Thompson Rivers University

Study at Thompson Rivers University in Canada

Ask a graduate student why they choose Thompson Rivers University (TRU), and the answer often comes down to flexible graduate programs, applied learning, smaller class sizes, and a supportive academic environment. Thompson Rivers University, established in 1970, is a public university in British Columbia with its main campus in Kamloops and a second campus in Williams Lake. TRU offers graduate programs across business, data science, software engineering, environmental studies, education, nursing, and human rights, with several master's programs designed around practical learning, research, and professional development.

As your trusted education and visa partner, ApplyCan guides students through Thompson Rivers University's application, program selection, scholarship, and visa process from start to finish. Below is everything you need to know before applying.

📍 Thompson Rivers University Campuses

TRU operates two main campuses in British Columbia, with the majority of its graduate programs based at the Kamloops campus.

• Kamloops Campus: Kamloops, British Columbia

• Williams Lake Campus: Williams Lake, British Columbia

• Main Graduate Campus: Kamloops, British Columbia

🌟 Why TRU for International Students?

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Master's degrees are eligible for a PGWP of up to 3 years, subject to IRCC requirements

• Co-ops, Practicums & Applied Learning: Available in selected graduate programs

• Graduate Scholarships & Funding: Graduate awards, research funding, teaching assistantships, and research assistant opportunities available for eligible students

TRU offers a strong selection of professional and research-based master's programs. Course-based, project-based, and thesis options are available across selected programs, while international students receive access to academic advising, career services, immigration guidance, student support, and employment resources.

💰 Tuition Fees & Upcoming Intakes

TRU's international graduate tuition varies by program and the number of credits or courses completed. For 2026–27, many master's programs fall within approximately CAD $35,000 – $60,000 for the full program, while tuition for individual programs is calculated according to their specific graduate fee structure.

• Master of Business Administration: Approximately CAD $55,000 – $60,000 for the full program (approx.)

• Master in Environmental Economics & Management: Approximately CAD $38,000+ for the course-based program (approx.)

• MSc Data Science / Master of Engineering Science: Approximately CAD $45,000 – $55,000+ depending on credits and completion structure

• Upcoming Intakes: September and January for selected graduate programs. Note: Intake availability and application deadlines vary significantly by program.

📝 Eligibility & English Proficiency Requirements

Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Many master's programs require a recognized three- or four-year bachelor's degree with a minimum B average (GPA 3.0/4.33) in the last 60 credits, while selected programs have higher academic or prerequisite requirements.

• Most Graduate Programs: IELTS Academic 6.5 Overall (No band below 6.0) | TOEFL iBT 88+ | CAEL 70+

• MBA / Selected Business Graduate Programs: IELTS Academic 7.0 Overall (No band below 6.5) | TOEFL iBT 94+ | PTE Academic 68+

• Selected Graduate Programs: Additional quantitative, computing, references, résumé, statement of intent, or prerequisite requirements may apply.

🎓 Top Graduate Programs & Career Support

TRU has a particularly strong selection of graduate programs for students interested in business, data, technology, sustainability, and professional development.

• Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS): A two-year master's program combining statistics, computing science, programming, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with project/course-based and thesis completion options.

• Master of Engineering Science – Software Engineering: A two-year master's program focused on advanced software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and complex software systems.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): A flexible graduate business program with opportunities to customize studies through different pathways, including accelerated options for eligible applicants.

• Master of Environmental Economics and Management (MEEM): A two-year course-based master's program combining business, management, environmental economics, sustainability, and quantitative analysis.

• Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice: A 16-month master's program exploring human rights, social justice, policy, and related global and community issues, with practicum and applied completion pathways.

• Career Support: TRU Career Services provides career advising, résumé and cover-letter support, interview preparation, job-search resources, employer connections, networking opportunities, career events, and support for experiential learning.

Ready to Apply to Thompson Rivers University?

With September and January intake options available across selected master's programs and program-specific deadlines varying considerably, students are encouraged to begin their application early. Start your application through ApplyCan today to get your profile evaluated and receive guidance on graduate program selection, admission, scholarships, and visa processing.