7.9

Capilano University (CapU)

ranked 143 in Canada for the year 2022
Views: 10034
Currently watching : 1
Entry preparation Provide feedback Apply with documents
This content has been reviewed and approved by Chair Professor of Water Engineering at Loughborough University Qiuhua Liang

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, NSNews, Squamishchief, StrategyOnline

Current page last update date: 2026-04-25

Programs and prices, tuition fees in Capilano University (CapU)

Program name
date
Age
Dates
All year round
17+
from 25821.00 $CAD / 8 months
from 25821.00 $CAD / 8 months
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

Preparatory program for university entrance

  • Age of students — from 17 years old,
  • The studying period is eight months.

Capilano University's admission preparation programs are designed for applicants whose level of English and academic knowledge is insufficient for direct admission. Programs are available in different specialties:

  • Business Administration,
  • Early childhood care and education.

The duration and intensity of the studying depends on the current level of knowledge.

English is taught by professional teachers who have all the necessary certificates and extensive work experience. Classes are based on working on the main sections of linguistics: grammar and vocabulary, listening, written and oral speech, reading. Much attention is paid to academic language skills, the development of the ability to correctly and accurately express their thoughts and ideas in written and oral form.

Classes on subjects are conducted by university teachers who provide a high-quality and comprehensive overview of all sections. Students receive assistance in adapting to a lifestyle and rules of behavior, have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with local laws and traditions, they get acquainted with the university and the structure of the educational system.

Upon completing the chosen program, students can easily enroll in bachelor's degree programs.

Dates
All year round
18+
from 14773.00 $CAD / year
from 14773.00 $CAD / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

University-level Courses

  • Age of students — from 18 years old,
  • The studying period is 12 months.

CapU provides students with certificate-based education in a wide variety of directions, including:

  • Acting for theater, cinema,
  • Management in the field of arts and entertainment,
  • Accounting,
  • Computing systems,
  • Contract law,
  • Engineering,
  • Cinematography,
  • Leadership development in local governments,
  • Retail operations,
  • Sustainable economy,
  • Language and culture of the Sechelt people,
  • Law: Legal Assistant,
  • Administration and local government
  • , The language and culture of the Lilvat people,
  • Medical Sciences: assistant to a medical professional.

Certificates are an impressive range of disciplines and subjects, provide extensive knowledge and allow graduates to start working or professional activities. Graduates can always return to the learning process and enroll in the relevant bachelor's degree program (usually immediately for the second year).

Dates
All year round
18+
from 23648.00 $CAD / year
from 23648.00 $CAD / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

Diploma Program

  • Age of students — from 18 years old,
  • The studying period is two years.

Capilano University offers students professional degree programs in various directions.:

  • 2D animation and visual development,
  • 3D animation for movies and games,
  • Academic research,
  • Accounting,
  • Acting: stage, in the film industry,
  • Art and Entertainment Management,
  • Business Management,
  • Communication research,
  • Community leadership and social change,
  • Costumes — theatrical and cinema,
  • Digital visual effects,
  • Early childhood care and education,
  • Engineering,
  • Common subjects,
  • Kinesiology, etc.

The studying lasts for two years: each semester contains a set of compulsory disciplines and subjects that most fully reveal all aspects of the chosen specialty. The great advantage of the programs is that after graduation, students can start working or professional activities. International students receive assistance in the process of adaptation and study, as well as language support.

Dates
All year round
18+
from 23648.00 $CAD / year
from 23648.00 $CAD / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

Associate Programs

  • Age of students — from 18 years old,
  • The studying period is two years.

Capilano University offers its students the opportunity to obtain a professional associate degree in one of the following directions:

  • Art,
  • Literary creativity,
  • English language,
  • Psychology,
  • The science,
  • Biology.

The standard duration of study is two years: each semester contains a set of disciplines that provide a fundamental level of knowledge and skills.

Much attention is paid to the development of practical skills: students test their knowledge in practice, prepare individual and group projects, and make presentations and reports.

The diploma provides an opportunity to find a job and start a professional career — graduates demonstrate a high level of preparation and professionalism, and if necessary, they can return to study and enroll in bachelor's degrees in their field.

