About
Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is widely recognized for its flexible learning options, strong undergraduate research opportunities, and career-focused programs in business, tourism, nursing, and trades. The institution stands out for its unique "Open Learning" division, which offers hundreds of distance education courses allowing students to balance work and studies seamlessly. TRU provides an exceptionally welcoming environment for global learners, hosting a thriving campus community where international students make up a significant percentage of the student body. The dedicated international student office offers comprehensive support services, including immigration advising, peer mentorship, cultural transition programs, and specialized English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) pathways. Furthermore, the university offers numerous undergraduate degrees and diplomas taught entirely in English, ensuring a smooth academic integration for international scholars.
Background
Thompson Rivers University (commonly referred to as TRU) is a public research university located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. The university's name comes from the two rivers which converge in Kamloops, the North Thompson and South Thompson. TRU describes itself as a dual-sector research university which offers a dual-sector education. The university has five academic faculties, the smallest being the Faculty of Law and the largest being the Faculty of Science, as well as three schools: the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, the School of Nursing, and the School of Trades and Technology. In addition to its primary campus in Kamloops, the university has a satellite campus in Williams Lake and a distance education division, TRU-Open Learning. In 2026, the administration voted to closed the satellite campus. TRU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at the associate, baccalaureate and master's degree levels. In 2023, TRU was named one of Canada's Top 50 Research Universities, and as of 2025 is one of the sixteen universities worldwide to hold a "Platinum" rating from the Association for the Advancement...
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Quick facts
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Wondering if Thompson Rivers University is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.