Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public polytechnic university in Metro Vancouver, Canada, with 140+ programs, 3 intakes and 5 campuses.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public polytechnic university in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1981 and granted university status in 2008, KPU offers more than 140 programs, from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas and graduate programs. Almost 20,000 students study each year across its five campuses in Surrey, Richmond and Langley.
KPU at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Public polytechnic university |
| Location | Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Founded | 1981 (Kwantlen Polytechnic University since 2008) |
| Campuses | 5: Surrey, Richmond, Langley, KPU Tech (Cloverdale), Civic Plaza |
| Students | Almost 20,000 per year |
| Programs | More than 140 |
| Intakes | Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May) |
| Application fee | CAD 120 |
| Typical international tuition | CAD 16,400–26,400 per year (2026–27) |
| IELTS (undergraduate) | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| Official website | kpu.ca |
Why study at Kwantlen Polytechnic University?
- Hands-on, career-focused learning: as a polytechnic, KPU combines academic study with applied and technical training.
- Flexible pathways: many certificate and diploma credentials can be bridged into a bachelor’s degree.
- Co-op and work experience: some programs let students alternate study terms with paid work terms.
- Global opportunities: exchanges, field schools and summer schools with partner universities around the world.
- English pathway: students who have not yet met the English requirement can start through the KPU International Pathway.
- Metro Vancouver location: all campuses are in one of Canada’s largest and most diverse regions.
KPU campuses
- KPU Surrey: the largest campus and main address (12666 72 Avenue, Surrey), easily reached by public transit.
- KPU Richmond: 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond.
- KPU Langley: 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley.
- KPU Tech: in Cloverdale, Surrey, focused on trades and technology.
- KPU Civic Plaza: in Surrey City Centre.
Faculties and programs
KPU teaches through seven faculties and schools:
- Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Health
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Trades and Technology
- Melville School of Business
- Wilson School of Design
Credentials include citations, certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas and graduate programs. Popular post-baccalaureate options for international students include Human Resources Management, Technical Management and Services, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Admission requirements for international students
- Undergraduate (certificate, diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree): high school graduation, or 9 or more undergraduate credits from a recognized institution, plus KPU’s English requirement.
- Post-baccalaureate: a completed bachelor’s degree, plus the English requirement. Some programs have extra requirements.
- Graduate: a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67, the English requirement, and documents such as reference letters, a resume or a statement of intent, depending on the faculty.
Limited intake programs have additional program-specific requirements.
English language requirements
Minimum scores for undergraduate admission (tests must be taken within the last two years):
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88, no section below 20 |
| PTE Academic | 61 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| CAEL | 70, no sub-score below 60 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70, no sub-score below 65 |
Intakes and application deadlines
| Intake | Applications open | Limited intake deadline | Last date to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (September) | October 1 | March 1 | July 1 |
| Spring (January) | February 1 | August 1 | November 1 |
| Summer (May) | June 1 | December 1 | March 1 |
Open intake programs accept applications until the final date if space remains. Some limited intake programs close early because of high demand, so apply as early as you can.
Tuition fees and costs (2026–27)
| Cost | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 120 |
| Confirmation deposit (applied to tuition) | 5,000 |
| Tuition and university fees | About 808.67 per credit |
| Typical annual tuition (9–15 credits per term, 2 terms) | 16,400–26,400 |
| Living costs (KPU estimate) | At least 2,500 per month |
The confirmation deposit is non-refundable, except if KPU cancels the intake or the study permit is refused. International students must take at least 9 credits per semester to be full-time on a study permit.
How to apply to KPU
- Choose your program and check whether it is open intake or limited intake.
- Check the academic and English requirements for your program.
- Apply online and pay the CAD 120 application fee.
- Submit your transcripts, English test results and any other documents on your application checklist.
- Receive your offer and pay the CAD 5,000 confirmation deposit to accept it.
- Use your letter of acceptance to apply for a Canadian study permit.
- Complete the online orientation and attend new student orientation on campus.
Frequently asked questions about KPU
Is Kwantlen Polytechnic University a public university?
Yes. KPU is a public polytechnic university established by the government of British Columbia in 1981. It became Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2008.
What IELTS score do I need for KPU?
For undergraduate programs, KPU requires IELTS Academic with an overall band of 6.5 and no band below 6.0, taken within the last two years. Some programs ask for more.
Does KPU accept the Duolingo English Test?
Yes. KPU accepts a Duolingo English Test score of 110 or higher for undergraduate admission. It also accepts TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL and LanguageCert.
What are the intakes at KPU for international students?
KPU has three intakes: Fall (September), Spring (January) and Summer (May). Limited intake programs close earlier than open intake programs, so check your program before applying.
How much does it cost to study at KPU?
Most full-time international students pay about CAD 16,400 to 26,400 per year in tuition and mandatory fees (2026-27 rates). KPU also suggests budgeting at least CAD 2,500 per month for living costs.
What is the application fee at KPU?
The application fee is CAD 120. After receiving an offer, international students pay a CAD 5,000 confirmation deposit, which goes towards tuition.
Where are KPU campuses located?
KPU has five campuses in Metro Vancouver: Surrey, Richmond, Langley, KPU Tech in Cloverdale, and Civic Plaza in Surrey City Centre.
Can I study at KPU without meeting the English requirement?
Yes, for many open intake undergraduate programs. Students who do not yet meet the English requirement can be admitted through the KPU International Pathway to Undergraduate Studies.
Get help applying to KPU
Admitree counsellors can help you choose the right KPU program, check your eligibility, and guide you through your application and study permit.
Information is based on Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s official website (checked November 2026). Fees, requirements and deadlines can change, so always confirm with KPU before applying.