Learn without limits. Pay nothing for textbooks.
In 2018, KPU launched Canada's first Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative - and we haven't stopped growing. Today, students can access over 950 course sections and eight complete credential programs without spending a dollar on textbooks.
That's thousands of students learning with high-quality open educational resources, library materials, and faculty-created content - all at zero cost.
Low Textbook Cost Courses
In 2025, KPU launched a Low Textbook Cost (LTC) designation for courses where instructional materials cost $40 or less.
Zero Textbook Cost Criteria
A course qualifies as Zero Textbook Cost when students do not have to pay for course learning materials*. Educators can achieve this by using any of the following strategies:
- having no required textbook,
- assigning open educational resources (OER), such as open textbooks,
- assigning KPU Library resources that are available online to unlimited simultaneous users,
- assigning instructor-created resources, such as course notes or materials posted on Moodle,
- assigning free online resources.
Courses may also be designated ZTC if a commercial textbook is optional or if students have the option to purchase a print copy of an open textbook (as long as purchase is not required).
* Instructional/Course Materials include required textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized websites or software like online homework systems. The definition does not apply to supplemental items such lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.
ZTC Courses
KPU offers over 950 zero-cost course sections across the university. From introductory to advanced levels, students can find ZTC options throughout their programs - including 18 of KPU's top 20 most-enrolled courses.
Since launching in 2018, the initiative has grown as instructors move away from commercial textbooks and publisher platforms that often limit student access to a single term, require students to share personal information through platform sign-ups, and create ongoing costs with each new edition. This shift supports student privacy, provides access to materials beyond a single term, and creates more equitable learning environments where cost is never a barrier to success.
Faculty continue to expand ZTC by adapting open educational resources, curating library materials, and developing custom content tailored to their students' needs.
ZTC Programs
Through careful mapping and faculty collaboration, KPU has identified eight complete credentials that students can complete using only ZTC courses:
- The Bachelor of Interior Design, a four-year university degree based on the completion of 128 credits of coursework (approximately 40 courses)
- The Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies, a four-year university degree based on the completion of 120 credits of coursework (approximately 40 courses)
- The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies, a credential based on the completion of 60 credits of coursework (approximately 20 courses)
- The Diploma in General Studies, an exit credential designed as a more flexible alternative to the Associate or Bachelor degrees
- The Certificate in Arts, a flexible yet foundational program based on the completion of 30 credits of coursework (approximately 10 courses)
- The Certificate in Foundations in Design, a one-year full-time program offered by the Wilson School of Design
- The Adult Graduation Diploma, equivalent to the BC grade 12 graduation diploma, with Academic & Career Preparation courses that help you prepare for university studies, career pathways, and trades entry by upgrading English, math, and science skills
KPU actively supports faculty in creating ZTC course options through grant funding and development support, strategically expanding ZTC availability in required courses to enable more complete credential pathways.
*We cannot guarantee that required courses will consistently offer ZTC sections, so these credentials may take longer to complete.
Impact and Data
Our interactive dashboard provides comprehensive, regularly-updated data on ZTC at KPU. Explore trends in cost savings, initiative growth, course section offerings across disciplines, faculty participation rates, and student impact metrics.
FAQs about the ZTC Initiative
How do students find and register for ZTC courses?
During course registration, students can click on the Advanced Search option. Under "Attribute", enter ZTC and/or LTC.
Are ZTC courses the same quality as traditional courses?
Yes. ZTC courses meet the same learning outcomes and academic standards as all KPU courses. Faculty select or create high-quality open educational resources and library materials that support student learning. Many instructors find that ZTC materials allow for more current, customizable content that better serves their students' needs.
What if a ZTC section of my required course isn't available this term?
While we work to expand ZTC availability in high-demand courses, we cannot guarantee that ZTC sections will be offered every term. Check the course schedule each term for ZTC options, or consider LTC sections as an affordable alternative. You can also provide feedback to your department about interest in ZTC sections.
What support is available for faculty creating ZTC courses?
KPU provides grant funding and development support for faculty creating or adapting ZTC courses. The Open Education Strategist offers consultations, workshops, and resources to help identify appropriate open materials and integrate them into your course. Contact open@kpu.ca to learn more.
How do I find open resources for my course?
Several online repositories contain open educational resources supporting a variety of disciplines and subject areas. One of the key benefits of open educational resources is that most are published with open licenses that allow you to customize and adapt the materials to better fit your course needs. For guidance on finding and using open resources, visit the KPU Library Open Education guide or request help from a librarian.
What if a ZTC section of my required course isn't available this term?
While we work to expand ZTC availability in high-demand courses, we cannot guarantee that ZTC sections will be offered every term. Check the course schedule each term for ZTC options, or consider LTC sections as an affordable alternative. You can also provide feedback to your department about interest in ZTC sections.
How can we learn more about implementing a ZTC initiative at our institution?
Read about KPU's implementation journey in our case study published in Marking Open and Affordable Courses: Best Practices and Case Studies. You can also contact the KPU Open Education team at open@kpu.ca to discuss our approach, resources, and lessons learned. We're happy to share our experience with other institutions working to reduce textbook costs for their students.