Who We Are

Applications for admission to Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 are now open.
How to Apply?

Information and instructions for domestic and international student applicants to connect with Advisors is available HERE on our website.

————————————————————————————————————————-

Nestled in the North Shore mountains and a mere 20 minutes from all that downtown Vancouver has to offer, Capilano University is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and urbanites alike. Founded in 1968, the University is best known for its jazz, film, animation and performing arts programs. CapU’s business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design programs are also highly regarded. Capilano University offers 103 programs, including 16 bachelor’s degrees as well as post-baccalaureate and undergraduate diplomas and certificates. In 2024, the University will open its newest location in Squamish. In 2019, the University opened a campus in Lonsdale, North Vancouver’s famous Shipyards district. The University provides student residences near its main campus and also serves the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

Alumni and instructors from Capilano University have been recognized for their work across the entertainment industry. Jason Karman, a faculty member in the Motion Picture Arts (MoPA) program and an alumnus of CapU, had his feature film “Golden Delicious” screened at festivals across Canada, including the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival. The film stars Cardi Wong and is produced by Kristyn Stilling – both CapU alumni. MoPA faculty member Lisa Kolisnyk has worked on sound for FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournaments in Paris, Qatar, and, this past summer, Australia – winning two Emmy Awards along the way. Documentary alumna (2023) Alix Buck has received funding to pursue a feature-length documentary based on her grad film “Lobster Queens”. Students and alumni had 15 nominations at the 2023 Leo Awards – and 6 wins, including Jessica Kalan, Best Costume Design – Motion Picture for “Bones of Crows”, also a co-winner of the Canadian Costume Artists and Designers Award. Out of more than three hundred teams, CapU business students placed second and third in 2018 and second in 2017 in the American Marketing Association Collegiate Case Competition.

Capilano University is a teaching-focused university. With an average of 26 students per class, learners at CapU are afforded individual attention. Many of our instructors balance teaching with professional practice and share real-world experiences and industry connections. It’s not uncommon for a student’s class to end on a Friday and their first professional employment to begin the following Monday. Quality of instruction at Capilano University is rated by bachelor’s degree students at 92 per cent, one of the top ratings in British Columbia, according to B.C. Student Outcomes Survey results for 2020 to 2022.

Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh) Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

General Info General Info


Enrolment Total
8,833

Detailed Costs
Campus Locations

Main Campus

2055 Purcell Way,
North Vancouver, BC

kálax-ay Sunshine Coast Campus

5627 Inlet Ave.,
Sechelt, BC

CapU Lonsdale

250 - 125 Victory Ship Way ,
North Vancouver, BC

CapU Squamish Campus

3200 University Blvd,
Squamish, BC

Main Campus

2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC

kálax-ay Sunshine Coast Campus

5627 Inlet Ave.
Sechelt, BC

CapU Lonsdale

250 - 125 Victory Ship Way
North Vancouver, BC

CapU Squamish Campus

3200 University Blvd
Squamish, BC

Nearby Highlights

North Vancouver, B.C., home to Capilano University’s main campus, is an inspiring setting in which to learn and grow. When the school day is done, the outdoor adventures begin. Minutes from campus, you’ll find hiking and mountain biking trails, secret beaches and world-class ski resorts with spectacular views of the Vancouver skyline. Further up the Coast, where CapU serves the communities of the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, you’ll discover even more ways to enjoy the active West Coast lifestyle.


Credentials Available
  • Associate Degree
  • Certificates: 1 Year or Less
  • Diplomas: 2-3 Years
  • Upgrading / HS Completion
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Career-Focused

Programs Programs


Featured Programs

Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts

Lights. Camera. Action! Come and learn from industry professionals at CapU’s state-of-the-art Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. Combine practice with theory to create magic.

We'll give you all the tools to build your technical knowledge and creative confidence. You'll learn the theory and history of cinema and develop your critical thinking skills. At the same time you'll work through and gain skills in the different technical departments. Your collaboration with fellow students on a variety of projects will give you the chance to try out different filmmaking roles as you decide on your focus. You'll be working with up-to-date professional equipment that includes an 8000 sq. ft. sound stage, 3D camera rigs and a 3D editing lab.