Dates
All year round
18+
from 23995.00 $CAD / year
from 23995.00 $CAD / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

Bachelor's Degree Programs

  • Age of students— from 18 years old,
  • The studyinh period is four years.

The CapU Bachelor's Degree Department provides high-quality and sought-after programs in various directions:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (autism),
  • Business Administration,
  • Communication Research,
  • Design in visual communication,
  • Care and education of young children,
  • Environmental sciences: environment, society,
  • Environmental research: environment, society,
  • Interdisciplinary research,
  • Studying jazz: performance, composition,
  • Kinesiology,
  • Cinematography,
  • Music therapy,
  • Tourism Management,
  • Writing, literature,
  • Psychology.

Bachelor's degree programs contain a large number of academic directions and provide students with a high level of knowledge and skills. Each year is divided into semesters, disciplines are assessed in a certain number of credits. Much attention is paid to the development of critical and analytical thinking skills, practical skills and abilities.

Thanks to a well—developed partner network, students can participate in internships - after completing two courses, students can transfer to one of the partner universities, including universities in British Columbia.:

  • Victoria University,
  • Simon Fraser University,
  • University of British Columbia,
  • University of Northern British Columbia.

Due to the high quality of the programs and the professionalism of the teachers, university students receive high-quality education and the best skills. Graduates with CapU diplomas are highly valued by employers.

Dates
All year round
21+
from 7567.00 $CAD / year
from 7567.00 $CAD / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
cart icon

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

  • Age of students — from 21 years old,
  • Duration of study — two years.

Students holding a Bachelor of Science degree often continue their academic path in master's level programs. CapU offers professional certification courses focused on practical skills and the development of key qualities of a future specialist. The following specializations are available:

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis: Autism,
  • Financial Planning,
  • Financial Planning Specialist.

The program takes two academic years, upon completion of which students receive a certificate that expands their career prospects.

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Age of students  — from 21 years old,
  • Duration of study — two years.

Master's level diploma programs will give students a deeper understanding of their chosen specialization, help them acquire valuable knowledge and practical skills to expand career opportunities and attain a higher position. The following specializations are available at CapU:

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis: Autism, Early Childhood Care and Education,
  • Global Hospitality and Tourism Management,
  • Global Leadership in Sustainable Tourism,
  • North American Business Management,
  • Applied North American Business Management.

During their studies, students focus on exploring their chosen field and related areas, two mandatory internships in a real work environment. At the end of the program, they undergo a certification assessment.

Description of Capilano University (CapU)

  • Location: Vancouver, Canada,
  • Year of foundation: 1968,
  • Number of students: about 10,000,
  • Language of instruction: English,
  • Type of studying: mixed.

Capilano University (CapU) is a public university accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Higher Education and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It offers more than 120 programs: bachelor's degrees, diplomas and certificates of professional and postgraduate education.

The history of CapU began in 1968 with the founding of the Community College, which educated about 700 students in the rented premises of West Vancouver High School. In 1970, the construction of its own studying area began, which more than doubled the number of students, academic programs and teachers. Today, more than 50 years later, CapU is focused on professional training of about 10,000 students, research activities, and cooperation with local and foreign organizations. The institution has not changed its historical name, which was named after Chief Joe Capilano of the Salish Squamish tribe, who actively defended the honor and rights of his people.

Capilano University, which educates most students on its main campus in North Vancouver, has four additional academic sites: next to the main academic site, in Squamish, Sechelt and Mount Kerry. CapU boasts a modern infrastructure for students' studies, accommodation and extracurricular development, as well as an extensive range of additional professional skills opportunities before completing the course. Being a relatively small educational institution, it uses an individual approach to each student and provides all the necessary resources to achieve success both in the process of obtaining a degree and after — in making a career.

Valentina Nikitina
Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

What factors are considered when evaluating universities, and how reliable are current rankings?

That's an interesting topic. The criteria used to evaluate universities vary by ranking. For nationwide rankings, factors like class size, teacher salaries, and the number of faculty members with advanced degrees in their field are common considerations. If a ranking focuses on student satisfaction, the criteria will differ. However, rankings don't always align with individual student needs and should be considered alongside other factors.

Faculties and colleges

Teaching is organized on the basis of five academic divisions:

  • Global, social studies,
  • Visual, applied arts,
  • Education, health, human development,
  • Business, professional studies,
  • Arts, sciences.

