Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is an innovative, transformative and ambitious institution that has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for more than 40 years. KPU is committed to offering programs that are rich in meaningful, memorable and highly marketable experiences for students through the unique combination of rigorous academic challenges and applied learning opportunities. Established in 1981, KPU became a university in 2008. It draws its name from the Kwantlen First Nation, whose traditional territory extends throughout the region. In the spirit of the word Kwantlen, which means “tireless runner,” KPU is tirelessly expanding its educational programs, hands-on learning opportunities and campus spaces. KPU is home to the Melville School of Business, one of the biggest undergraduate schools of business in Western Canada, highly specialized and unique design programs in the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design, research institutes dedicated to sustainable agriculture, food systems and genomics, and the most technologically advanced trades and technology training facility in Canada. KPU provides an exceptional learning environment, reinforced by small classes, supportive educational environments and engaged faculty. With five campuses located throughout Metro Vancouver, KPU offers more than 140 programs in business, arts, science, horticulture, trades apprenticeships, design, and health, as well as upgrading and university preparatory courses. Most programs have multiple entry and exit points that allow students the ability to graduate with a certificate, diploma, degree or post-baccalaureate. The university’s dynamic and evolving research capacity not only responds to the needs of the region, but engages communities in the process. With research spanning many disciplines, the four major categories of applied research at KPU include design thinking, sustainability thinking, innovation in clean technology, and building healthy communities.