Vancouver Island University vs Thompson Rivers University

Vancouver Island University is a public research university which is ranked among top 1000 universities globally and Thompson Rivers University is a public research university in Canada

Overview Comparison
Vancouver Island UniversityThompson Rivers University
ranking (overall)# 1201 QS World University 2025
# 1001 QS World University 2024
# 1001 QS World University 2023
-
Subject Strength--
ProgramsUG Programs -33
PG Programs -6
UG Programs -52
PG Programs -7
Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate57.0 %82.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
PTE-65
TOEFL-88
IELTS-7
TOEFL-94
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   13313
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  27632
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 37884 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   16695
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  34223
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 42991 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average graduate salary for MBA program is $31,000-60,000 CAD. 


  • Thompson Rivers University's Student Placement Service assists students in finding placements and internships.
  • Under Thompson Rivers University's work and study program, students can get job placements while still studying.
  • If they study for up to two years at TRU, they will need a work permit in Canada for up to two years after graduation.
  • Students can work up to 20 hours per week and earn an average of 2400-3000 CAD (1,48,134.51- 1,85,168.14 INR)per month under the program. 
  • In Canada, a student can earn up to 120,000 CAD (74,07,207.68 INR)per year. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for University graduates is 66,306  CAD (40,91,622.58 INR).

application requirements

Submit official transcripts of all previous education completed. Submit English language proficiency test scores. Complete program specific requirements. 

Applicants must have completed secondary school and submit transcripts of all previous education completed. Submit English language proficiency test scores. 

CollegeDunia Reviews4.9/10 Read 4 reviews7.0/10 Read 10 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

application--
exam scoresDuolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 88/120GMAT - 550/800IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 94/120
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesMar 31, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake)
Jun 30, 2026 (Application Deadline For January 2027 Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake)
Feb 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
application--
why to opt?

The Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science, is designed to meet the training and educational requirements outlined by CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society), ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). These requirements reflect the needs of the computing industry, both nationally and internationally.

The program is composed of courses drawn from the systems, theoretical and business application domains. It is designed to train students in applied computer science and educate them in the social, ethical and legal implications of computer science.


The Bachelor of Computing Science degree consists of two years of concentrated computing studies preceded by two years of general study. It is designed for those wishing to enter a in Computing Science, or for those wishing to pursue graduate studies. The program will mainly concentrate on small to medium business environments.


exam scoresDuolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 88/120Duolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 88/120
Admission Criteria/Better to Have
  • Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status
  • English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
  • Pre-calculus 12 or Foundations of Math 12 with a minimum of C+, within the last two years (or equivalent)

cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -27001Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -27000
application datesApr 30, 2025 (Application Deadline For September Intake)
Jan 21, 2025 (Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake)
Apr 25, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsVancouver Island UniversityThompson Rivers University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1969
1970
Student:Faculty Ratio16:1
61:1
Male:Female42% Male, 58% Female47% Male, 53% Female
Location Facts

VIU’s three campus locations are connected by coastal beauty and a culture of community. The main campus of the university is the Nanaimo campus while the newest campus is the Cowichan campus. The other campus is located at tiwsemawtx. 


  • TRU, or Thompson Rivers University, is divided into two campuses. Thompson Rivers University's main Campus is in Kamloops, Thompson Rivers University address is across the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers, from which the school gets its name.
  • The Campus of Cégep Heritage College is thriving and busy, supporting student activities, offering leadership development opportunities, and ensuring students' personal growth. 

Library

The library of the university provides access to various databases, resources, books and publications that can be used by the students. 


  • Library gives users access to various forms, including academic journals, periodicals, magazines, reports, books, and videos. A sizable collection of full-text resources is available on various topics, such as anthropology, biology, engineering, geography, math, physics, religion and philosophy, science, and more! Additionally, Academic Search Ultimate gives users access to resources that are not yet part of our library.
  • TRU's library collection offers over 250,000 books, 51,000 ebooks, 13,000 videos, 30,000 periodicals, 90 article databases, and an extensive collection of government documents, pamphlets, microforms and audiovisual materials.

Campus Life

The student union of the university operates various clubs under its wing. There are various events organized on the campus like BBQs, movie nights, festivities etc. Wide variety of intramural sports, leagues, fitness classes and recreational activities are conducted on campus. Peer helpers help international students events and orientation.


  • Internet connection is available throughout the Campus. It is close to major cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Seattle.
  • Basketball, WolfPack varsity volleyball, soccer, and badminton are among the 12 athletic teams on Campus.
  • The University's Main Campus in Kamloops has over 80 active student societies and clubs in fields such as dance, art and music, and sports.
  • Additionally, it allows all students to participate in outdoor activities, including hiking in the Adirondacks, canoeing down rapids, and other enjoyable nature outings.
  • You can participate in wellness programs at Thompson Rivers University's recently remodeled fitness center.
  • Many of our students are members of Alliance Sport-Études, which enables them to participate in top-notch sports while going to and finishing college.
  • The College also provides a range of workshops all year long, including ones on time management, mental wellness, and stress management. 
  • All events and activities are promoted year-round on Campus and in Omnivox.

Hostel#Housing - $12492
#Housing & food (homestay) - $9360
#Housing - $9540
#One-bedroom suite - $10000
#Four-bedroom suite - $9100
#Two-bedroom suite - $9100
#Two-bedroom deluxe suite - $9850
Famous Alumni

Victor Blasco (Spanish football player), Shaye Anderson (Canadian politician), Pat Steward (Canadian Drummer), Rachel Blaney (Canadian Politician)


  • TRU's undergraduate, graduate, and vocational training programs have graduated over 33,000 Canadian and 15,000 international alumni.
  • TRU Alum stays connected through AlumNights in Vancouver and Victoria.
  • Some notable ones are Canadian actor Lorne Cardinal, Canadian novelist and former University of British Columbia professor Steven Galloway, and Canadian retired professional basketball player Kamar Burke.
  • Thompson Rivers has a diverse alumni base in a variety of fields. 
  • Thompson Rivers University notable alumni are eligible for various benefits, including career resources, Alumni Association scholarships, bursaries, Reunion planning assistance, an Alumni access card that allows discounts on accommodation and travel, professional development, retail and merchandise, and services, sports, and entertainment.

City Life

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You have easy access to outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and beach trips. Ski and surf adventures are less than a day of travel away. You can also enjoy dining, live music, theater, museums, galleries, and Indigenous cultural experiences in the nearby communities.


Kamploos city is the third largest city in British Columbia, Canada. This city offers a relaxed lifestyle with warm climate and unlimited opportunities for recreational activities. 


Weather