Overview

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

　　The university is based in North Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada's 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, deep mountainous fjords and over 5,000 islands. Canada has a culture of outdoor activities, and students are well placed to hike, mountain bike or canoe the region's National Parks, or enjoy world-class skiing and snow-sports in winter.

　　Vancouver is one of Canada's most populous and culturally diverse cities. It is coastal, and surrounded by majestic mountains, 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 world-class restaurants, charming cafes and lively nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music events. The city is famous for its International Jazz Festival and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting visitors from around the world.

　　CapU has around 8,833 enrolled full-time students, with an international community of around 3,851 representing over 86 countries. The university fosters an inclusive and supporting culture of learning, which boosts graduate employability and career potential by offering practicums and work experience opportunities while studying. Students benefit from access to the university's network of alumni and professional partners which, leads to employment opportunities in the region and abroad.

　　

What's new

‘Be You at CapU'

Capilano University's brand new Be You at CapU campaign demonstrates the university's spirit of collaboration, belonging and encouragement.

　　Be You at CapU positions students and their welfare at the heart of university decision-making by placing an emphasis on students' personal goals as well as their employability after graduation. By putting focus on both the academic and social elements of university life, Be You At CapU celebrates the diversity, individuality and potential of each and every student.

　　

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 has recently purchased a new campus in Squamish District, British Columbia. This modern university campus hosts an abundance of learning spaces alongside a library and sports centre as well as creative and cultural areas. Programs at Capilano University's Squamish campus are anticipated to begin in fall 2024.

　　

English language courses

Capilano University has recently introduced two new English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses to supplement their existing selection. EAP programs are designed for prospective students who do not meet the university's English language requirements. Upon completion of an EAP program, students attain the full language requirements to enter any diploma or degree program at the university.

　　

Minor programs

The range of minor programs on offer at Capilano University continues to evolve and expand each year. Minors are designed to align with related bachelor's degrees to give further depth to the study experience by enhancing skills, expertise and knowledge.

　　

Teaching quality

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.

　　

Department structure

Capilano University offers over 95 different programs at undergraduate level, as well as post-baccalaureate and postgraduate programs of study. 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 and a Centre for Continuing Studies, which offers short industry-accredited courses for continued professional development. The five faculty areas 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

　　

Entry requirements

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.

　　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. Post-baccalaureate program fees are approximately CAD $9000 to CAD $24,000 per year, and the university provides a number of financial support options for students based on various eligibility requirements.

　　International students are eligible for many scholarship awards, some of which are allocated according to academic achievement, special achievement, athletic achievement and financial need. These are a great way for international students to fund their studies.

　　

Student support

Support services are free and confidential, including:

　　

Academic Support Services

The university team helps students reach their academic goals and succeed in their studies. The team are 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.

　　

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.

　　

Counselling Services

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

　　

Indigenous Student Services

Available to all self-identifying Indigenous students. Services include private chats with student success specialists, review of Indigenous-specific resources and outreach with fellow Indigenous students.

　　

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Available to address concerns about student conduct, a student in distress, academic misconduct, harassment, bullying or sexual violence. Support is confidential and referrals can be made to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety and security of all students.

　　

Facilities

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 state-of-the-art library which grants free access to hundreds of thousands of books, journals, articles and digital resources.

　　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 13,200 per year (CAD 4,826.86 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 31 student-run clubs and societies, offering everything from film, language and interest societies, to opportunities to start new organizations.