- KPU was established in 1981 and became Kwantlen Polytechnic University on September 1, 2008
- It runs five Metro Vancouver campuses and enrols almost 20,000 students across more than 140 programs
- International undergraduates pay about CAD 808.67 per credit, roughly CAD 16,400 to 26,400 per year in 2026-27, and undergraduate admission needs IELTS Academic 6.5 overall.
Where Is Kwantlen Polytechnic University Located?
KPU is based in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada. It operates five campuses at Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale and Civic Plaza. Surrey is the largest campus and houses the School of Business, while Langley hosts horticulture and science programs and Cloverdale delivers trades and technology training.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation, whose traditional territory extends across the region. It began as Kwantlen College in 1981, became a university college in 1995, and started operating as a full polytechnic university in 2008.
- KPU Surrey (main campus) — School of Business and largest range of programs
- KPU Richmond — Wilson School of Design, fashion, arts and business
- KPU Langley — horticulture, brewing and science labs
- KPU Tech, Cloverdale — trades and technology, a LEED Gold building
- KPU Civic Plaza — post-baccalaureate and business education in downtown Surrey
What Courses Does KPU Offer?
As a polytechnic university, KPU offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and citations across more than 140 programs. Fields include business, health, science and horticulture, design, arts, trades and technology. Programs blend academic study with hands-on applied learning, and many allow students to ladder certificates and diplomas into full bachelor's degrees.
KPU's undergraduate offering spans the arts, sciences, business, design, health and trades. Popular fields include the following programs:
- Accounting, Economics, Marketing and Human Resources Management
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Health Science
- Fashion Design and Technology, Interior Design, Graphic Design and Product Design
- Criminology, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science
- Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing and Sustainable Agriculture
Which Postgraduate Programs Does KPU Offer?
- Post-baccalaureate in Accounting
- Post-baccalaureate in Human Resources Management
- Post-baccalaureate in Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Post-baccalaureate in Technical Apparel Design
- Post-baccalaureate in Technical Management and Services
What Are KPU's Admission Requirements?
Applicants qualify under one of four categories: High School, Transfer, Mature or Indigenous. Transfer applicants need at least nine credits above the preparatory level, while mature applicants must be nineteen or older. International students also need a valid IRCC study permit and must meet KPU's English language proficiency requirement before their program begins.
Intakes are either open, with no cap on the number of students admitted per cycle, or limited, with a set enrolment ceiling. International students must submit official transcripts issued directly by their previous institution, along with proof of a valid study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Are the English Language Requirements?
For undergraduate admission, KPU requires an IELTS Academic overall band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 88 with no section under 20, or a PTE Academic score of 61. LanguageCert and KPU's own placement test are also accepted, with scores taken within the last two years.
- IELTS Academic — overall 6.5, with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT — 88 overall, with no sub-score below 20
- PTE Academic — 61 or higher
- LanguageCert Academic — overall 70, with no skill below 65
What Are the Fees at KPU?
International undergraduates pay roughly CAD 808.67 per credit, so most full-time international students pay between CAD 16,400 and 26,400 per year in tuition and mandatory fees for 2026-27. The international application fee is CAD 120 and a non-refundable CAD 5,000 confirmation deposit secures your offer and is applied toward tuition.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay lower application and deposit amounts than international applicants, as shown below.
| Domestic Fee 2026-27 | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | $40 |
| Confirmation Deposit — Open Intake | $250 |
| Confirmation Deposit — Limited Intake | $500 |
| International Fee 2026-27 | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | $120 |
| Tuition (per credit) | $808.67 |
| Estimated annual tuition and mandatory fees | $16,400 – $26,400 |
| Confirmation Deposit (Open or Limited Intake) | $5,000 |
Who Are KPU's Notable Alumni?
KPU alumni span the arts and business. Canadian tenor Adam Fisher has performed with Calgary Opera, Edmonton Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria. Pianist Janice Fehlauer studied music at KPU before earning graduate degrees and performing internationally. Entrepreneur Ankit Sharma, a BBA graduate, founded the multi-million-dollar cabinet-hardware distributor Kitply Industries after leaving KPU.
Adam Fisher, a Canadian tenor, joined Calgary Opera's Emerging Artist Program in 2010 and has appeared in leading roles across Canada and the United States. Janice Fehlauer, a concert pianist and Wideman International Piano Competition gold medalist, began her studies at KPU. Ankit Sharma launched Kitply Industries after graduating with his BBA in 2007 and grew it into a multi-million-dollar cabinet-hardware business.
How Is KPU Recognized and Accredited?
KPU is a public, teaching-focused polytechnic university rather than a research institution, so it does not appear in QS World or Maclean's research rankings. It is a member of Universities Canada, Colleges and Institutes Canada, the International Association of Universities and Polytechnics Canada, and holds degree-granting authority in British Columbia.
KPU describes itself as Canada's only polytechnic university, combining degree-level academic study with applied, hands-on and trades education. It joined Polytechnics Canada in 2016 and is also affiliated with the International Association of Universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Canadian Bureau for International Education.