Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a public university in Kamloops, British Columbia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. Through ApplyBoard, students can explore bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and post-baccalaureate diplomas in fields such as business, engineering, computer science, nursing, education, and data science. With multiple intakes throughout the year, career-focused learning opportunities, and scholarships for eligible international students, TRU offers several pathways for students planning to study in Canada.
Why Choose Thompson Rivers University?
- Flexible Graduate Business Programs: TRU's MBA is available in a 1-year or full-length format, giving you options based on your prior education and goals.
- Career-Focused Master's Degrees: From education to data science, TRU's graduate programs are designed to build specialized, in-demand skills.
- Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas: Build on an existing bachelor's degree with specialized training in areas such as accounting, supply chain management, marketing, and applied data science.
- A Mid-Sized City: Study in Kamloops, a British Columbia city offering access to outdoor recreation and a university campus environment.
Explore Thompson Rivers University Programs
Sign in to your ApplyBoard account or register today to view available programs, requirements, and document checklists for Thompson Rivers University.
Thompson Rivers University Fees for International Students
Below is a general estimate of total tuition fees by program level.
Note: Confirm the current rate for your intake on the official TRU fees page.
Other Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, international students should budget for the following fees:
General fees cover services and facilities such as library access, student activities, student society services, and the U-Pass.
Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, personal expenses, and any program-specific costs. Some specialized programs may have additional fees.
International Student Scholarships
TRU offers several scholarships and awards to help eligible international students manage their education expenses. Funding may be based on academic achievement, athletic ability, program of study, or other accomplishments.
Some opportunities available to international students include:
- Academic Excellence Award: New students with a minimum 86% average in their most recent year of high school, college, or university may be considered for an award of up to $2,000. Eligible recipients receive an initial $1,000 and may receive another $1,000 after meeting the required academic performance.
- Exceptional Student Award: New students with a minimum 80% average who qualify for direct entry into academic studies may be considered for up to $4,000. Continued funding depends on maintaining the required GPA.
- Diversity Scholarship: New international students from countries underrepresented at TRU may qualify. Eligibility includes meeting the university's published academic or English-language criteria.
- International Athletic Scholarships: Students with outstanding athletic ability who qualify for one of TRU's varsity teams may be considered for athletic funding.
- Engineering Scholarship: International students accepted into TRU's two-year Engineering Transfer program may be considered for this scholarship.
- International Social Media Ambassador Award: A limited number of awards are available to students interested in promoting TRU as an international study destination.
Scholarship eligibility, award values, and application requirements vary. Some awards are assessed automatically through the admission process, while others require a separate application or nomination.
International students can also apply for eligible merit-based undergraduate awards through myTRU. Graduate merit awards may have separate application or faculty nomination requirements. Need-based bursaries are generally restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Visit TRU's international student scholarships page and international student awards information for current opportunities and application instructions.
Programs at Thompson Rivers University
TRU offers bachelor degrees, master's degrees and post-baccalaureate diplomas across education, business, data science, economics, and supply chain management.
Bachelor Programs
Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering (Co-op)
Bachelor's, 5 years
A five-year degree integrating software systems design, computing theory, and mandatory paid industry co-op work terms to prepare students for professional software engineering roles.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor's, 4 years
A four-year undergraduate program combining foundational healthcare theory with hands-on clinical practice to prepare graduates for registered nurse (RN) licensure and dynamic clinical careers.
Master's Programs
Master of Education
Master's, 2 years
Build advanced skills in teaching, curriculum, and educational leadership, with options to specialize based on your career goals.
MBA
Master's, 1 or 2 years
Choose the 1-year accelerated option if you hold a relevant bachelor's degree, or the full 2-year program, both building core business leadership skills.
MSc Data Science (Project Option)
Master's, 2 years
Build skills in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis, with an applied project to demonstrate your skills to employers.
Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics and Political Studies
Diploma, 1 year
For bachelor's degree holders, build advanced skills in economic analysis and political studies in a focused, 1-year program.
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Diploma, 1 year
Build practical skills in logistics, procurement, and operations management, designed for bachelor's degree holders from any field.
Note: TRU offers many more programs beyond those shown here. Check the ApplyBoard platform for the full, current list and available intakes.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements at TRU vary by program and credential level. Students should review the academic and English-language requirements for their chosen program before submitting an application.
General requirements include:
- Bachelor's programs: A recognized secondary school qualification equivalent to Canadian high school completion, with the required academic subjects and grades. Some competitive programs, including nursing and engineering, have additional admission requirements.
- Master's programs: A recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, with the minimum GPA and any additional academic or professional experience required by the program.
- Post-baccalaureate diplomas: A completed bachelor's degree. Some programs may require specific prerequisite courses or relevant academic preparation.
Applicants may also need to submit official transcripts, proof of English-language proficiency, a resume, references, or a statement of intent, depending on the program.
English Language Requirements
International applicants whose previous education does not meet TRU's English-language exemption criteria may need to submit an approved English-language test.
The following scores are general reference points. Individual programs may have higher or additional requirements.
Check TRU's English language requirements page for your specific program's exact minimum score.
Check Eligibility and Start Applying
Ready to take the next step? Access your dashboard to review your eligibility and manage your application documents for Thompson Rivers University.
How to Apply to Thompson Rivers University Through ApplyBoard
You apply to Thompson Rivers University through the ApplyBoard platform. Follow these general steps:
Explore available bachelor's, master's, and post-baccalaureate programs. Confirm that your preferred program is available for your intended intake.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Resume, statement of intent, and references, where required by your program
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform.
If you meet the requirements, TRU will send your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Review it carefully, including your deposit deadline.
Pay your tuition deposit by the deadline on your LOA to confirm your seat.
British Columbia issues a limited number of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) each year. Master's applicants starting on or after January 1, 2026, do not need a PAL, since TRU is a public university. The post-baccalaureate diplomas are not degree programs, so confirm directly with TRU and IRCC whether a PAL applies to your specific program and intake.
Use your LOA, PAL (if required), and payment receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit.
TRU offers on-campus residence options in Kamloops. Apply early for a room, and check directly with TRU Housing for current rates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Thompson Rivers University
- Thompson Rivers University is located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
- The university offers a comprehensive campus-based learning environment with close proximity to outdoor recreation and regional amenities.
- Yes. TRU offers bachelor's degrees across diverse disciplines, including business administration, engineering, computer science, nursing, arts, science, tourism, and education.
- Yes. International students can qualify for merit-based awards and scholarships, such as the Academic Excellence Award, Exceptional Student Award, Diversity Scholarship, and International Athletic Scholarships.
- Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by scholarship.
- TRU's bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and Juris Doctor programs meet the credential-level requirements for PGWP eligibility, subject to meeting standard IRCC criteria.
- Other credentials, including post-baccalaureate diplomas, may be subject to specific field-of-study requirements. Final PGWP approval is at the discretion of IRCC.
- Eligible international students with valid study permits can generally work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms.
- Students are permitted to work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, provided they fulfill IRCC regulations.
Thompson Rivers University offers flexible, career-focused graduate programs in an affordable mid-sized Canadian city. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore Thompson Rivers University Programs
Browse all available Thompson Rivers University programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.