KPU partners with Coquitlam School District to make pathway for international students
International high school students in SD43 with a valid study permit can now attend KPU without re-applying for a new permit
The Coquitlam school district welcomes 1,200 students from 30 different countries each year. (Unsplash/Javier Trueba)
International high school students within the Coquitlam school district (SD43) are now able to embark on their post-secondary education at Kwantlen Polytechnic University without needing to re-apply for a student permit.
In a first of its kind agreement in B.C., KPU and the Coquitlam school district recognize that students can continue to use a valid study permit at the post-secondary level, providing a seamless transition and pathway, which is now in effect.
“We have been in discussions with the Coquitlam School District for several years. Establishing this pathway now speaks to a longstanding mutual interest in collaboration between the school district and KPU,” wrote Associate Vice-President of KPU International Carole St. Laurent in an email statement to The Runner.
Shawn Silverstone, director of international marketing and recruitment for the Coquitlam School District, says SD43 decided to partner with KPU because of the university’s commitment to student success and providing high quality education.
“Our goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible for our students to achieve their academic and career aspirations,” he says.
“The process really involved detailed discussions and planning to ensure that the agreement met the needs of our international students and provide them with a comprehensive and seamless transition to post-secondary education.”
This pathway is a new “memorandum of understanding,” in which KPU and SD43 plan to co-market, host informational sessions and campus tours, and establish a pathway program with conditional acceptance along with dual credit courses and short-term programs.
With the launch of this pathway also comes a new scholarship offering. One international high school student from Coquitlam can receive $5,000 for each fall semester intake. The scholarship encourages students to attend a local university and continue their studies in B.C., KPU Interim Manager of Media and Communications Matt Hoekstra wrote to The Runner. At the time of publication, scholarship eligibility details are still being determined.
International high school students have adapted to Canadian life as they’ve been studying in the region for at least one year, Laurent said in a press release, adding that they know the social culture and are familiar with the education system.
Silverstone says this kind of adaptation is crucial to building academic foundations and developing social networks.
“During this time, students not only improve their language skills, but also become more integrated into the community, which greatly contributes to their overall success in post-secondary education,” he says.
SD43 welcomes around 1,200 international kindergarten to Grade 12 students from more than 30 different countries, Silverstone says.
“These students come from diverse backgrounds and bring a rich, cultural perspective to our schools. It really enhances the educational experience for all of our students.”
Both KPU and SD43 are looking to develop similar partnerships with other schools in the region.
“We’re really excited about this opportunity for our students, and I think this is what B.C. needs,” Silverstone says. “It needs to show people around the world that we have extremely high-quality education.”
