Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University, with a main campus situated within the Hatley Park National Historic Site, is only a 20-minute drive from Victoria. The school caters primarily to mature students by offering applied and professional programs and by delivering teaching models suited to working people. The school accepts transfer credits from colleges and universities across the country and around the world, and a flexible admission policy recognizes formal and informal learning. “Royal Roads is Canada’s university for changemakers. We inspire people with the courage to transform the world,” says president Philip Steenkamp. Students can choose from nine undergraduate degree-completion programs (i.e., third- and fourth-year programs; RRU offers first- and second-year undergrad courses only to international students), 21 master’s programs, more than 40 graduate certificates and diplomas and two applied doctoral programs in social sciences and business administration. RRU also offers a master of arts in executive and organizational coaching. At the Langford campus, RRU offers a flexible undergraduate option: in first year, students earn an undergraduate certificate. In second year, they earn a diploma. In third and fourth year, students earn a bachelor’s degree in business, environmental practice or sciences, hospitality and tourism, justice, communications or interdisciplinary studies. If a student takes a break, they will still be equipped with credentials and RRU will welcome students back to complete a degree whenever they’re ready. Students can study abroad with one of RRU’s partner universities in Japan and Chile. 

Campus buzz: New student life programming at the Langford campus includes a “new to me” clothing drive, yoga classes, cultural celebrations and a winter festival.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees) $11,001

Median Entering Grades
Not tracked. No direct admittance for Canadian students to first-year undergraduate programs

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 584
Graduates: Full-time: 3,005
International Students: First-year: 100% | Graduate: 27%

Housing Facts
Residence: Not offered

Standout programs

Business and Sustainability: Students take courses in leadership, finance, sustainability, Indigenous business and social impact.

Applied Environmental Sciences: Students build technical, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills, alongside environmental management, economics, law, communications and sustainable development. Graduates are prepared to work in environmental consulting, environmental management for industry or in environmental policy government positions. 

Social Sciences: Students learn about global issues, social justice, politics and literature through hands-on projects that have a focus on real world application.