Visiting Students
A visiting student is someone who is enrolled in another post-secondary institution and wishes to spend one or two semesters (4 - 8 months) at KPU without earning a credential from KPU. If a student comes to KPU as a visiting student, they cannot extend their stay at KPU in order to earn a credential unless they reapply as a regular student and go through the standard admission process.
Is this program right for me?
The answer is YES , if:
1) You are currently enrolled in a program at another post-secondary institution outside of Canada
2) You wish to take unique and interesting courses while exploring the beauty and nature of British Columbia.
3) You are looking to study in a small class setting and have a more personalized study experience from your instructors.
Credits earned are typically transferred back to your home institution.
How can I become a visiting student?
Becoming a Visiting Student is easy! If you are new to KPU, or if you have applied before but have not attended, you will need to create a new student account.
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Testimonials and Buddy Stories
Kishanthi Rasayogam (Denmark)
“My experience at KPU was truly enriching. The diverse range of classes provided me with a well-rounded education. The professors, had a great impact on me with their teaching approach, ensuring that students' points of view were heard.
As for Vancouver itself, it captured my heart from the moment I arrived. I truly enjoyed Vancouver's mountains and natural beauty; it was unlike anything I had ever seen before.”
Ahmad Sabsabe (Germany)
“My semester abroad at KPU was incredibly enriching. A highlight was the KPU Global Buddy Program, which I made a lifelong friend and gained deep insights into Canadian culture.
On the academic side, the seamless integration of theory and practice in the courses was particularly valuable. This boosted my confidence and helped me apply what I learned to real-world situations.”
FAQ
General Questions
What can I study?
As a visiting student, you can apply to take any of the courses for which you meet the prerequisite for. Please see here for a list of our courses: calendar.kpu.ca/courses-az/
How do I request to register in a course that has pre-requisite requirements?
Once KPU International has received your Incoming Visiting Course Approval Form and a copy of your transcript, our team will process the request. You must ensure to be prepared to submit additional documentation such as a portfolio, Letter of Interest, or a resume/CV. To learn more about specific requirements the course you are intending on taking has, click here.
Does a visiting student need to meet KPU's English Proficiency Requirements?
Visiting Students are not required to meet KPU's English Proficiency Requirements through standard processes like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE tests. Your institution must indicate on the Letter of Permission Form that your English proficiency is satisfactory for university-level work. Visiting Students are not given special consideration for assignments or exams due to language disadvantages. While English proficiency requirements for admission may not apply, certain undergraduate courses have specific prerequisites (such as prior courses and grades). KPU reserves the right to request proof of language proficiency.
Applying to KPU
Do I need a study permit?
Visiting students who are only studying in Canada for 6 months or less will not require a study permit. Otherwise, a study permit is required. For more information please consult the IRCC website: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
How much will my studies cost?
Visiting students pay international student tuition and fees. To learn more about tuition and living costs, visit kpu.ca/international/future-students/cost. Additionally, you should account for the costs of textbooks, course materials, and other living costs. In general, you can calculate how much you’ll pay in tuition and fees for a course or program by multiplying the per-credit rate by the number of credits. Or, try using the Tuition Estimator. All costs are in Canadian dollars.
Do I need Medical Insurance?
Having the right medical and travel insurance is critical to avoid unnecessary financial burdens. Without insurance, medical and emergency care in Canada and abroad can be extremely expensive. KPU offers insurance services administered through guard.me. Please note that this medical insurance is mandatory and cannot be opt-out. For more information, please see https://www.kpu.ca/international/insurance
What are the transportation options in Metro Vancouver?
Students at KPU are eligible for the UPass BC, which gives post-secondary students a transit pass at a discount rate. It includes unlimited system-wide access and discounts to bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain and West Coast Express services. Students are automatically enrolled upon registration of classes and is included as part of the tuition fees. For more information, please check www.kpu.ca/upass
Studying at KPU
How do I register for courses?
You may register for your courses online at your Online Self-Service (OSS) account. Please note that you will only be able to register during your registration date and time and once your tuition deposit has been received processed and you have a balance of at least 2,200 CAD on your account.
Registration begins approximately 6 weeks before the start of each semester.
Fall Term (September –December): Mid-July
Spring Term (January – April): Mid-November
Summer Term (May-August): Mid-March
This information will be available in your OSS account and will be also sent to you via email. You should register during your assigned registration time to avoid being on a waitlist for courses. For further information on how to register please visit https://www.kpu.ca/registration/reginfo Important Note: When you register for courses, please be mindful of which campus the course is being taught. As KPU has 5 campuses, you may need to arrange for inter-campus transportation should you choose to take courses at different locations.
Why were some of my courses not approved?
There are various reasons why a course may not be approved as per the faculty. This includes, but not limited to: program restrictions, seat restrictions or the fact that these courses may not be accessible to visiting students. Should you need additional course approvals, you may fill out a new course approval form and send it to your Recruitment and Admissions coordinator for further review. Late course approval submissions may not guarantee a seat due to late registration.
I am currently waitlisted in a course. What should I do now?
Wait listing for courses is strongly advised. If a seat opens, the top waitlisted student will be notified and given a 24hr window to accept the seat offer. Please note that while on the waitlist you are not guaranteed a seat. Should you decide to want to register for other courses, you may submit a new revised course approval form to your coordinator for faculty review. Please note that for courses with no pre-requisites, you may register directly as they have already been pre-approved. For more information on courses and their pre-requisites please visit: https://calendar.kpu.ca/courses-az/
How do I register for Orientation?
You can register here https://www.kpu.ca/international/orientation for the general KPU Student Orientation before you attend the mandatory International Student Orientation.
Can I Work in Canada During My Stay as a Visiting Student?
No, you cannot. In accordance with IRCC regulations, Visiting Students are not qualified to work during their studies.