Scientific achievements

Research activities stand on par with academic preparation and extracurricular development of students. Thanks to collaboration with local, regional, and international organizations, students participate in internships, group and individual research projects across numerous scientific fields: from various types of art and business to ecology and healthcare.

Accommodation, meals, prices

CapU residences are available on campuses in North Vancouver and Squamish.

  • North Vancouver: The three-building residential complex is located a short drive from campus and accommodates up to 290 students, offering them single and double fully furnished rooms. The residents have bathrooms, laundries, recreation and self-study areas in common use.,
  • Squamish: two buildings located near the training area and providing single rooms with fully furnished, adjoining or private bathrooms. Living quarters for people with disabilities are available, free laundries are available, and there are cozy recreation areas.

While staying in the residences, students receive a meal plan already included in the price, which they adapt to their own needs: they choose the number of meals per week, dishes to taste from an extensive and regularly changing menu, and visit dining halls at any time throughout the week.

If necessary, students request assistance in finding off-campus housing: a specialized department is ready to provide contacts for verified landlords, host families, and urban student residences.

Activities Capilano University (CapU)

The main community that supports many areas of extracurricular development and has become the voice of students before the leadership of Capilano University is the Student Union. Its students organize dozens of entertainment, scientific, cultural and sports events throughout the year, help in cooperation with external organizations and search for additional opportunities to realize their talents. Dozens of interest clubs have been opened under his leadership, including:

  • Gardening,
  • Anime,
  • Cancer Society,
  • Donation, charity in medicine,
  • Dancing,
  • Muslim Association,
  • Proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle,
  • Radio, journalism,
  • Stand-up,
  • Video games,
  • Table games,
  • Weightlifting,
  • Spanish language, culture,
  • Creative writing,
  • Esports.

Students interested in competitive sports join national teams and compete against other universities in the region. Team trainings are held regularly, competitions are conducted seasonally, which allows you to try your hand in other directions, combine success in sports with studies and outside hobbies.

The main sports in CapU are:

  • Basketball,
  • Football,
  • Volleyball.

At the amateur level, where competitions are held within the university, dozens of other areas are available: from table and lawn tennis, golf, cricket to chess, esports, weightlifting.

The BlueShore Financial Performing Arts Center organizes regular theatrical and musical events with the participation of CapU students: with the support of qualified teachers, students develop acting skills, playing musical instruments, singing in the choir and participating in the orchestra to show their talent to the wider community.

Advantages

  • Nationally and internationally recognized visual and performing arts programs,
  • There are more than 250 scholarships and grants, and the average number of students in a group is 24, which ensures a high level of individual support.,
  • Students of many nationalities, from more than 93 countries,
  • Among the teachers are laureates and fellows of the Killam, Juneau, Lowell Thomas and others awards.,
  • The cost of education at CapU is 30% lower than at other British Columbia research universities.,
  • Cooperation with regional, national and foreign organizations for the implementation of exchange and internship programs, 96% of graduates are satisfied with their education.

Facilities and equipment at Capilano University (CapU)

CapU teaches programs at five studying sites located within British Columbia. The main campus is located in North Vancouver and serves as the main academic site, where all scientific faculties are located and most higher education programs are taught. Surrounded by forest and foothills, the 34-acre property includes more than a dozen buildings.:

  • Educational buildings with lecture and conference halls, scientific laboratories, computer labs,
  • Cinema and Animation Center with specialized studios and workshops,
  • Sports and wellness center, including games and gyms,
  • A library with reading rooms, a bookstore, and a computer department with access to electronic resources and printing equipment.

The Squamish campus opened in 2024, covers 18 acres, and is surrounded equally by natural greenery and urban infrastructure. Educational facilities, several student residences, a sports center with indoor and outdoor areas, a library and a dining hall have been prepared here.

The Sunshine Coast Training Area, located in Sechelt Village, opened in April 2026. It is located among lush forests, on the ocean coast, and is considered the traditional territory of the friendly Shishalkh and Skvumiks peoples. They are equipped here:

  • Four lecture halls,
  • Scientific Laboratory,
  • Computer room,
  • Practical Laboratory of Medical Sciences,
  • Kitchen-living room and outdoor picnic area.

