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TRU Open Learning Programs

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers students independent-study programs and courses to earn recognized credits and credentials by distance through Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL).

TRU programs offered through TRU-OL include adult secondary school completion, certificates, and diplomas (including advanced and post-baccalaureate), associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. Co-operative arrangements with other educational institutions, community organizations, industry, business, and professional associations provide students with choices in earning recognized credentials.

Notice to All Students:
CANDO: Course Acronym and Number Designation Orientation
The implementation of the new course codes has been delayed. The adjusted launch date is early 2011.

Please come back to this page for more information on the current status. We will update this page if the status changes. Thank you for patience and understanding.
Further details and a conversion chart available here

Students completing certificate, diploma, or degree programs by distance through TRU-OL are awarded Thompson Rivers University credentials. TRU is an accredited public post-secondary institution with membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

New Degree Programs
The First Nations Applied Economics program will provide key foundational skills and knowledge to assist in the development of a First Nations economic infrastructure and support long term benefits in the development of residential and commercial enterprises on First Nation lands.

The primary goal of the Accounting Technician Diploma is to train accounting technicians, who generally work as supervisors in accounting departments or as para-professionals in public accounting firms.

The Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program, designed and developed by Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) in collaboration with the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria, will provide program students with the knowledge and skills required to become effective leaders and managers in both government and non-governmental/non-profit organizations.

TRU offers distance programs in the following areas through Open Learning:

Adult Basic Education Programs
Arts Programs
Business and Management Studies Programs
Education Program
General Studies Programs
Health and Human Services Programs
Science Programs
Technology Programs
Tourism Program
Transfer, Continuing Studies, Extension Programs

Students who plan to complete a credential through TRU-OL are required to submit a Program Admission/Transfer Credit form.

Individual course descriptions are provided for all programs offered. Before registering, read through the information about distance education provided on this website. It examines various topics to assist students to start and continue successfully as distance learners.

TRU-OL also offers the opportunity to begin a program of study offered by University Consortium member institutions Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Victoria (UVic) without having to be admitted to these institutions.

Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops offers a selection of distance programs and courses. Refer to the TRU website for more information.

  • How to Apply to an Open Learning program

  • Step 1.

    Choose an Open Learning program. Be sure to review any particular program requirements such as pre-existing education, volunteer or work experience, or professional accreditation.

    Each program has a program planning fee:

    Certificates and Diplomas have a $53.00 program planning fee.
    Bachelor Degree programs have a $132.65 program planning fee.

    A transfer credit fee will be required if a transfer credit assessment is requested.

    Institutions from outside British Columbia require a transfer credit fee of $79.55.
    Institutions from inside British Columbia require a transfer credit fee of $42.45.
  • Step 2.

    Complete the Program Admission Form on our website. Please ensure that all personal information is correct and that the correct fees are included. Also please ensure that any transcripts are directly submitted by the institution to TRU, Open Learning at the mailing address indicated on the Program Admission Form.
  • Step 3.

    Wait for your transfer credit assessment to be completed (where applicable) and a program plan to be prepared that will list all available transfer credit and all the courses that are needed to complete your certification.

Please note that any international transcripts and/or credentials must be evaluated first by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Complete details on how to request an ICES evaluation and report can be found on the ICES website at http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

TRU-OL is a member of Canadian Virtual University-université virtuelle canadienne (CVU-UVC), a collaboration of nine Canadian universities that offers distance and online programs. When students enrol in a distance program listed on the CVU-UVC website, they may take courses at any member university without paying additional admission fees or the Letter of Permission fee. Students can select from among 1,800 courses in English or French to meet their schedule, interests, and learning style. Credit earned at a member university can be transferred to the CVU-UVC distance program in which a student is enrolled provided the course meets program requirements.