As the only polytechnic university in Canada, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers students a unique blend of traditional academics, and hands-on, applied skills. KPU is a public, post-secondary institution offering degrees (bachelor’s and associate), diplomas, certificates and citations in over 120 programs across seven different areas of study—academic and career advancement, arts, business, design, health, science and horticulture, and trades and technology.
KPU has campuses throughout Metro Vancouver located in Surrey, Langley, Richmond and Cloverdale.
KPU is home to many innovative and unique programs, often created and designed with input from industry professionals. New bachelor of science majors include sustainable agriculture, biology, health science, applied mathematics, and physics for modern technology. In addition, KPU now offers a diploma in brewing and brewery operations—one of only a handful of brewing programs that exist in Canada.
KPU does not currently offer on-campus housing. We do have a partnership with a local homestay provider and other services to help students find housing.
Homestay service offers safe and economical housing for students during their study period at KPU. The homestay provider places students with families who are willing to provide the assistance necessary to make their time away from home more comfortable. Students have a private room, share meals with their host families, and participate in family activities. Homestay is an excellent opportunity to develop lifelong friendships. In addition, homestay is a great option for ESL students, because immersion is a highly effective and fun method of learning and practising another language.
Prospective students can register online for campus tours, orientation, online advising, as well as accessing an online virtual tour from the school's website.
KPU hosts career planning events and information sessions throughout the year. Visit www.kpu.ca/careers for more information.
KPU offers many intramural activities such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, hockey, and dance. The KPU Surrey campus is home to a full-size gymnasium and fully equipped fitness centre.
KPU offers many clubs based on activities and academic areas.
All KPU students have access to Wi-Fi on campus, and are provided with a KPU e-mail address. There are several open computer labs that students may access to complete assignments, and specialized program-specific computer labs that are restricted to students registered in those programs. The library system is online and can be accessed using Internet browsers either from the library or from home. The library is also linked to several online databases, which allows students to efficiently research other libraries linked in the system. Registration for courses can be completed through the online registration system.
Arts and culture events at KPU include regular performances from the music department; a choir that is open to all students; a year-end fashion show of student works; ongoing gallery exhibitions of student works; and many other events throughout the year.
Services for First Nations, people with disabilities, career search, co-op education, employment and many other services are available.
As part of the public post-secondary system in British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University is affiliated with all other public post-secondary institutions in the province. Students may transfer to or from other universities in British Columbia and receive full credit for their studies. Course work will be recognized on a course by course basis at other institutions worldwide.
There are hundreds of international students at KPU representing Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. KPU accepts applications from all countries.
Campus tours may be arranged on an individual and group basis. To book a campus tour, please click here.