Capilano University

Founded 1968 | North Vancouver, BC

Capilano offers a range of degree, diploma and certificate programs and is profiled in both the Maclean’s Universities Guidebook and the Maclean’s Colleges Guide. To learn more about the school’s diploma programs, see the Colleges Guide profile.

With class sizes averaging around 25, students at Capilano University benefit from individualized attention from their instructors. Many faculty members continue to work in their fields and can offer students access to up-to-date, practical instruction and industry connections.

Capilano’s main campus is located at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, about 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. CapU Lonsdale, located on North Van’s waterfront, offers continuing education classes, while a regional campus in Sechelt serves the Squamish-Whistler area. Degree programs tend to be career-oriented in areas such as kinesiology, music therapy, motion picture arts and legal studies, but broader programs, such as the bachelor of business administration and bachelor of arts in liberal studies, are also available.

Capilano has some post-baccalaureate diplomas and a wide range of certificate and diploma offerings. Capilano developed the Indigenous Digital Accelerator to provide resources such as technical advice and mentoring to help Indigenous students launch their own businesses, as well as to help existing Indigenous entrepreneurs to expand. Meanwhile, construction is underway for a new Centre for Childhood Studies, which will house classrooms and a childcare centre.

“From the first moment our new students engage in learning at CapU, they feel supported and know their education truly matters,” says president Paul Dangerfield. “We are unified in providing exceptional experiences for students and ensuring the well-being of everyone in our campus community.”

Standout Programs

• Psychology: This versatile degree offers courses in Indigenous psychology, community psychology, and drugs and behaviour; includes work-integrated learning.

• Early Childhood Care and Education: This bachelor program delivers theory, research and practice; it includes a focus on leadership and advocacy.

• Interaction Design: This two-year diploma links design and technology. Grads can apply to third year in the visual communications degree program, which includes an industry practicum.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$5,920

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts, Science: 63-66% | Commerce, Engineering: high school diploma with select course minimums

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 5,983 | Part-time: 1,807

Graduates: Full-time: 4 | Part-time: 1

International Students: First-year: 50%

Male-Female Ratio: 43 to 57

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 300 (first come, first served)

Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $4,728

Single room with meals: $5,501

Cool Courses

• Topics in Retail Innovation: Study innovative practices that address changing economic situations and shifting consumer habits.

• Videogames: Culture, Theory and Criticism: Explore new digital forms, fandom, game law and game journalism and criticism.

Student Life on Campus

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