Thompson Rivers University: Modern Educational Trends in British Columbia

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a public university in Canada located in the province of British Columbia. Established in 1970, it has become one of the leading educational institutions in the region. TRU specializes in areas such as business, law, education, technology, healthcare, social sciences, and more.

Thompson Rivers University strives to follow the latest trends in education and develop academic programs to meet modern demands. TRU offers state-of-the-art learning and research resources that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career. The university also collaborates with local and international organizations, providing students with internship opportunities and practical experience.

Thompson Rivers University's main priority is student success, which is achieved through the mentorship of top-notch faculty and a flexible learning environment.

University Location

Thompson Rivers University has two campuses — in Kamloops and Williams Lake. The main campus is located in the centre of Kamloops, offering breathtaking views to the confluence of the South Thompson and North Thompson rivers. These are the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc community and is known for its grasslands, pine forests, lakes, and mountains.

Kamloops, with a population of over 100,000, is renowned for its sports and cultural events. Dubbed as the “Tournament Capital of Canada,” the city is involved in active participation in the country’s sports life. The city is a well-known sports hub, regularly hosting various sports competitions, including hockey, soccer, athletics, golf, and more. Kamloops also boasts excellent sports facilities and infrastructure, as well as a variety of sports clubs with active participation from TRU students. Winter sports enthusiasts will especially appreciate the second-largest ski resort in British Columbia.

Kamloops is easily accessible from major cities—Vancouver and Toronto. A flight to Vancouver takes 45 minutes, and a bus ride takes about 4 to 5 hours; a flight to Toronto takes over an hour, and a bus trip takes 4.5 hours.

The second TRU campus is located in Williams Lake, a city known for its long history of agriculture. The primary economic sectors are forestry and mining.

The city offers an affordable cost of living and a friendly atmosphere. It has a major hospital and rehabilitation centers, creating a demand for highly educated healthcare professionals. The campus features small class sizes, usually from 15 to 20 students, depending on the program. This fosters close interaction between faculty and students, making the campus a safe, friendly, and cohesive place. The TRU campus in Williams Lake is situated in a residential area, with housing options within easy reach.

In addition to academics, Thompson Rivers University campuses offer students over 80 diverse clubs, sports teams, and international festivals.

Programs for International Students at TRU

Thompson Rivers University is highly popular among international students. Currently, it hosts over 4,000 international students from more than 100 countries.

The university highlights its key advantages for applicants: a wide range of programs, clear admission requirements, career prospects, individual support from faculty and staff, and unlimited new opportunities.

TRU offers a variety of programs in diverse fields:

• culinary arts and tourism;
• arts, humanities, and social sciences;
• business, economics, and management;
• education, social work, and social services;
• healthcare and nursing;
• law and legal studies;
• science and computer science;
• trades and technology.

One of the perks that attract international students to TRU is the variety of types and levels of study programs:

• Master’s Degree — 1-2 years of study;
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma — 2 years of study;
• Bachelor’s Degree — 4-5 years of study;
• Certificates — 1 year of study;
• Diplomas — 2 years of study;
• English as a Second Language — 4-18 months of study;
• Juris Doctor — 3 years of study.

The university also offers preparatory programs for university entry, short-term courses on demand, and distance learning programs.

Among TRU’s master's programs, the MBA degree is particularly popular, as it focuses on practice and project-based learning to solve future business challenges.

Career Opportunities for International Students

Many students aim to receive a top-notch education in Canada to secure a high-paying job, build a successful career, and live their best-life scenario .

Thompson Rivers University reckons the aspirations of its students and provides all the opportunities for them to start building their future during study.

All university programs are designed within experiential learning. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to fulfill their professional duties. Additionally, TRU offers extra support for international students preparing for job searches. Career consultants in the Career and Experiential Learning Department assist students in achieving their professional goals: they teach resume and CV writing and interview preparation, organize job fairs on campus, and hold workshops on labor market topics.

