Williams Lake is a ranching and forestry town in BC's Cariboo region, and Thompson Rivers University runs a small regional campus there. The main TRU campus is in Kamloops, about three hours' drive south. In Williams Lake, students take first-year university courses, health and education certificates, and trades training, often in very small classes. Check with TRU which programmes here accept international students.
Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: tru.ca
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops
Cariboo, central British Columbia
Small regional campus
CA$18,000 – CA$22,000
International students, certificates and first-year courses
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
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 tru.ca before you apply.
Associate of Arts (University Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Health Care Assistant Certificate
CertificateDuration
8 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Early Childhood Education Certificate
CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Trades Foundation (Carpentry)
CertificateDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Very small classes.
A route into TRU degrees in Kamloops.
A ranching town surrounded by lakes and forest.
Health and early childhood graduates work in Cariboo clinics, care homes and daycares.
Trades graduates join forestry, mining and construction employers in the region.
Eligible TRU graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit; check programme eligibility.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a small teaching centre in town, with labs and trades shops but no large residence.
Williams Lake is known for its summer stampede, lakes and trails. Rent is far lower than on the coast, though winters are cold and a car helps.
Letter of acceptance from Thompson Rivers 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
TRU reviews applications on a rolling basis, but small programmes fill quickly. Apply six to eight months ahead so there's time for the study permit and provincial attestation letter.
Most programmes start in September. University transfer courses also start in January.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Thompson Rivers University and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
First-year university transfer courses, health care assistant, early childhood education and trades foundation programmes are offered here. Entry needs secondary school completion and English at around IELTS 6.5, or 6.0 for some trades.
TRU offers entrance awards to some international students. Ask TRU World which awards apply at the Williams Lake campus.
