Capilano University: A Space to Be You

Nestled at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Capilano University (CapU) stands as a distinctive public institution that transforms lives through imagination, hands-on learning, and deep community engagement. Founded in 1968 as Capilano College, the university began its journey with just 784 students attending evening classes in portables at West Vancouver Secondary School. Today, it has grown into a dynamic university of over 12,700 students representing 92 countries, with more than 50,000 graduates who have gone on to shape industries across British Columbia and beyond.

A Name Rooted in Indigenous Heritage

The university takes its name from Chief Joe Capilano (1854–1910), a revered leader of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. This naming is a profound acknowledgment of the land on which the university stands. CapU respectfully recognizes that its campuses are located on the unceded territories of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), shíshálh (Sechelt), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam) Nations. The university’s commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing is formalized through Chén̓chenstway, a guiding document that supports Indigenous perspectives in academic programming and strengthens relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Buy fake diploma online.

Academic Excellence Across Five Faculties

Capilano University offers over 120 programs and thousands of courses across five distinctive faculties: Arts & Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Education, Health & Human Development, Fine & Applied Arts, and Global & Community Studies. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging just 22 students, ensuring individualized attention from instructors who remain active in their professional fields. The university offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, including career-oriented programs in kinesiology, music therapy, legal studies, and business administration, as well as post-baccalaureate diplomas, certificates, and diplomas.

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Campuses Spanning the Region

CapU’s main campus, opened in 1973 on 13 hectares (34 acres) in North Vancouver, serves as the university’s academic hub with five faculties and over 100 programs onsite. The campus features more than a dozen buildings, including the Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Bosa Centre for Film & Animation, and a newly renovated library. Beyond North Vancouver, CapU has expanded its reach with four additional locations: kálax-ay the Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt (opened 1977), CapU Lonsdale in the Shipyards district (opened 2020), the new Squamish campus (opened Fall 2024), and the Ts̓zil Learning Centre owned and operated by the Líl̓wat Nation.

A Vibrant and Supportive Community

With 8,833 total students enrolled, including 375 Indigenous students and over 2,500 international students, CapU fosters a richly diverse community. The university offers 633 residence spaces, with first-year housing guaranteed at the Squamish campus. The Centre for Sport and Wellness, known as the Sportsplex, has been a cornerstone of campus life since 1991, supporting athletics, fitness, and wellness. The BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, a 372-seat theatre, nurtures and showcases emerging artistic talent. The Children’s Centre, accommodating up to 79 children from infancy to age five, offers $10/day daycare for students and employees—a testament to CapU’s commitment to supporting families.

Looking Forward

In 2008, Capilano College was officially designated Capilano University, marking a new chapter in its evolution. Today, guided by its vision of being “A University Inspired by Imagination,” CapU continues to prioritize student well-being, experiential learning, and research opportunities that respond to a rapidly changing world. From its humble beginnings in portables to its current status as a world-class institution, Capilano University remains a space where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to transform their passion into purpose.