Cost-Effective Education in Canada: Thompson Rivers University Makes Studying More Affordable
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers several financial benefits for international students who desire to study in Canada, making it a cost-effective option for higher education in Canada. Here are the key advantages:
Competitive Tuition Fees
• TRU's international tuition fees are lower than those at many other Canadian universities, particularly in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. But cheaper doesn’t mean less value as TRU is a public university featuring all the amenities of a quality university and has over 100 undergraduate programs to choose from.
• International student tuition for most undergraduate programs ranges between $18,000–$22,000 CAD per year, which is more affordable than many institutions in major metropolitan areas.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students
• Exceptional Student Award – Available to high-achieving students upon admission.
• Academic Excellence Awards – Merit-based scholarships for international students who perform well during their studies.
• International Athletic Scholarship – International students who play on one of TRU’s varsity teams may qualify for this scholarship.
There are also some other awards so it is best to check out the International Student Entrance Scholarship page here.
Co-op and Work Opportunities (Earn While Studying)
• International students can participate in co-op education programs, gaining paid work experience while studying. For information on their co-op education programs, please visit here. Engineering, Computer Science and Business are all examples of programs where either a paid internship or co-op work program is available.
• Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks. For instance, international students can find jobs in retail, the food and hospitality industry and as a customer-support representative. Kamloops is a tourist destination with beautiful mountains, rivers and the Pacific Ocean a short distance away from the city. Because they have a strong tourist industry, the possibility for international students to find part-time work during the school year or during the summer holidays is high.
• TRU offers on-campus jobs, making it easier for international students to find work. Examples of on-campus jobs could include administrative support, library assistants undergraduate students and teaching or research assistants for graduate students. You will want to check out the work and study page here.
Affordable Cost of Living in Kamloops
• Kamloops has a lower cost of living than major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary.
• Housing is more affordable, with on-campus housing options starting around $6,500–$8,500 CAD per year.
• Food, transportation, and entertainment costs are generally lower compared to bigger cities.
Flexible Payment Plans
• TRU offers installment plans, allowing students to pay tuition in multiple payments rather than all at once.
Pathway & Transfer Credits (Save on Tuition)
• TRU accepts transfer credits, allowing students to reduce the number of courses they need to take.
• Some students start with Open Learning (online courses) to save on tuition before transitioning to on-campus programs. While this is possible, Pakistani students should note this route will not lead to an approved study permit application.
Post-Graduation Work & Immigration Benefits
• TRU graduates are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.
• TRU is located in British Columbia, where graduates can apply for provincial nomination programs (BC PNP), which may lead to a faster processing of you permanent residency application.
Choosing Thompson Rivers University is a financially smart decision when deciding where to study in Canada. For more information on programs, scholarships and how to apply for admission, contact an advisor at Go 2 Canada Education Services.