History and Legacy: The Spirit of the “Tireless Runner”
First, let us go back to 1981. That year, Kwantlen College separated from Douglas College, embarking on its journey as an independent institution of higher education. After 14 years of development, Kwantlen gained degree-granting authority in 1995, elevating it to university college status. In 2008, with approval from the British Columbia government, it was officially renamed Kwantlen Polytechnic University, establishing its position as a regional polytechnic institution. Kwantlen University College Diploma
The name “Kwantlen” originates from an Indigenous language, meaning “the tireless runner,” and also refers to the local Indigenous tribe. As early as the 1800s, the Kwantlen people established their main village in what is now New Westminster. Chief Joe Gabriel of the Kwantlen people granted permission for the university to use the name “Kwantlen,” and this deep connection to the Indigenous community remains a unique cultural hallmark of KPU. The university motto, “Through Tireless Effort, Knowledge, and Understanding,” continues to inspire generations of students to strive forward.
Academic Reputation and Rankings: Excellence in Business and Design
KPU’s academic standing is remarkable. It is the largest teaching university in British Columbia. Both Canada’s Globe and Mail and Maclean’s magazine have recognized KPU’s multiple achievements as exemplary within Canadian higher education.
KPU’s Melville School of Business ranks as the second-largest business school in Western Canada and is also the first Canadian undergraduate business school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Notably, KPU’s Wilson School of Design leads in Canada, recognized by Business of Fashion (BoF) magazine in 2019 as Canada’s best and among the world’s top, making it one of only two universities in Canada authorized to grant fashion design degrees. According to the 2019 BC Student Outcomes survey by the British Columbia government, KPU’s bachelor’s degree graduates achieved an employment rate of 96%.
Faculties and Programs: Diverse Choices Across Seven Colleges
KPU operates seven colleges offering over 120 distinct undergraduate and technical education programs, including graduate diplomas, post-baccalaureate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Wilson School of Design, KPU’s flagship college located on the Richmond campus, offers programs in Fashion and Technology, Graphic Design for Marketing, Interior Design, and Product Design. The college building was donated by Chip Wilson, founder of lululemon—one of North America’s largest athletic apparel brands. Its High-Performance Apparel Design program has produced numerous talents for renowned Vancouver outdoor brands like Arc’teryx and lululemon.
Melville School of Business offers programs in Accounting, Business Leadership, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, and Marketing Management. It is Canada’s first undergraduate business school accredited by the ACBSP and one of only three institutions in the province accredited by the Canadian Management School Accreditation Board. Reissuance of Degree from Kunlun University of Science and Technology
Additionally, KPU houses the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Community and Health Studies, and Faculty of Trades and Technology. Notably, KPU offers British Columbia’s only two-year Brewing Arts degree (ranked second in North America) and Canada’s sole Graphic Design (Marketing) degree. In July 2025, KPU announced the launch of its Bachelor of Chinese Medicine program, becoming the first public university in Canada and North America to offer this degree.
Campus Facilities and Environment: Modern Amenities Across Five Campuses
KPU operates five modern campuses across the Greater Vancouver region.
Surrey Campus serves as the main campus and largest of the five, offering programs across multiple faculties. It houses the School of Business and the President’s Office. KPU’s athletic arena, fitness center, and numerous recreational facilities are located here. Richmond Campus, established in 1981 as KPU’s first campus, underwent major renovations in 2018 and added the Wilson School of Design. Langley Campus houses the Faculty of Science and Horticulture, featuring field labs, greenhouses, gardens, and biology, brewing, chemistry, physics, and geology labs equipped with industry-standard facilities. Technology Campus opened in 2007. Its LEED Gold-certified building hosts the Faculty of Trades and Technology, offering vocational programs in home appliance repair, automotive maintenance, carpentry, welding, and more. Citizens Square Campus opened in Surrey’s downtown core in Spring 2019, focusing on graduate diploma and post-baccalaureate diploma programs within the School of Business.
Given the distance between campuses, KPU operates a free Shuttle Bus service. Students can ride by presenting their student ID card. The university also partners with Steve Nash Gym, offering students access to fitness facilities for a discounted monthly rate of $5 CAD.
Location and Urban Resources: Unlimited Opportunities in the Greater Vancouver Area
Finally, KPU’s location is truly exceptional. The university is situated in the Greater Vancouver Area of British Columbia, Canada. The Greater Vancouver Area enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures and pleasant weather year-round. It is one of Canada’s southernmost and warmest cities, with an average annual temperature of 11 degrees Celsius.
Surrey, home to KPU’s main campus, ranks among the fastest-growing cities in Greater Vancouver. Surrey is home to approximately 13,000 businesses, boasts excellent transportation links including convenient access to Vancouver International Airport, two border crossings to the United States, six major highways, rail services, and a deep-water seaport. Nicknamed the “City of Parks,” Surrey features over 5,600 acres of parkland, 15 golf courses, and 12 acres of man-made lakes, providing students with a beautiful living environment.
Regarding employment support, KPU offers extensive student benefits. The Career Services Center assists with career planning and job searches, providing at least 1,000 on-campus job opportunities annually. Students can access a database of over 1,800 employers through a dedicated app. KPU also collaborates with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on a job-seeking network system, expanding opportunities for graduates.
For international exchange, KPU partners with universities worldwide to offer exchange programs and 2+2 study abroad initiatives, including institutions in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and China. Partner universities in China include Xiamen University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University, Southwest University, and Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
