Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
Total Students
National Ranking
Capilano University (CapU) is a teaching-focused public university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, nestled in a natural forested setting on the slopes of the North Shore Mountains, with programming that also serves the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and the Sunshine Coast. The University is named after Chief Joe Capilano Sa7plek who was the leader of the Squamish people from 1895 to 1910.
Capilano University was founded by the school boards and residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Howe Sound through a referendum in 1968.
During our first year, all 784 enrolled students took their classes at night in the classrooms of West Vancouver Secondary School, with the main campus in North Vancouver opening in 1973.
To serve communities on the Sunshine Coast, Capilano University opened the kálax-ay Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt in 1977, with many programs and courses running on the coast today.
In 2008, the provincial government changed Capilano College's designation to Capilano University.
In fall 2019 the University welcomed its first students at CapU Lonsdale, a new extension location for our main campus, which is located in The Shipyards development in Lower Lonsdale.
Why Choose CapU?
Great teachers. Small classes. Supportive community. West Coast lifestyle. There are so many reasons to choose CapU – here are just a few.
Smaller classes and a supportive learning community
Studying at any of Capilano University's three campuses makes you a part of our growing community of lifelong learners.
Inspired teaching and enriched learning are hallmarks of the CapU experience. Our instructors are professionals who practice what they teach in the field.
You'll find everything you need to be successful at CapU. From the moment you arrive on campus, we'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Classes at CapU have 25 students on average, so our instructors can give individualized support and attention to every student in a class.
A range of programs and study options
CapU has traditional university programs, including philosophy, English and physics, and also unique fields of study like outdoor recreation management, jazz studies, and motion picture arts. Explore our areas of study to find the program for you.
We also offer a full mix of continuing education courses geared toward your career and personal development.
Real-world connections
Our instructors have credentials in fields from business and music to applied behavior analysis and tourism, with connections forged from years of working in their industry.
Many CapU programs offer practical, work-integrated learning experiences in the form of co-op and work practicum placements.
International opportunities
CapU has partnerships with educational institutions around the world and we offer many opportunities to Study Abroad through semester-long international exchanges and short-term field schools across 18 countries.
With more than 80 countries representing 2,500 international students, CapU has a vibrant, culturally diverse campus. Check out our International Student Guide 2020-2021 (pdf) for more information.