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

KPU is one of Western Canada’s largest teaching- and learning-centred universities. They strive to provide international students with continuous support and care from the time they apply, right through to convocation. 

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 notes that these 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). 

A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) paves the way for more international high school students to attend KPU. 

The objectives of this MOU include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Co-marketing and cross-promotion of the School District and KPU in student recruitment efforts; 

• Hosting information sessions and campus tours for the School District  students; 

• Establishing a ‘Pathway Program’ for students of the School District, complete with a conditional acceptance offer to students to attend KPU upon graduation from the School District; 

• Establishment of an annual designated entrance scholarship for one graduate from the School District; 

• Offering dual-credit courses to the students of the School District which helps them to accelerate their university studies; and 

• Offering short-term programs, e.g. summer camp, to the students of the School District in the area of interest. 

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.