Nestled in the North Shore mountains and just 30 minutes from all that downtown Vancouver has to offer, Capilano University is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers.
Founded in 1968, the University is renowned for its jazz, film, animation, and performing arts programs. CapU's business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design programs are also highly regarded. Capilano University offers a wide range of credentials, including bachelor's degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, undergraduate diplomas, and certificates.
The institution has 5 locations: North Vancouver, Lonsdale, Squamish, the Sunshine Coast, as well as the Lil'wat Nation's Ts'zil Learning Centre north of Whistler. Capilano University is a teaching-focused university with classes sizes averaging 25 students - learners at CapU are afforded individual attention. Many of our instructors, balance teaching with professional practice and share real-world experiences and industry connections. The quality of instruction at Capilano University is rated at 92 per cent by bachelor's degree students, one of the top ratings in British Columbia, according to B.C. Student Outcomes Baccalaureate Graduate Survey results (2020-2022).
The North Vancouver campus currently offers student housing nearby and will open its first on-campus housing in January 2026. The Squamish campus also provides on-campus housing for students.
Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh) Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
Alumni and instructors from Capilano University Film and Animation programs have been nominated for and won Juno Awards; alumni have worked on Oscar-winning animation teams; Jason Karman, faculty in the Motion Picture Arts program and alumnus of CapU, had his feature film 'Golden Delicious' screen at festivals across Canada, including the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival. The film stars Cardi Wong and is produced by Kristyn Stilling – both CapU alumni. Motion Picture Arts faculty Lisa Kolisnyk has done sound for FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournaments in Paris, Qatar, and, in Summer 2023, Australia – winning two Emmy Awards along the way. Documentary alumni (2023) Alix Buck has received funding to pursue a feature-length documentary based on her grad film ‘Lobster Queens'. Students and alumni had 15 nominations at this year's Leo Awards – and 6 wins, including Jessica Kalan, Best Costume Design – Motion Picture for ‘Bones of Crows', also co-winner of the Canadian Costume Artists and Designers Award.
Out of more than three hundred teams, CapU business students placed third in 2018 and second in 2017 in the American Marketing Association Collegiate Case Competition. North Vancouver, B.C., home to Capilano University's main campus, is an inspiring setting in which to learn and grow. When the school day is done, the outdoor adventures begin. Minutes from campus, you'll find hiking and mountain biking trails, secret beaches, and world-class ski resorts with spectacular views of the Vancouver skyline. Further up the Coast, where CapU serves the communities of the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, you'll discover even more ways to enjoy the active West Coast lifestyle.
Starting at just $1,410 per month including all your meals, your residence fees include a fully furnished room with a bed, storage, desk, chair and closet, unlimited high-speed wireless Internet and access to laundry, washrooms and showers, as well as dedicated lounge and study spaces. For a list of prices, please click here or contact [email protected]. Student housing is available at both the North Vancouver and Squamish campuses.
Apply now for CapU student housing for Academic Year 2026-2027.
Capilano University's sports teams, known as the Blues, carry a proud tradition of excellence that attracts elite athletes every year. The Blues have varsity programs for men's and women's soccer, men's and women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball. All teams compete provincially in the PACWEST conference which is part of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Since the inception of the Blues athletics program in 1973, CapU teams have claimed 62 provincial titles and 15 national championships including the 2020 men's volleyball national championship. Blues sports provide an important part of campus life. With home soccer games at Lillooet Park and home basketball and volleyball games at the Centre for Sport and Wellness, there is opportunity most weekends to attend sports events at CapU and cheer on the Blues. You can find the latest updates on Blues sports on Instagram @CapilanoBlues or website.
#GoBlues
CapU students have many options to study, live and/or work in another country as part of their program— for the same tuition fee paid at CapU. Students typically apply in their second year of studies to go abroad in their third year. View Study Abroad info on the CapU website.