Bachelor of Design and Visual Communications (IDEA)

Want to be part of the next generation of creative professionals? Learn your craft and develop your skill in visual expression at CapU.

The world of visual communication moves fast. At CapU we make it our business to keep up with industry trends and innovations – and take you with us. The curriculum is rigorous, industry-focused and responsive to cultural change and technology advances. You'll learn a broad range of design specialties such as branding, illustration, and interactive design. You'll engage with instructors who are professionals with years of experience and broad networks across the industry. Bring your talent, passion and goals to a program with a reputation for industry-ready graduates.

Bachelor of Science

Develop a strong background in research, with hands-on lab experience, practical field work, and collaboration with community partners to access in-demand jobs and prepare for post-graduate study.

In our program, you'll expand your knowledge of scientific study with courses in biology, chemistry, computing and data science, physics, mathematics and statistics. Learning from our experienced, supportive faculty, you'll develop strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Become a leader in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. Start by getting your BSc in science at CapU. Contact us today to learn more.

Info on All Programs
Areas of Study Available
  • Business and Management
  • Communications
  • Visual, Performing and Fine Arts
  • Legal and Social Services
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
  • Recreation, Tourism, Hospitality and Service
  • Upgrading Programs
  • Education and Library Sciences
  • Sciences
  • Health Related
  • Engineering and Electronics

Study Abroad Opportunities

Internationalize your degree, your resume and your network by spending part of your studies at a partner institution in another country — for the same tuition fee you normally pay at CapU. Students typically apply in their second year of studies to go abroad in their third.

Study Abroad Info

Admissions Admissions


Basic Admissions Requirements

Basic admissions information is included in the printed and online versions of the Capilano University Program Guide. We also include this information on our individual program web pages.

Online Program Guide | https://capilanou.ca/viewbook
Programs & Courses | capilanou.ca/programs
Admission Requirements | capilanou.ca/admission-requirements

Admission to Arts & Sciences | A minimum GPA of 2.0 (60%) calculated on English 12, BC English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 and 2 academic Grade 12 courses. 

Admission to Business Administration | High School graduation; English 12 (C+) with proof of registration in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12; and MATH 11 (C) or other listed Math requirements for Business Programs |  capilanou.ca/business

Admission to other faculties / career programs | Programs may require a portfolio, supplemental documents, audition, particular academic subjects, a minimum GPA or have a selective or competitive admission process.

Full admission requirements can be found at capilanou.ca/programs


IB and AP Credits
IB Diploma applicants

International Baccalaureate students are eligible for admission on the basis of successful completion of the IB Diploma. Capilano University English Language Requirements and program specific requirements must also be met. For those students who are completing both the IB Diploma and another high school curriculum, Capilano will use the credential which offers the applicant the best advantage. Transfer credit or advanced standing will be awarded for IB courses. Check the Transfer Credit section of the Capilano University Calendar (pdf) for a table of credit awarded for IB course work, or consult the BC Transfer Guide.

IB Certificate applicants

In order to meet admission requirements applicants must successfully achieve high school completion (or the equivalent). Capilano University English Language Requirements and program specific requirements must also be met. For IB students not completing the IB Diploma it should be noted that IB certificate courses at both the standard and higher level can be used for admission in conjunction with another high school curriculum. IB certificate courses will also be considered for transfer credit or advanced standing. Check the Transfer Credit section of the Capilano University Calendar (pdf) or the BC Transfer Guide for more information.

Advanced Placement applicants

In order to meet admission requirements, applicants from the Advanced Placement program (AP) must successfully achieve high school completion (or the equivalent). Capilano University English Language Requirements and program specific requirements must also be met. AP courses are eligible for admission consideration and AP course grades may be combined with an approved high school curriculum to meet Capilano’s admission requirements. AP courses will also be considered for transfer credit or advanced standing. Please see the Transfer Credit section of the Capilano University Calendar (pdf) for a table of credit awarded for AP course work, or consult the BC Transfer Guide.

