Thompson Rivers University is a highly respected public university in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. It is a mid-size university with around 12,000 undergraduate students. Open admissions are offered, and overall acceptance is around 82%. The most popular majors are Business, Tourism, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Health Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 60%, and Thompson Rivers' graduates receive a median starting salary of about INR 4,50,000 (about CAD 7,500 median income ten years post-graduation).
University Canada West is a private institution located in the city of Vancouver, province of British Columbia, Canada, with an emphasis on business and technology studies. It's a small school with about 1,500 undergraduate students. Admissions are open, with a general acceptance rate of approximately 80%. Typical majors are Business Administration, Commerce, and Technology Management. The six-year graduation rate is around 55%, and University Canada West graduates have a median starting salary of about INR 4,20,000 (roughly CAD 7,000 median income ten years after graduation).
| Thompson Rivers University | University Canada West | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | UG Programs -52 PG Programs -7 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -3 PG Programs -2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82.0 % | 80.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-7 TOEFL-94 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-61 TOEFL-88 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16695 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 34223 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 42991 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 73034 [For UG Program] Hostel + Meal - 2600 Per Year |
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| application requirements | Applicants must have completed secondary school and submit transcripts of all previous education completed. Submit English language proficiency test scores. | Submit official transcripts of all previous education completed. Submit English language proficiency test scores. Submit program specific requirements. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.0/10 Read 10 reviews | 7.0/10 Read 11 reviews |
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| exam scores | GMAT - 550/800IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 94/120 | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 61/90TOEFL - 88/120 |
| application dates | 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) | Nov 18, 2025 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake) Jan 9, 2026 (New Student Orientation For Winter 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Thompson Rivers University | University Canada West |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1970 | 2004 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 61:1 | 12:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 47% Male, 53% Female | 67% Male, 33% Female |
| Location Facts |
| University Canada West has two easily accessible campuses in downtown Vancouver. The stunning new Vancouver House Campus, located at 1461 Granville St. and West Pender Campus, located at 626 West Pender St. in the historic London Building. The new campus at Vancouver House is in one of the highest-profile developments in Vancouver’s recent history. The campus includes more than 90,000 square feet of space in two of the podium buildings in the iconic Vancouver House development, a globally recognized project designed by architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG. Vancouver House is in the Beach District, Vancouver’s newest neighbourhood, and is near Granville Island, Sunset Beach, English Bay and Vancouver’s 28-kilometre seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. |
| Library |
| With locations at both the West Pender and Vancouver House campuses, University Canada West’s Library is where members of the UCW community advance their research and scholarship skills and gain access to reliable, exclusive industry-relevant information. University Canada West’s Library Portal connects users to over 30 million full text scholarly journals, over 60 million periodicals, news and trade publications, close to 25,000 business case studies, 200,000 e-books, and much more, including company profiles, economic country reports and SWOT analyses. |
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| Hostel | #One-bedroom suite - $10000 #Four-bedroom suite - $9100 #Two-bedroom suite - $9100 #Two-bedroom deluxe suite - $9850 | #Monthly Rent - $2000 |
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| City Life | 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. | Vancouver frequently ranks highly as one of the world’s most livable cities. It was recently ranked as the best city to live in North America. Its scenic location near the ocean, tucked up against the North Shore mountains, makes living in Vancouver an ideal base for year-round exploration. The city’s coastline offers amazing views and great beaches, while the mountains offer hiking trails and snow sports. Living in ‘Beautiful British Columbia‘, world-renowned for its natural beauty, is ideal if you have an appreciation for the outdoors. If you don’t possess this appreciation right now, then we promise that you will develop a taste for this aspect of Vancouver life over time. |
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Thompson Rivers University vs University Canada West
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Thompson Rivers University and University Canada West are both Canadian universities with an emphasis on delivering quality and career-focused education, although neither of them is listed among QS, THE, or US News world rankings. Thompson Rivers University is renowned for applied programs in business, tourism, health sciences, and environmental studies, whereas University Canada West (UCW) specializes in business, commerce, and technology programs to assist working professionals and career development.
General Information
Thompson Rivers University (TRU), established in 1970, is based in Kamloops, British Columbia, and serves approximately 25,000 students, a combination of on-campus students and international students. It provides extensive options for undergraduate and graduate programs with an emphasis on applied learning and regional employment requirements.
University Canada West (UCW), founded in 2005 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a private university that provides business-oriented programs like Bachelor of Commerce and MBA degrees. UCW mainly caters to adult students and working professionals with flexible study options, highlighting its focus on online and accelerated programs.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both of these institutions boast high acceptance rates, and thus they open their doors to a wide array of students. The acceptance rate of Thompson Rivers University stands at 82%, demonstrating that it opens its doors to diverse learners for higher education access. University Canada West also boasts an acceptance rate of 80%, prioritizing flexibility, career focus, and accessibility, especially among working professionals and international students. Both universities mostly assess academic background and motivation with a focus on career aims and practical skills.
Research Impact & Facilities
Thompson Rivers University prioritizes applied research applicable to regional industries, including tourism, environmental science, health, and business industries. It ensures fully equipped facilities for supporting in-person and hybrid learning models.
University Canada West prioritizes applied less over research and more on offering career-oriented, practical education. It has a contemporary urban campus in Vancouver and prioritizes online learning platforms, aimed at facilitating flexible study by working professionals, over conventional research facilities.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities are relatively cheap compared to the big research-oriented universities in Canada. They offer scholarships, grants, and financial assistance opportunities targeting international students and adult learners in an effort to alleviate the cost and increase accessibility.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Thompson Rivers University graduates usually end up being employed in local industries, particularly in business, environmental sciences, health, and tourism industries, and they enjoy close industry partnership links.
University Canada West graduates are usually employed in business, technology, and management positions and have many already established working professionals leveraging their degrees to enhance their careers. UCW's applied, business-focused and flexible delivery model facilitates expedited career advancement and skill acquisition for mid-career learners.
