Capilano University is a teaching-focused university offering a wide range of programs and services that enable students to succeed in their current studies, in their ongoing education, in their chosen careers, in their lifelong pursuit of knowledge and in their contribution as responsible citizens in a rapidly changing and diverse global community.
Capilano University (then a college) was founded in 1968. In 1973, we opened our permanent campus in North Vancouver. Four years later, we opened kálax-ay the Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt and students will be welcomed to CapU Lonsdale in 2020.
Education
Capilano University is well known for providing a solid academic foundation and is committed to developing new and innovative programs in response to market demand. We offer a complete range of preparatory courses, arts and sciences courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.
Research
Through support and involvement in research we are creating an intellectually rich environment where educators and learners actively contribute to reimagining the ways of understanding and functioning in the world. Capilano University champions a broad range of research activities: individual, collective, multi- and trans-disciplinary scholarly work as well as student research.
Career
Capilano University assists students considering career options by providing information and reference materials on a wide variety of occupations. The Career Resource Centre is located in the Birch Building, Room 267. It houses a collection of vocational literature and information on labour market trends. The Centre also contains calendars from Canadian and international universities and colleges, and free informational brochures on campus and community resources. Copies of current course outlines for Capilano University are available for reference in choosing courses and instructors.
Capilano UniversityKey Statistics & Highlights
1 Courses
12,700Students
2,500Students (int'l)
Public Institution Type
Student services
The Centre for Student Success provides each student with the foundation for discovering a meaningful path that will lead to academic and personal success for university and beyond. Student success programming provides critical skill building opportunities and support services to assist students in achieving their academic and personal goals while at Capilano University.
Housing services
A short distance from campus, the CapU Residence is a mix of furnished shared and single accommodations in a supportive and vibrant setting. Included in your residence plan is a fully furnished room, a meal plan (all-you-care-to-eat!), high-speed wireless internet, access to shared TV lounges, study rooms, laundry facilities in addition to events, programming and support. The CapU Residence offers you the opportunity to create friendships, connect with the residence community and receive individualized support to help you be successful.
Library services
In 1974, the main Library was established at the east end of the B building, the second building constructed on the North Vancouver campus. Initially called the Media Centre, the name was changed in 1989 to “the Library.” This early Library included books, periodicals, a circulation desk, audio-visual materials and equipment, and study tables.
ICT services
IT Services recognizes that the quality of our services is fundamental to the successful operation of Capilano University and its capacity to achieve its strategic objectives.
Capilano University offers a wide variety of services that are intended to enhance student success.
Medical services
General medical services are available to students at no charge on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the Spring and Fall terms.
Campus life
There are plenty of opportunities for getting involved at Cap U outside of the classroom. Join a committee, write for the student newspaper, see a performance, and more.
Immerse yourself in campus life from day one as a member of Capilano University’s first residence community, a supportive, affordable and safe housing option just minutes from the North Vancouver campus. The friendships you will build and the support you will receive will make for an unforgettable experience at CapU
Sports facilities
The North Vancouver campus of Capilano University is the site of one of the finest college sports complexes in Canada. The Sportsplex, which opened in 1991, is ultra-modern in design and features a large, showcase gymnasium with a hardwood playing surface. Seating is provided by individually-molded studio seats, complete with backs and armrests mounted on retractable platforms. The seating capacity accommodates approximately 1,700 spectators and the ceiling height is 30 feet.
Student clubs
The CSU is a non-profit organization run by a democratically elected board of students that aims to improve every student’s university experience by organizing social, political, and cultural events and offering low-cost services that make life easier. The board of directors, who are independent from the University’s administration, also works to protect the rights of students. The CSU is dedicated to advancing the interests of students by working to achieve a system of post-secondary education that is accessible to all. The CSU works to advance post-secondary education policies in areas such as tuition fees and student financial assistance.
Accreditation
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
I enjoy attending CapU with a major in Kinesiology. The professors are very passionate about their work and helping students, making sure each and every one of us reach our best potential. I like collaborating with like-minded students, and I have connected with many of them over the course of two years. The only things that are lacking are the social aspect outside of my degree and faculty. I rarely participate in events, clubs, or fun activities offered by the Capilano Student Council or in general. In comparison to SFU or UBC, there are limited social activities and events. For example, there is only the library that you can be really social at, but UBC has a few bars, restaurants, and late night activities.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Diverse career paths in rehab sciences
The RADP program at Capilano University is really good for anyone interested in physical or occupational therapy or speech-language pathology. The classes are practical and easy to follow, and the instructors are very supportive. You get to learn hands-on skills that are actually used in hospitals and clinics. I also like that the program gives you different career options after graduation, it�s a great start for building a career in rehabilitation and health care.
Posted byArya
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2026
4/5
Choosing Capilano for business studies
After completing my senior secondary school education, I started applying for my graduation in canada. I had applied in multiple universities and got approval form many of them. But I opted for this university just because It comes under my budget, secondary my friend had recently got passed out from here. My application fees was $125 for one course. The level of admission process was normal, I didn't find it that much hard as what I though before. Course Curriculum : Through my course curriculum, I had build a strong foundation in business knowledge. In my third year, i had multiple option to choose as my main subject and I opted for marketing domain. Moreover I had learned how to formulate solutions for business problems utilizing analytical thinking, research methodology, financial analysis and reflective approach to develop sustainable alternative and support ethical and effective decisions. Exams : In my IELTS examination, my score was 6.7 and in GMAT exam I had scored 670 in my first attempt. Both were big achievements for me that time. My credits for my course was around 120 and some of them were common for all majors in my domain. My school marksheets and essay was required at the time of admission. Moreover I had to submit my student visa permit within 20 days after applying online here. Placement : Alumni of this college was spread in different sectors and they played a vital role in recruitment processes most of the time. I had been placed as marketing analyst in Telus Corporation during my final year and got $68000 annual CTC. Almost more than half of my batch got placed in that drive. Rest of the batch were also selected in the later phase of the process. In that year, I remembered that placement rate was around 93% approximately. Events : Some of the main festivals celebrated here were capu film festival, Canada day, Christmas celebration, Holi, Diwali, New year bash, graduation ceremony, birch festival, indigenous festival etc. Faculty : My professors used to bring updated knowledge to the classroom, sharing the expertise that's made them successful. Due to small class sizes, instructors had have more time for students. All of them were highly educated and they always helped me in making assignments, and presentations. Because of having numerous links in the corporate sector, they used to conduct seminars on different topic in which I got chances to meet industry experts individually. Hostel : I opted for off-campus housing in Cypress Hall. In my room, there were two twin size beds, drawer storage, two twin size mattresses, two desks with built in shelving, two desk chairs, two closets, and a lockable drawer, etc. My accommodation charges were quite normal like I had to pay $12000 per annum for it including my meal expenses.