Many university programs include paid internships (co-op), allowing students to gain work experience and earn money. Co-ops are included the curriculum. They can last from 1 to 4 semesters. TRU students are not limited, they can find jobs in all cities in Canada. The average monthly income for a student ranges from $2,500 CAD to $3,100 CAD, with exceptional cases reaching up to $4,200 CAD.

It’s also important to note that international students in other programs still have the right to work up to 20 hours per week (up to 24 hours starting in Fall 2024), and after graduation, international students are eligible for a work permit. Many TRU graduates successfully find jobs in their field and remain working in Canada. They often find positions in banking, government corporations, higher education, major retail chains, and non-profit organizations. Notable companies,  including Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, BC Hydro, Air Canada, and Loblaw, employ TRU international graduates.

Cost of Study

The cost of studying at Thompson Rivers University depends on several factors: the desired level or degree of education, the chosen faculty, the specifics of the program, and the number of credits per course.

The cost of a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program is calculated based on the number of courses included in the full program. The cost per course (3 credits) is $2,215 CAD.

The cost of certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree programs varies depending on the minimum number of credits students must take each semester. On average, the price per semester ranges from $8,439 CAD to $10,273 CAD.

When planning your budget, keep in mind that in addition to tuition fees, students will need to cover some additional expenses:

• one-time application fee (non-refundable) — $100 CAD;
• general fees — $553 CAD per semester;
• medical fees — $75 CAD per month;
• extended health and dental plan — $248 CAD per year.

The university also offers various accommodation plans for international students:

• Homestay Program. This program includes meals and accommodation in a private room with a Canadian family. Cost — $4,000 CAD per semester plus a $500 CAD deposit.
• North Tower Residence. Fully furnished rooms with internet and cable TV access. Shared rooms have separate bedrooms for students. Cost — $8,210 CAD (meals not included, cleaning services provided).
• McGill Residence. Separate furnished kitchens with cooking equipment, shared bathroom for three students. Cost — $5,516 CAD (meals not included).
• East Village Residence. Private rooms with mini-fridge, microwave, and internet access. Cost — $4,900 CAD.

Scholarships for International Students

Thompson Rivers University understands the significant financial burden international students may face to receive a quality education at their institution. That’s why TRU offers financial assistance to its students in the form of various scholarships.

• International Athletic Scholarships for students with outstanding sports skills who join university teams and demonstrate athletic excellence.
• International Social Media Ambassador Awards for students interested in promoting the university worldwide as a place worth attending.
• International Diversity Scholarships for new international students with excellent academic results from underrepresented countries on campus (no more than 5 representatives).
• Academic Excellence Awards for students with outstanding academic achievements based on their academic performance (scholarship renewal is possible for the next semester).
• Exceptional Achievement Awards for students with strong academic performance (scholarship renewal is possible for up to 3 semesters).

Make sure to keep an eye out for available scholarships and don’t hesitate to apply for as many as possible to cover part of your education expenses.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Thompson Rivers University vary depending on the level of education and the specifics of the academic program. For undergraduate programs, applicants need to have completed secondary education, while master’s degree seekers need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The university also considers GPA scores. Additional requirements may include a motivation letter and a resume or CV.

International students must also comply with the requirements for English language proficiency for academic purposes. The university accepts results from several internationally recognized language tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo (except for master’s programs). The approximate English level required for university programs is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6-7, depending on the program. There is also an option to enroll without an English test through the University Pathway program.

Help with Admission

Getting into a Canadian university is a significant step towards future success. Studying in Canada opens doors not only for career growth but also for subsequent immigration.

However, the admission process can seem complicated and confusing. To avoid getting lost and organize your path to education in Canada properly, we recommend seeking help from specialists. Our education consultants can help you choose the right program, guide you on the necessary documents, and advise on the sequence of actions to ensure a smooth admission. Our experts can also assist in obtaining a student visa so that you can successfully reach your dream university. Book a consultation with us to get into Thompson Rivers University or any other Canadian university.