[2023] Ultimate Guide to Capilano University (CapU)

May 5, 2023   |   4 Min. Read

Capilano University (CapU) is one of the public universities in Vancouver, Canada that has been educating students from around the world. Currently, approximately 12,700 students attend CapU, and 2,500 of them are international students

Students are around CapU Campus.
Photo source: Capilano University

Where is Capilano University Located?

The main campus is located at 2055 Purcell Way in North Vancouver, surrounded by the scenic North Shore Mountains and forests of Vancouver.

Capilano University’s Lonsdale Campus is located at 125 Victory Ship Way #250. The campus is just a short walk away from Lonsdale Quay Market, a local attraction featuring beautiful scenery and a diverse food market

Why Choose CapU? What is CapU Known for?

CapU offers nearly 100 career-oriented programs, making it a great choice for students focused on building their careers right after graduation. In addition, the university’s small class sizes also enable students to form strong bonds with their peers and professors.

The student body at CapU is diverse, with 2,534 international (full-time) students attending each year and the majority of domestic students coming from different regions in the Vancouver Lower Mainland.

CapU students have reported finding career development events to be very useful, as they have the opportunity to meet a variety of industry experts and expand their professional networks.

As CapU offers a lot of career-focused programs, it has a total of 97 programs, including 13 bachelor’s degrees as well as post-baccalaureate and undergraduate diplomas and certificates. We have listed some popular programs below:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Management – Diploma
  • Nursing – Bachelor of Science
  • Music in Jazz Studies – Bachelor of Music
  • Early Childhood Education – Diploma
  • Environmental Studies – Certificate

For more courses and programs, please check their website for more information.

Is CapU Good For International Students?

CapU prioritizes supporting international students and has an extensive list of support services to choose from. The Wong and Trainer Centre for International Experience (CIE) at CapU offer the following services:

  • Advising on Academic & Immigration: You can request a meeting with a licensed immigration advisor to talk about visas, permits, and other concerns. You can also meet an International Admissions Advisor who can help with your program, and you can meet with an Academic Advisor for course selection and program planning.
  • Leadership and Mentorship Program: You can get peer-to-peer support or mentor a student who would love to learn from your experiences. It is so easy to connect with other students at CapU.

Is CapU Expensive?

As the tuition fee will vary depending on the courses and program you wish to enroll in, you can find you can find information about the tuition fees for CapU on their website. This information is available under each program page in the Programs & Courses section.

For domestic students,

  • The tuition fee is ranging from $12,684 to $38,655 per term

For international students,

  • The tuition fee is ranging from $45,597 to $85,636 per term

*Please check the CapU webpage for updated pricing as tuition may change over time.

When do Classes/Terms Start at CapU?

Generally, there are 3 semesters in total at CapU: Fall, Spring, and Summer semester.

  • Fall semester – Starts in September
  • Spring semester – Starts in January
  • Summer semester – Starts in May

When to Apply For CapU?

Most courses and programs at CapU have intake in the Fall semester, even though some programs may offer intake in other semesters as well. Here are some important dates you can’t miss when you are applying for CapU:

For fall intake,

  • Applications – From October to May
  • Fee payment deadline – in late August

Be sure to pay close attention to the application deadlines and submit your application on time to ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to enroll in the program of your choice.

Does CapU Have Dorms? Where Do CapU Students Live?

Capilano University offers its students an option to live near the institution at the CapU Residence in North Vancouver. The CapU residence is fully furnished with free Wi-Fi and laundry. CapU Residences also offer an all-you-can-eat meal plan.

However, it is not guaranteed that all students are able to secure housing on the CapU campus. Therefore, living at off-campus student housing can be an alternative option for you! GEC Living, Vancouver’s largest student housing provider, offers student housing close to CapU’s main campus.

Distance from GEC Residences to CapU main campus:

  • GEC Burnaby Heights – the largest off-campus student residence in North Burnaby, 40 Minutes by bus

GEC housing provides fully furnished units that include all utilities, such as a kitchen, in-suite laundry, heating systems, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. This can be a convenient option for students coming from out of the province or internationally, as it removes the need to worry about furnishing a new place or commuting long distances to CapU via public transit.

Now that you have a general idea of the tuition and housing costs at CapU, it’s important to factor in other expenses that come with living in Vancouver as a student. For a more comprehensive understanding of these costs, you may want to refer to a popular blog post that specifically outlines the cost of living in Vancouver specifically for students in 2023.

We have compiled a list of universities and colleges in Vancouver that may spark your interest for further educational options.