Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is a public university in Kamloops, British Columbia, known specifically for flexible admission policies and a consistent 2.5 GPA acceptance across most of its master’s programmes.

Thompson Rivers University admission guide for international students
Thompson Rivers University admission guide for international students

Institution size

Mid-sized

Min. CGPA floor

2.5

Tuition / yr

C$16k–C$20k

Type

Public university

Key Facts

CategoryDetail
LocationKamloops, British Columbia, Canada
TypePublic university
Institution sizeMid-sized
RankingsNot typically featured in QS/THE global rankings; recognised regionally within British Columbia, Canada.
Notable featureKnown for flexible, holistic admission policies
Official websitetru.ca

Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants

  • Published minimum GPA: 2.5 for most master’s programmes
  • Requirement applied consistently across the majority of graduate offerings
  • Full application reviewed alongside the GPA floor

Tuition and Fees

ItemApproximate Range
Graduate tuition (international)C$16k–C$20k per year
Living costs (Kamloops)Below Vancouver and Toronto

Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.

Programmes Offered

  • Business Administration
  • Environmental Science
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Tourism Management
  • Computing Science
  • Social Work
  • Natural Resource Science

This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Diploma / Certificate: Offered
  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
  • Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
  • Doctorate (PhD): Not offered at this institution
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Not offered at this institution
  • Short Courses: Offered

Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.

Scholarships and Funding

  • Entrance scholarships available for qualifying international graduate students
  • Confirm current award amounts with Thompson Rivers’ international office

Application Process

  1. Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
  2. Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
  3. Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
  4. Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
  5. Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
  6. Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation

Admission Outlook

Thompson Rivers’ consistent 2.5 GPA policy across most programmes gives applicants unusually clear, predictable expectations compared to universities where the floor varies significantly by department.

Campus Life

Kamloops, British Columbia offers a lower cost of living than Vancouver while remaining within the same province’s immigration and employment pathways.

International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.

Other Essential Information

CategoryDetail
Typical intakesSeptember (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability.
English language requirementIELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission.
Student visa typeStudy Permit
Post-study work optionsThe Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees.

Official Resources

Compare Thompson Rivers University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.