit Scholarship ($5,000),
  • The Indigenous Entrance Scholarship ($5,000)

Eligibility: A minimum CGPA of 3.0 or greater is required for continuance purposes.

Donor-funded Entrance Awards 

  • Range:$1,000 to $4,000
  • Eligibility: A minimum CGPA of 3.0 or greater is required for continuance purposes.

Application Process/ documents needed for admission

Academic Documents (For Bachelor)

  • SLC Mark sheet
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • SLC Character Certificate
  • Transcript of 12th-grade
  • Individual Mark sheet of 12th-grade
  • Character Certificate of 12th-grade
  • Provisional Certificate of 12th-grade
  • Migration Certificate of 12th-grade

Academic Documents (For Masters)

  • Transcript of Bachelor's Degree and 12th-grade
  • Individual Mark sheets of Bachelor's Degree and 12th-grade
  • Character Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
  • Provisional Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
  • Migration Certificate of Bachelor Degree and 12th-grade
  • IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores
  • Passport
  • Experience letter
  • Statement of Purpose
  • 2-3 LORs 
  • GRE/GMAT Scores
  • Application Fees
  • Proof of Scholarships - If any
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • College Recommendation (if a current student)

Language Requirement

Test

Minimum Score requirement

TOFEL Requirements

A Score of IBT 88 or higher, with no sub-score less than 20.

IELTS Requirements 

Overall band of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each band

PTE

Minimum overall score of 60 with no score less than 60 in the individual components.

FAQ

Q. Can I work as a student in Canada?

Yes, International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms.

Q. Does Kwantlen Polytechnic University offer financial aid to International Students?

Yes, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers scholarships to international students. You can find details about scholarships in our scholarship section.

Q. What are the different intakes at Kwantlen Polytechnic University?

Generally, September, January, and May are the time when intakes occur.

Q. Which are the other top Universities in Canada?

University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are the top 3 universities in Canada.

Q.  What are the COVID guidelines of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University?

Ans. All the candidates visiting the university campus must prove they are fully vaccinated. Moreover, sanitization stalls are installed at every nook and corner of the campus building. Additionally, the university prefers online classes to reduce the spread of COVID-19 further.