TRU offers more than 140 on-campus programs and more than 60 Open Learning programs in areas such as arts, business, computer science, education, environment, law, nursing, sciences, social work, tourism and trades and technology.
A vibrant community of more than 14,000 students on campus are working towards graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, professional certificates, continuing studies and English as a Second Language. In addition, the university has more than 4,000 international students from over 106 countries and regions. Wherever students are from, TRU is dedicated to supporting them in pursuing their passions.
Students enjoy the university's many academic options, individualized support and practical learning experiences. Learners are guided by expert faculty who foster a creative, innovative and flexible learning environment.
TRU is dedicated to positively impacting the planet, from how it teaches and cares for its people to its environmental footprint.
A big part of this is sustainability, one of TRU's core values. The university recently signed the Global Climate Letter for Universities and Colleges, further demonstrating its commitment to helping the climate crisis. The letter is a pledge to reach net zero by 2030–2050. TRU's President, Brett Fairbairn, was proud to sign the letter on behalf of the TRU community.
Working towards a carbon-neutral and sustainable campus Campus tree program, where students can volunteer to help with and learn about planting and preserving trees Bike-sharing initiative Removing single-use items Conserving water
New programs of interest at TRU
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Academic support and services
At Thompson Rivers University, students enjoy an average academic class size of 31. In addition, more than 2,000 employees work at TRU, including over 400 full-time faculty members. All of this ensures that students are well supported by expert professionals throughout their studies.
Academic services available to students include academic advising. Advisors work directly with students to help them form a strategic plan for their education. Other benefits include a language learning center, writing center, math help center and assessment center.
Accreditation
TRU is accredited by, approved by and a member of several bodies, such as:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Universities Canada Research Universities' Council of BC
Learners can choose from over 200 programs on-campus and online. Program levels available cover:
Bachelor's degrees Master's degrees Graduate certificates Certificates and diplomas Post-Baccalaureate diplomas English as a second language qualifications University preparation Distance education
The university's academic faculties include:
Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism Faculty of Arts Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Faculty of Education and Social Work Faculty of Law School of Nursing Open Learning Faculty of Student Development Faculty of Science School of Trades and Technology
Each program has different academic requirements. At a minimum, all students must have completed their secondary school education.
There are English requirements for applicants from countries where English may not be the first official language.
• IELTS 7.0, no bands below 6.5 for MBA, Master of Nursing, Master of Environmental Economics and Management, Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management and Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice.
• IELTS 6.5, no bands below 6.0 for all other programs
Academic requirements for specific programs can vary.
For academic programs, non-native English speakers must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language ability. They can do this by providing an accepted English language test score (see below) or by taking the TRU English Placement Test (EPT)
Set on 250 acres with stunning views of the North and South Thompson Rivers, the university's Kamloops campus, in the heart of the community, offers plenty of opportunities to live, work, play and learn.
100,0000 square feet of learning space
40 acres of green space
7 varsity wolfpack teams
12 on-campus places to eat
9 faculties and schools
Buses arrive on campus every 15 minutes
3,500 international students from 100+ countries
200+ lakes nearby
80+ student clubs
TRU is right next to the city of Kamloops' top-notch athletic facilities in the Tournament Capital Centre sports complex, where there's an Olympic-length swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tracks, and numerous recreation spaces. Access to the aquatic centre is included in TRU's student fees.
TRU's WolfPack has nine teams: seven of them compete in USPORTS/Canada West, the highest level of university sports in Canada. For the second straight year, TRU's cheerleading team, cheer ''Team Black,'' won a berth in the 2021 ESPN International Cheerleading Championships.
TRU offers three great housing units for its students from all over the world.
North Tower residence offers the best views in the city. In comparison, McGill residence is ideal for students seeking an active, close-knit, communal experience. The newly renovated McGill residence has amenities that include laundry, a games room, kitchens and study rooms.
East Village has the independence of off-campus living with the convenience of on-campus life. This location is ideal for students looking for a more independent, mature community with student-friendly amenities. International students also have the option to live with a Canadian family in the Homestay Program. All homestay families are managed by TRU World staff, which is a great way to experience Canadian culture and practice English. More than 450 carefully selected Canadian homestay families are in this program.
Students of outstanding sporting ability who demonstrate athletic excellence by qualifying for one of TRU's Varsity Teams may be considered for an athletic scholarship.
International students accepted and enrolled in TRU's two-year Engineering Transfer program will be considered.
This scholarship is open only to Mexican citizens currently enrolled in a full-time program of studies in Mexico.
US citizens admitted to a TRU undergraduate program of two years, or longer are eligible for an automatic scholarship of USD 2,000 per student.
Available for students from The Bahamas (or Jamaica if there are no eligible applicants from The Bahamas) entering an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism.
TRU offers global diversity scholarships to new international students who demonstrate excellent academics from countries that are underrepresented on campus. To be considered, students should meet one of the following: 3.0 GPA or 6.5 IELTS or 88 TOEFL iBT.
To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 86 percent (A) during last year of high school/college/university.
To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 80 percent (A-) during the last year of high school/college/university and gain direct entry to academic studies (IELTS 6.5+).
TRU provides a wide range of scholarships for students enrolling in TRU courses. Many are entrance scholarships in which students are automatically considered when applying for their specific program.