It’s important to have a good understanding of the expenses you’ll have as an international student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. All costs listed here are in Canadian dollars. Please note: All estimate calculations are based on Tuition & Fees in the Academic Calendar effective September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.
When you start your application to KPU by applying online, you'll pay a $120 application fee.
To accept your offer of admission to KPU, you must pay a non-refundable* confirmation deposit of $5000 CAD for Limited and Open Intake programs. This confirmation deposit secures your seat offer at KPU, and is applied towards your KPU tuition.
*Refunds of the confirmation deposit are only available in the event of a visa denial from the IRCC. See Refunds for details .
At KPU, tuition and mandatory student fees are usually assessed at a rate per credit. Currently, international students pay approximately $777.26 per credit for tuition and fees, with the exception of ENGQ and ELST courses, which are $430.18 per credit for tuition and fees.
ENGQ and ELST courses:
These rates are applicable between September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025, but are subject to change. Visit the Tuition & Mandatory Student Fees page on the University Calendar for the official fee schedule.
The following fees also apply:
Most international students pay between $14,694.48 - $24,141.80 per year in tuition and mandatory student fees as full-time students at KPU (enrolled in 9-15 credits per term for two terms). Additionally, you should account for the costs of textbooks, course materials, and other living costs. In general, you can calculate how much you’ll pay in tuition and fees for a course or program by multiplying the per-credit rate by the number of credits. Or, try using the Tuition Estimator.
All continuing international students will be required to pay an International Tuition Deposit in order to be able to register. Each term, you will only be able to register for courses once your deposit has been received and processed and you have a balance of at least $2,200 on your account.
In addition to tuition and other course-related costs, students must account for the expenses of living away from home for an extended period of time. Living costs vary from person to person, but some of the costs you should consider include:
The average student will likely need, at minimum, $8,800 to cover living costs each semester. This is an estimate only and will not apply to all students; we strongly encourage that you make your own estimates and budget based on your own living arrangements and habits.
Visit the Other Fees page on the University Calendar for an overview of other fees you may encounter as a student at KPU.
This chart can help you understand how much money you may need for your first year at KPU. Please note that your actual costs may vary; this chart estimates an average international student’s first year costs, and your costs will vary based on various factors, including program of study, cost of accommodation, living habits, and more.
| Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees (Per Term) | Student Fees (Per Term) | KSA Fees (Per Term) | KSA MultiPass & U-Pass BC 1 | Tuition Cost (Per Term) | Total Annual Tuition Cost (2 Terms) |
| 9 Credits (3 courses) | $6,537.78 | $457.56 | $125.58 | $226.32 | $7,347.24 | $14,694.48 |
| 12 Credits (4 courses) | $8,717.04 | $610.08 | $161.31 | $226.32 | $9,714.75 | $19,429.50 |
| 15 Credits (5 courses) | $10,896.30 | $762.60 | $185.68 | $226.32 | $12,070.90 | $24,141.80 |
| Living Costs | Health & Dental Insurance 2 | Textbook Cost & Course Supplies (2 Terms) 3 | Other living Costs 4 | Total Annual Costs |
| Annual Costs | $1,013.72 | $750.00 | $26,400.00 | $28,163.72 |
1 This fee includes the U-Pass BC ($46.00/mo) and KSA MultiPass ($10.58/mo).
2 This fee includes the KSA Extended Health Plan ($92.59/yr) and Dental Plan ($119.83/yr), Temporary Medical Insurance Plan ($201.30/First Semester), and MSP (After First Semester $75/mo).
3 Based on 3 courses with an average of $125 textbook costs per course. Costs will vary based on the courses taken. Some courses may have zero textbook costs, while others will require both textbooks and additional course supplies
4 Based on accomodation ($1400/mo), utilities ($200/mo), and personal expenses ($600/mo).
