Capilano University is a public teaching university on a forested hillside in North Vancouver, 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver across the Lions Gate or by SeaBus. It's known for its Bosa Centre for Film and Animation, a long-running jazz studies programme, tourism, business and early childhood education. Classes are small, and most international students come for bachelor's degrees or post-baccalaureate diplomas.
North Vancouver, Canada
Official website: capilanou.ca
Public teaching university in British Columbia
Bosa Centre for Film and Animation
Average class size around 25
CA$22,000 – CA$28,000
International students, degrees and diplomas
CA$18,000 – CA$24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on capilanou.ca before you apply.
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 83
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Administration
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 83
Bachelor of Tourism Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 83
Motion Picture Arts Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 83
The Bosa Centre gives film and animation students real sound stages.
Jazz studies has trained musicians for over 50 years.
The campus backs onto trails in the North Shore mountains.
Film and animation graduates find work in Vancouver's large screen industry.
Tourism graduates join hotels, ski resorts and tour operators across BC.
Degree graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
The main campus is in Lynnmour, surrounded by forest, with a bus loop connecting to Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus downtown.
North Vancouver is quieter than the city but just as expensive to rent in. Grouse Mountain and the Seymour trails are minutes away.
Letter of acceptance from Capilano University
BC provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Capilano takes applications on a rolling basis until programmes fill. For September, applying by the preceding February or March is a safe target.
Business programmes start in September and January, and the post-baccalaureate diploma also in May. Film and tourism start in September.
You'll need a study permit. Capilano University sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Business administration, the post-baccalaureate business diploma, tourism and motion picture arts are the usual picks. Expect to need IELTS 6.5; film programmes also review a portfolio.
There are entrance scholarships for international students with strong grades. Details and deadlines are on the university's awards page.
