A brief what's what about TRU after 50 years of educating

Celebrating 50 years of educating in 2020, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) serves and teaches more than 30,000 students between its state-of-the-art campuses and online Open Learning system. Kamloops, the Tournament Capital of Canada, is home to TRU’s largest and main campus. It is here where facilities overlook the junction of the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers, hence the naming of TRU.

There is an additional campus at Williams Lake and regional centres in the communities of 100 Mile House, Clear Water, Barriere, Ashcroft, and Lillooet. The scenic drive from downtown Vancouver to the Kamloops campus is approximately 3.5-hours/350 kilometres, or 6-hours/550 kilometres to the Williams Lake campus. The other regional centres are located throughout the Thompson Nicola and Okanagan regions of British Columbia.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, the average class size for academic courses is 31 students between campuses, regional centres, and online learning. Of the 30,000+ students enrolled, more than 6,000 were international students. A majority of domestic students were enrolled in the Open Learning program, while nearly half of international students were enrolled in the Open Learning program. The average age of on-campus students was 25, while the average age of Open Learning students was 29.

TRU has been an accredited university since 2018 and is particularly known for its diverse and flexible program offerings.

• 10 distinct schools and faculties offer a variety of undergraduate degrees, certifications, and other learning opportunities. Of note, Open Learning offers numerous programs in a variety of specializations and can be completed as a full or parttime student.
• Several graduate programs are also available including Master of Science in Data Science, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and Master of Education.
• For trades and technologies, many programs offer foundational and apprenticeship accreditation, with further Red Seal recognition for most.
• Adult Basic Education offers educational upgrading opportunities to complete your high school degree, if unfinished, or to work towards enrolling in other TRU programs. Though some costs are still associated, free tuition is available to residents of British Columbia for online courses.
• Community Programs cover a range of offerings from TRU including continuing studies, first aid certifications, cooperative education for eligible students, and opportunities to tutor high school students in various subjects.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) is offered in shortterm programs for students, credited academics with courses designed to develop English proficiency, and even a program dedicated to certifying graduates to teach ESL.

Some of TRU’s most popular programs include Arts General, Business Administration, General Science, Health Sciences, and Computing Science. You can read about each of these programs on TRU’s Global Study Guide profile.

TRU actively pursues a comprehensive, learner-centered, sustainable university experience for its students. Graduates, no matter where they are or where they came from, serve their communities with fulfillment and meaningful knowledge. Register your free student account today with Global Study Guide, our representatives will help you learn more about TRU and its many offerings available to you.