University of the Fraser Valley

Profile

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is the major adult educational resource for the communities of the Fraser Valley in southwestern British Columbia. Founded in 1974 as Fraser Valley College, it became the University College of the Fraser Valley in 1991, and gained University status in 2008. It is a multi-campus institution with main campuses in Abbotsford and Chilliwack; smaller centres in Mission, Hope, and Agassiz; and a presence in Chandigarh, India. In fall 2007, UFV began the relocation of its Chilliwack campus to an 80-acre site in that city’s Canada Education Park. The first facility to open was a two-acre, state-of-the-art Trades and Technology Centre.

The Fraser Valley region enjoys a moderate year-round climate and outstanding scenic beauty, an hour inland from the city of Vancouver. It is also one of the fastest-growing areas in Canada. The dramatic development of Fraser Valley communities in the past two decades is reflected in the evolution of UFV, as it strives to meet the changing social, educational and training needs of the area. UFV has played an integral part in many aspects of the region’s development.

UFV now offers more than 80 degree, diploma, and certificate programs and options in academic and applied areas, trades training, ESL and continuing education. UFV also offers two master’s degree and graduate certificate program options. UFV prides itself on its commitment to “laddering,” which allows students to build certificate and diploma programs into degree-level studies. It has a highly successful cooperative education option in several areas and a thriving international education department.

UFV’s dedicated, skilled professors and instructors provide a supportive atmosphere for learning and succeeding, helped by smaller class sizes than traditional universities. In addition to a new student residence building (opened in September 2007 on the Abbotsford campus), many clubs, events and activities enhance student life on campus. Also, UFV offers a solid athletics program with both intramural and league competition. The UFV Cascades athletics teams have won provincial and national medals in the college division. In 2006, UFV’s basketball and soccer teams began competing in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport league.



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Student fees

Canadian student fees  2010 - 2011 *
Undergraduate tuition fees: $3,720
Graduate ** tuition fees: $14,910

International student fees  2010 - 2011 *
Undergraduate tuition fees: $11,100
Graduate ** tuition fees: $22,860

* Source: Statistics Canada. Fees for general programs in arts and humanities.
** Fees for programs in social and behavioural sciences.

Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.

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Student enrolment

2010 rounded preliminary fall enrolment *
Full-time (undergraduates): 5,500
Full-time (graduates): 50
Part-time (undergraduates): 2,370

* Source: University of the Fraser Valley