Explore Thompson Rivers University Master’s Programs

Discover Thompson Rivers University Master's programs for international students. Learn about available courses, admission requirements, tuition fees, and how to apply.

Are you planning to pursue graduate studies in Canada as an international student? Canada is known for offering world-class education, globally respected degrees, and strong career opportunities — and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is one of the best institutions for students seeking affordable, career-focused, and research-driven Master’s programs.

Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, TRU offers several graduate programs that combine academic depth with real-world relevance. Whether you're interested in business leadership, environmental economics, research-based environmental science, or education leadership, TRU’s Master’s programs are designed to help international students build successful careers in Canada and globally.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Thompson Rivers University Master’s programs, including top courses, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and the application process.

Why Choose Thompson Rivers University for Your Master’s?

TRU is well-known for supporting international students through quality education, practical learning, and career development.

Top Reasons TRU Is Popular Among International Students

✅ Located in Kamloops, British Columbia — a safe, student-friendly city with a lower cost of living than major Canadian cities
✅ Affordable tuition compared to many universities in Canada
✅ Strong research opportunities with expert faculty (especially in environmental programs)
✅ Diverse and inclusive campus environment
✅ Co-op and internship options available in selected programs
✅ International tuition details and study load guidance are clearly defined by TRU, which helps students plan their finances effectively (Thompson Rivers University)

Many international students also choose TRU because it offers a balance between academic excellence and career preparation, with programs designed to develop both theoretical and practical expertise.

Top Thompson Rivers University Master’s Programs

TRU offers a selection of graduate programs that appeal to students interested in leadership, sustainability, research, and education.

Below are some of the most popular Thompson Rivers University graduate programs for international students:

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The TRU MBA is one of the most popular graduate degrees for international students in Canada. It focuses on developing leadership and management skills for global careers.

Duration: Typically 2 years
Key Areas of Study:

• Leadership and Management
• Marketing & Branding
• Financial Strategy
• Business Operations
• Organizational Strategy

Study Options: On-campus and flexible learning formats may be available depending on intake and program structure.

This program is ideal for students who want to build careers in:

• Business management
• Marketing and strategy
• Finance
• Consulting
• Entrepreneurship

2. Master in Environmental Economics and Management (MEEM)

The MEEM program at TRU is designed for students interested in sustainability, environmental policy, and economic decision-making. It is a unique program that blends management education with environmental economics.

Duration: Approximately 2 years
Best For Students Interested In:

• Climate policy and sustainability
• Environmental finance and resource economics
• Public policy and international development
• Sustainable business management

TRU describes the MEEM program as similar to its MSc in Environmental Economics and Management, but with additional MBA-style courses rather than thesis/project requirements (TruSchool)

3. Master of Science in Environmental Science (MScES)

The Master of Science in Environmental Science at TRU is a research-focused program designed to meet local and global demand for skilled environmental scientists.

Program Highlights:

• Research-intensive, thesis-based learning
• Multi-disciplinary environmental science training
• Strong focus on innovation and problem solving

TRU states the program aims to develop graduates who are innovative researchers with broad, interdisciplinary knowledge in environmental science (Thompson Rivers University)

This program is ideal for students looking to work in:

• Environmental consulting
• Climate and conservation research
• Government agencies
• Sustainability and environmental protection sectors

4. Master of Education (MEd)

The Master of Education (MEd) at TRU is designed for educators and academic professionals who want to improve their leadership skills, deepen educational knowledge, and expand their career options.

Program Focus Areas:

• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• Research in Education
• Teaching and Learning Strategies

TRU also provides a clear tuition calculation model for the MEd program for international students, which is based on per-credit fees (Tru University)

5. Master in Data Science (Planned / Under Development)

TRU may develop programs such as Data Science depending on faculty and academic planning. Since this is listed as planned or under development, it’s important to check TRU’s official Graduate Studies page for the most recent updates.

Admission Requirements for TRU Master’s Programs

Admission requirements vary depending on the program, but international students typically need the following documents:

General Requirements

✅ Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
✅ Academic transcripts
✅ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✅ Two academic or professional references
✅ Resume/CV

English Language Requirements

Most programs require proof of English proficiency, such as:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT: 88

For research-based programs, TRU’s faculty pages also highlight the importance of academic readiness and motivation for research-based learning (Tru University)

Tuition Fees for International Students

TRU is considered an affordable university compared to many Canadian institutions, and the total tuition depends on the program.

Estimated Tuition Fees

• MBA Program: Approx. CAD 28,000 – 32,000 total
• MEEM / MSc / Other programs: Approx. CAD 22,000 – 30,000 total (varies by program)

For some programs like the Master of Education, TRU uses a per-credit tuition model and provides exact international fee calculations (Tru University)

Important: Tuition can change by academic year, so always confirm costs through TRU’s official international tuition and fee pages (Thompson Rivers University)

Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Graduate Students

TRU offers a limited number of scholarships and awards for international graduate students. These are typically based on:

• Academic excellence
• Merit-based performance
• Competitive selection criteria

Because scholarships are limited, it’s recommended that students apply early and prepare a strong academic application.

How to Apply to Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Applying to TRU is a straightforward online process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit TRU’s Graduate Studies website and choose your program
2. Prepare all required documents (transcripts, SOP, references, resume)
3. Apply online through the TRU application portal
4. Pay the application fee (typically approx. CAD $100)
5. Wait for your admission decision
6. Receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
7. Start your study permit (visa) application

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a Canadian university that offers affordable graduate tuition, strong academic support, and career-oriented Master’s programs, Thompson Rivers University is a great choice.

From a respected MBA to specialised programs in environmental economics, environmental science research, and education leadership, TRU offers graduate degrees designed for international students who want academic growth and career advancement in Canada.

Whether your goal is a professional career, research-based pathway, or future PhD opportunities, TRU provides a supportive and practical environment to help you succeed.