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.

Institution size
Mid-sized
Min. CGPA floor
2.5
Tuition / yr
C$16k–C$20k
Type
Public university
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada |
| Type | Public university |
| Institution size | Mid-sized |
| Rankings | Not typically featured in QS/THE global rankings; recognised regionally within British Columbia, Canada. |
| Notable feature | Known for flexible, holistic admission policies |
| Official website | tru.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
| Item | Approximate 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
- Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
- Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
- Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
- Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
- 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
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical intakes | September (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability. |
| English language requirement | IELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission. |
| Student visa type | Study Permit |
| Post-study work options | The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees. |
Official Resources
- University homepage: tru.ca
Compare Thompson Rivers University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.