English Proficiency Requirements

TOEFL 83 (internet), 560 (paper)

ELA 145

IELTS (academic) 6.5 overall, no one score less than 6

CAEL 70

Other ways to meet the language requirements: capilanou.ca/requirements


Application Deadline

Applications for admission will open 11 months prior of the intended intake: 

For Fall term (September): Early October 

For Spring term (January): Early February 

Early application deadlines for specific programs may vary|capilanou.ca/programs 

Application Fee

$50.00 | New domestic applicants and all applicants applying for readmission
$135.00 | New international applicants

How to Apply

Step 1. Check the admission requirements

Before you apply, check to make sure you meet the admission requirements for the program you’ve chosen.

Use the BC Transfer Guide to see if you have credits that cover a prerequisite or count toward your program.

Step 2. Check the application and document deadlines for your program

Check the specific program page for application and document deadlines.

Step 3. Complete and submit your application

All students apply online through the link to EducationPlanner on the Admissions web page.


Admissions Contact Email

Financial Aid Financial Aid


Entrance Scholarships Deadline

Capilano University entrance awards recognize and support students with leadership abilities, volunteerism and community involvement, athletic and artistic achievements, financial need, and scholastic achievement. Our entrance awards range in value from $500 to $56,000 and are open to both new domestic and international students. The application is available online from October 15 to March 1.


Entrance Scholarships Info
Other Scholarship Info
Student Loan Info

Financial Aid Contact Email

Residence Residence


First Year Residence Spots
No guaranteed spots – for prioritization criteria, see ‘how to apply’ tab at capilanou.ca/housing
Residence Options

The CapU Housing provides an affordable, safe and convenient housing option for full-time students, supported by live-in residence advisors, just a short distance from the campus. New on-campus housing opens in 2025.

Total Average Residence Cost
Residence fees range from $1,210 to $1,600 month depending on type of room, and includes a mandatory meal plan, offering healthy, nutritious meal options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Residence Cost Details

Four-month [2023-24] per semester costs:

Shared Double Occupancy Room = $4,826.86*

Single Occupancy Room = $5,615.34*

Application Fee [$50] plus $500 deposit on acceptance required.

*Estimated 2023-24 fees.
*Meal plans included


Residence Application Deadline

Application deadlines vary by term  All other info available at capilanou.ca/housing

How to Apply

Residence Contact Email
Residence Contact Phone

Accessibility Supports & Services Accessibility Supports & Services


Accessibility Supports & Services Info

Accessibility Services coordinates and establishes academic accommodations and associated services for students with disabilities at Capilano University.

CapU is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive educational environment for our community. At Accessibility Services, we support current and incoming students who have ongoing medical or disabling conditions.

We can help with:

  • Academic accommodations
  • Applying for disability-related funding
  • Connecting with other supports and services

New to Accessibility Services?   More information can be found by checking out the “How To Request an Academic Accommodation” section of our website (see below)

 

More Accessibility Info

Indigenous Student Supports & Services Indigenous Student Supports & Services


Indigenous Student Supports & Services Info

We welcome all Indigenous students to the Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre. This is a safe space for students of First Nations, Inuit and Métis ancestry. Meet new people and find support. Relax, share and study.

You’ll find the Centre in the Library Building, room LB196. It’s on the ground floor, next to the Capilano Student Union Lounge.

The Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre is named after the Squamish Nation (Swxwú7mesh—Sko-ko-mish) word for “a place to meet.” It offers Indigenous students:

  • a safe place to relax and meet new people
  • useful information and resources
  • space to study, meet and eat lunch
  • use of computers and a printer
  • fridge, microwave and sink
  • telephone for local calls
  • notice board for events
  • cultural workshops
  • contact with in-residence Elders.

There’s a special corner of our website just for you, where you can find out more about the programs and services for Indigenous Students at Capilano University.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact indigenous@capilanou.ca.

More Indigenous Student Info

International Students International Students


International Student Info

Capilano University is a “home away from home” for international students from 86 countries around the world, supported by a team of dedicated international education professionals who guide students throughout the CapU experience.

English Language Requirement

If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English, you must take one of the following English language assessment tests: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); ELA (English Language Assessment Test); Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System); CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test). Minimum requirements are on the Admissions web page: www.capilanou.ca/admissions/apply-to-capu/admission-requirements/

More International Student Info

International Students Contact Email
International Students Contact Phone