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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

Important Facts

All students must understand the points about studying at TRU

1. All international students pay a flat fee tuition for undergraduate studies up to 12 credits (approximately 4 courses) plus general fees. Additional courses are on a per credit "plus general fees" basis (see details HERE). The only exceptions when you can pay per course are:

  • In the last year of your program if you need less than four courses to graduate.
  • In the summer semester because it is not always possible to take four courses.
  • Tuition must be paid in full before you can register for courses. The only exception is that you can register for Winter semester courses at the same time as you register for fall semester courses. However, you will be deregistered from your winter courses if you don’t pay your tuition by Nov. 1st.
  • You are in a Post-Baccalaureate program.

2. If you want to defer your studies to a later semester you must tell us before the first day of courses, otherwise your tuition will be forfeited.

3. TRU does not refund tuition unless your visa/study permit was denied.

4. To be eligible to work, students need to be a full-time student. TRU considers a student full-time if they are enrolled in three regular courses, totaling at least nine credits. However, if all three courses are ESL courses, then the student is not eligible for work. In simple terms, students must have a mix of regular courses to qualify for employment; having all ESL courses excludes them from work eligibility.

5. The law in British Columbia says that everyone must have medical insurance. It is your responsibility to make sure you have insurance and have paid for it. However, to help you when you first arrive, TRU will register you for private medical insurance and charge the cost to your TRU account. You are able to opt out of the insurance if you have purchased your own insurance.

More information on medical insurance


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reminding international students to prepare for their trip to study in Canada by reviewing Canada’s entry requirements and applying as soon as possible for their study permit.

IRCC has developed the attached handout, ready-to-use text, and social media messaging to help you share this important reminder with international students. We encourage you to spread the word via your institution’s student associations, websites and social media channels, and in correspondence with international students, to help minimize stress and ensure a smooth experience for students travelling to Canada.

IRCC has also prepared posters and shareable images to remind all travellers to Canada, including students, to apply early if they need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you would like electronic versions of any of these products, please contact IRCC at Outreach-Rayonnement@cic.gc.ca.

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