Capilano University

Our History

Capilano University was founded as a college in 1968, with an initial enrolment of just over 700 students. Its founding was part of an effort in the 1960s to expand access to post-secondary education in British Columbia.

Capilano University started as a handful of classes offered after hours in portables at West Vancouver Secondary.

Fifty-five years later, with more than 10,000 students from 80 countries and 50,000 graduates, we can proudly say CapU is an academic hub for the North Shore and beyond.

Our Values

Capilano University is a post-secondary education community where we value innovation fueled by curiosity and imagination. We are committed to Truth and Reconciliation through the principles of Indigenization and decolonization.

We value collaboration, authenticity and belonging to ensure students and employees feel connected and empowered to achieve their potential.

At CapU, we are building a culture of health and wellness by providing support at every turn, from accessibility services to personal and academic counselling.

We aspire to infuse transparency and honesty in all we do, fostering trust and supporting a healthier and happier community. And we are incorporating sustainable actions to enable a better world for future generations.