About Royal Roads University
Royal Roads is a publicly funded, applied research university that has focused on lifelong education since 1995. Undergraduate and graduate programs are delivered on-campus and online through small cohorts, taught by faculty members who offer academic insight grounded in professional practice.
Public university since 1995
With military heritage dating back to 1940.
3 In-person Campuses + Online
In Colwood, Langford, UAE, and globally online.
23 Study Abroad Opportunities
In 15 countries around the world.
A Network of 37,000 Alumni
Connected across more than 90 countries.
RRU students
Student body
- 4300+ students
- 75% students are pursuing graduate degrees — the highest percentage of any university in Canada
- 20% international students from 169 countries of origin
Programs
- 70+ programs offered on-campus, online and a blend of the two.
- 35 student average class size for personal, supportive experience.
Our learning, teaching and research values
- applied and authentic
- caring and community-based
- transformational
Career impact
Graduates say RRU made a professional difference — and most report landing new jobs, earning higher salaries, or receiving promotions.
Alumni pride
Students leave with more than a credential. They join a global alumni community that carries their life-changing RRU education with pride.
Changemaker campus
RRU is one of only four Canadian universities recognized by Ashoka U for social innovation in higher education.
Retention rate
Most students who start a program at RRU stay and finish. Our learning model, support systems and community make a real difference.
Research and impact
Three research themes guide our work:
- Transformational learning
- Climate action, wellbeing and the environment
- Leadership, organizations and an equitable, inclusive society
How we're making an impact:
- Six Canada Research Chairs
- 15 international research partnerships across sectors and disciplines.
- 600+ scholarly outputs annually.
- Home to the Cascade Institute research centre addressing urgent and entangled global problems.
As a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, RRU's research is designed to directly benefit communities locally, nationally and internationally.
Life on Southern Vancouver Island
Big city perks, small-town charm.
Near Victoria BC, home to 402,000 people and rated #1 Best Small City in the World (Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice, 2023).
Two campuses: RRU Langford, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities that won the Best Community in BC award and RRU Colwood, a family-friendly seaside community with rich heritage.
Canada's best weather
Mild, comfortable and perfect for year-round outdoor activities in the city, forest, beaches and lakes.
A city that lives and breathes
Festivals, arts and culture, world-class attractions, rated the 8th best food city in the world (Condé Nast Traveller).
Partnerships & affiliations
