Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a public teaching and research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees and vocational training. Its main campus is in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
TRU offers open access and on-campus, online, distance and blended learning options. Students who wish to study here can choose from more than 140 on-campus programs and 60 Open Learning programs in eight faculties and schools: Arts; Nursing; Science; Trades and Technology; Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism; Business and Economics; Education and Social Work; and Law.
From traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees, TRU offers over 140 on-campus programs and 60 Open Learning programs to choose from. Our students apply what they learn in co-op work terms, study abroad, undergraduate research, field schools and practicums, service learning and other opportunities with guidance and mentorship by our accessible faculty. Research, creation and innovation thrive in our open, flexible learning environment. And so do our students.
TRU is a leading destination in Canada for international students. International enrolment now exceeds 3,000 students from 90 nations worldwide.
Students at Thompson Rivers University enjoy an exceptional breadth of programs, hands-on learning experiences, accessible faculty and a network of services to support their success. Over 15,000 students study on campus annually, including more than 3,400 international students from 105 countries. Another 15,000 study by distance or online through TRU Open Learning.
The beautiful main campus in the heart of Kamloops welcomes a diverse student population, enriching TRU’s inclusive community both culturally and academically. The WolfPack, TRU’s varsity athletes, train in one of the province’s premier recreational facilities. BC’s largest municipal park is right next door to campus, and housing and shopping are close by.
TRU’s modern combination of excellent teaching, community-inspired research, flexible learning pathways and dedicated student support create an environment where research, creation and innovation thrive and so do its students.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT
English language proficiency requirements for academic study
Applicants are required to meet minimum English language proficiency requirements for direct entry into academic programs.
Students may meet this condition by either providing an acceptable English language proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) or by achieving an acceptable score on the TRU English Placement Test (EPT). Students are strongly encouraged to complete an acceptable test prior to arriving to improve course selection options, but this is not mandatory.
In order to verify all English language proficiency test scores, students must have an official copy sent directly to TRU Admissions from the testing agency. Copies of test scores, provided to the ESAL department upon arrival, will not be accepted.
Students who fail to achieve the results for direct entry into academic programs will be placed in the appropriate level of English language study as indicated below.
| TRU Placement | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL paper-based | IELTS | MELAB | CanTEST | CAEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct entry to academic programs | 88+ with no section below 20 | 570+ TWE 4.5+ | 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0 | 81+ | 4.5+ with no component score below 4.0 | Overall 70+ No subtest below 60 |
| Direct entry into Level 5 ESL | 80+ | 550-569 TWE 4.0+ | 6.0+ with no band below 5.5 | 77+ | 4.0+ with no component score below 4.0 | Overall 60+ No subtest below 50 |
| Direct entry into Level 4 ESL | 71+ | 530-549 | 5.5+ with no band below 5.0 | 74+ | 4.0+ with no component score below 3.5 | Overall 50+ No subtest below 40 |
| Direct entry into Level 3 ESL | 61+ | 500-529 | 5.0+ | 69+ | 3.5+ | Overall 40+ |
A student must meet or exceed the required level on all aspects to be at any specific level (for example, for the TOEFL, direct entry students must have an overall score of 88+ and all sections at least 20). When sub-scores are used, a good mark in one area will not compensate for a poor mark in another. We recommend that students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry write the TRU placement test to determine their appropriate placement in ESAL.
Japanese English Language Proficiency Test — STEP
TRU will consider the STEP First Grade for direct entry into academic programs. We will also consider STEP Pre-First Grade Level as equivalent to TOEFL 500+ for placement purposes.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
TRU will consider the CEF C1 and C2 for direct entry into academic programs. We will also consider CEF B2 and B2+ as equivalent to the IELTS 5.0+ for placement purposes.
Cambridge ESOL
TRU will consider the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) for direct entry into academic programs. The FCE (First Certificate in English) will be considered at the IELTS 5.0+ for placement purposes.
Pearson Test of English
TRU will consider the Pearson Test of English (PTE) for direct entry into academic programs with an overall score of 58 or greater and no communicative skills test scores below 55
Academic requirements
Admission requirements vary, but all TRU programs require secondary school completion for academic admission.
Minimum age
Students must be at least 17 years old.