Another campus occupies the second floor of The Shipyards complex in North Vancouver — seven classrooms and multifunctional studio rooms are focused on teaching students undergoing internships and working on projects. The building is located in the center of urban life, adjacent to many restaurants, shops, exhibition and concert venues.

The fifth academic site, the Jil Center, is located in Mount Kerry. Several educational and computer classrooms, a student lounge and a Cultural Center dedicated to the study and maintenance of the traditions of the Lilvat people have been prepared for the educational process and extracurricular activities.

Admission dates and extra charges

The academic year is divided into two main and one additional semester.:

  • Autumn: September-December,
  • Spring: January-April,
  • Summer: May-August.

Additional fees include:

  • Registration and administrative fees,
  • Study guides, personal educational materials,
  • Accommodation that includes a meal plan and some housing fees,
  • Examination fees,
  • Compulsory medical insurance,
  • Personal pocket expenses,
  • Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents,
  • Consular fee (to be paid at the Embassy).

Enrolment process

Applicants fill out an online form, pay admission fees, and submit documents, after which they are expected to attend an interview and take tests in the core subjects of their chosen program. Based on the results of the admission stages, the admissions committee compiles a list of candidates and sends official enrollment invitations.

Perspectives

According to statistics, 83% of bachelor's program graduates work in a field related to their degree, and 91% state that the knowledge gained at CapU is very useful in job searching and career advancement.

Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol

Applicants coming from abroad must meet the following criteria:

  • Personal documents: passport, medical insurance, visa or residence permit,
  • Certificate of full secondary education, certificates of preparatory courses (if available),
  • Language test results: TOEFL (from 83), PTE Academic (from 56) or the equivalent recognized by the university.

Scholarships Capilano University (CapU)

Capilano University offers a wide range of financial support options:

  • Scholarships — awards for academic achievements, available to all students: freshmen, local and international,
  • Awards — granted based on achievements in sports, creative arts, and other areas of extracurricular development,
  • Financial aid — allocated to students experiencing difficult life circumstances,
  • External grants, scholarships — funding programs from partner organizations and companies offering internships, additional education, and employment. They have unique profile-specific criteria for awarding.

To receive most forms of funding, it is necessary to maintain a good grade level, most often — above 80%.

Institution on the map

Residence permits, citizenship and other services

  • Guardianship services during the studies
  • Student supervision

Review about Capilano University (CapU)

There are no comments here yet
Your comment / review
If you have a question, write it, we will try to answer
* - Field is mandatory

Recommendations on when to apply

Language courses, schools and children's language camps Primary and secondary education - private schools Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA
- we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs)
- there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria)
- we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program,
- some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school)
- some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit)
- we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program,
- for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively

- recommended submission one year before the start of the program,
- the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities
- for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required
- for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program
- MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc.
Valentina Nikitina
Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

Valentina has been working as a Recruitment Manager and then Head of Recruitment for CIS & Europe at Kaplan International Pathways for more than 7 years. She is a Lomonosov Moscow State University graduate and has more than 10 years of experience in higher education. She considers attending a high school important to prepare for the educational format in the country. However, Valentina notes that only a well-rounded, unique profile demonstrating potential to excel and contribute to the university's reputation makes an application stand out.

Similar educational institutions

The Art Institute in Vancouver
from 20970.00 $CAD / 2 years
8
University of British Columbia
from 21693.00 $ / year
8.3
The Cut - Fashion Design Academy
from 670.00 $CAD / 2 days
7.9
Thompson Rivers University Canada
from 19950 $CAD / semester
8
Alexander College
from 3300.00 $CAD / term
8
Valentina Nikitina
Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

Valentina has been working as a Recruitment Manager and then Head of Recruitment for CIS & Europe at Kaplan International Pathways for more than 7 years. She is a Lomonosov Moscow State University graduate and has more than 10 years of experience in higher education. She considers attending a high school important to prepare for the educational format in the country. However, Valentina notes that only a well-rounded, unique profile demonstrating potential to excel and contribute to the university's reputation makes an application stand out.

Chat with us, we are online!

Request a call

By submitting a request, you accept the conditions Privacy Policy