Students joining KPU's Asian Studies Program will be introduced to a variety of diverse cultures across Asia and their connections to Canada and its local communities. Asian Studies is a multidisciplinary program drawing on fields like anthropology, cultural studies, history, religious studies, and sociology. Students can choose an area focus - South Asia or East Asia - or a thematic focus, such as cinema, religion, diaspora studies, gender, or ethnicity. In this four-year interdisciplinary program, students will not only acquire practical skills that they'll be able to apply in their local multicultural communities, they will also develop the intellectual and cultural competencies required to operate successfully in a world where the nations of Asia are increasingly influential. In a contemporary globalized economy, the ability to combine Asian language skills with a critical understanding of the regions cultural and historical heritage gives students a competitive advantage upon entering the workforce. In this interdisciplinary degree, students may choose from a number of disciplines in order to create a program that suits their interests and career goals. For language training, students have the option of choosing between East and South Asian languages such as Punjabi, Mandarin, or Japanese and may also be eligible to take part in exchanges with KPU's partner institutions in China, India, and Japan.
Career Path
Studying Asian Studies at KPU enables students to gain valuable competencies including critical thinking, communication, intercultural awareness, and information literacy. Your ability to link what you learn in class to the needs of our communities and our world will prepare you for a career in public and community service, including: Local and international business, Social work, Primary and secondary education, Law or policing, Professional writing, NGOs, Government Program Assistant, Cultural Liaison Officer, Immigration Services Support Worker, Community Outreach Coordinator, Public Policy Clerk, Human Rights Advocacy Assistant, Global Education Outreach Worker.
Students can work part time for up to 20 hours per week and full time during academic breaks. After graduation, students from an eligible Designated Learning Institution may apply for work permit up to three years, depending on the length of study and program eligibility.
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to Kwantlen Polytechnic University below;
1. WASSCE Certificate/A-Level
2. School Transcript
3. Passport
4. Recommendation Letter
5. CV
Kwantlen Polytechnic University accept, for the purposes of meeting the English proficiency requirement, evidence of English study within a 12 year education system where English is designated as the primary and official language and the principal language of instruction. For applicants who do not yet meet the English language requirement, there are two pathways to achieve the necessary level:
Pre sessional English Programme; Students may successfully complete a preparatory English programme offered by the university before beginning their academic course. Recognized English Proficiency Tests; Students may submit one of the following minimum scores prior to the start of their program: IELTS: 6.5 overall band score (or equivalent), TOEFL or PTE: Score of 60, Duolingo English Test: Score of 120.
