International high school students find pathway to KPU in a B.C. first agreement

Wed, Jul 17, 2024

In a first of its kind agreement in B.C., international students attending high school in Coquitlam are now eligible to continue their studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

The new memorandum of understanding between KPU and School District 43 (Coquitlam) recognizes that international students attending high school in Coquitlam with a valid study permit do not have to re-apply for a study permit to continue their education at the post-secondary level.

“We are very excited as this memorandum will allow international high school students to continue their educational journey seamlessly into university at KPU,” says Carole St. Laurent, Associate Vice-President, International at KPU. 

St. Laurent says the international students have adapted to life in Canada as they have attended at least one year of study in the region. The students understand the social culture and are familiar with the education system, which may make for a smoother transition to university. 

“We appreciate this partnership with KPU which supports our efforts to facilitate opportunities for our students to transition to post-secondary,” says Carey Chute, Assistant Superintendent with School District 43 (Coquitlam). 

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KPU Surrey library.
A new memorandum of understanding paves the way for more international high school students to attend KPU.

In addition to the agreement, KPU is offering a scholarship of $5,000 to one international high school student from Coquitlam for each fall intake.

For more information about KPU International, visit www.kpu.ca/international.