TRU
TRU (Thompson River University)
Location: Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Foundation Year: 1970
Type: Public
Tuition Fees: 18,369 CAD per year
The Thompson River University (TRU) is a public teaching and research university founded in 1970. Its main campus is located in Kamloops, British Columbia. One more campus is situated in Williams Lake. TRU is also proud of its World Division that includes more than 40 international partners from around the globe, including China, South Korea, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
The name of the University is derived from the names of two rivers that converge here. The beautiful natural environment and friendly atmosphere of the Thompson River University make it one of the most popular educational institutions in British Columbia. Five priorities of its work include increasing students` success, intercultural understanding, increasing research and entrepreneurial capacity, and sustainability.
In 2011 TRU gained membership in the Research Universities Council of the province. Approximately 25,000 students attend it annually, more than 11,000 stay on campus. International students make up 15 percent of TRU's on-campus student population, with China, India, and Saudi Arabia topping the list of over 70 countries of origin. Aboriginal students make up 10.5 percent of the student body. A diverse and flexible learning environment aids high-quality research, creation, and innovation.
TRU offers over 140 on-campus programs and 50-plus Open Learning programs - from traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees. Students have opportunities to join Co-op work programs, study abroad, make undergraduate research, participate in field schools, practicums, service-learning. Tri-Council funding for research by students and faculty is $975,000, and $2.5 million is given for scholarships, bursaries, and awards for students every year.
TRU has the following faculties and schools: Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism, Faculty of Arts, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Faculty of Law, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Student Development, School of Trades and Technology. TRU Open Learning Division provides distance, online, and blended learning options to students in all faculties and schools; and TRU World serves international and study abroad students.
The Co-op programs at TRU provide students with a great way to learn valuable career skills. They alternate study terms with paid, monitored work-terms in a professional industry, non-profit, private business, and public sector organizations. Students can join Co-op at different points in their education, depending on program requirements.
To achieve the Co-op designation at Thompson Rivers University, students must complete a minimum number of work terms in their degree or diploma. Students in a four-year degree program must complete a minimum of three work-terms, while students in a two-year diploma program must complete a minimum of two work-terms in order to receive their Co-op designation.
The TRU Foundation programs allow students to learn the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into a trade. The courses combine both a classroom and an in-school shop setting, cover material related to one or more apprenticeship programs, and provide credit towards completion of an apprenticeship. The choice of programs includes professions like automotive service technician, carpenter, professional cook, and many others.
Adult Basic Education at the Thompson Rivers University is a unique option to upgrade education for those who want to meet program requirements or get their high school diploma. Tuition is free for these courses and low-income students can apply for a grant to cover additional expenses. It is worth mentioning, that free tuition for online courses is restricted to British Columbia residents.
Graduate programs at Thompson River University prepare students for the degrees: Master of Business Administration, Master Degrees in Environmental Economics and Management, Master of Education, Master of Nursing, Master of Science in Data Science, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies, Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning.
The Thompson Rivers University has intensive, short-term programs that are strategically balanced to maximize learning opportunities and allow participants enough time to gain an appreciation of Canadian culture. They offer open enrolment and customized approach to meet the goals of participants.
The University works closely with international partners, governments, educational institutions, and businesses to develop programs tailored to the needs of the client. These programs can be delivered on campus or overseas at a location that suits the needs of the program participants. Most of the customized programs have an English language study component and include the following important components: student-centered instruction, customized, content-based curriculum, exciting cultural and recreational activities, experienced TESL certified instructors, a safe, supportive learning environment, small class sizes and exit surveys to monitor and ensure quality.
TRU also offers special English as Second Language programs that include: Academic English as a Second Langauge, Short-term ESL Programs and Teaching English as Secon Language (TESL) Certificate.
International Student Advisors are available on campus. International applicants are required to meet minimum English language proficiency requirements for direct entry into academic programs. They can provide an acceptable English language proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) or achieve an acceptable score on the TRU English Placement Test.
TRU Students are offered three campus residences - minutes away from their classes, with easy access to Kamloops campus and nearby city recreational facilities. A wide range of additional residential services is available, safety and security are guaranteed. But it is worth mentioning, that an application for campus housing is separate from an application to a TRU program. The average cost of accommodation in Kamloops is lower compared to major Canadian cities.
Tuition Fees vary depending on a chosen program. The average First-year tuition fee for an international student is 18,369 CAD (degree program).
Regards,
International Experience Club.
