Concordia University College of Alberta
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Welcome!
Leaving your home country to study in Canada is a decision that requires a good deal of courage and will impact your future and family. For those reasons, we believe that Concordia is a good choice for you. We value the uniqueness, potential, integrity and well-being of every student and are committed to maintaining the highest standards in education, spiritual care, service, and professional conduct. We are also a relatively small university (about 1,700 students) so it is easier to get to know other students and your professors. With your courage and commitment to learning, we know that Concordia can help you meet your educational and career goals.
We hope you'll find the information below helpful as you make your decision. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact Crystal Hamilton at intlstudents@concordia.ab.ca.
Admission Requirements, Deadlines, and Application
You'll find complete admission requirements on the Admission Requirements page. For your convenience, we've compiled a list of credentials from different countries 
that are required for admission to the programs at Concordia. All students at Concordia are also required to demonstrate fulfilment of the English Language Requirement. The deadlines for submission of international student applications are indicated on the Admission Deadlines page.
International students applying to a faculty program at Concordia for the Fall and/or Winter Semesters are required to submit a non-refundable International Assessment Fee of $80.00 (Canadian Dollars) before Concordia will assess their application.
You may pay the fee by Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, or international money order. Concordia does not accept international fee payments by telephone.
- To pay online, visit our Online Payment page.
- To pay by credit card, print the Credit Card Authorization Form and fax it to the attention of Student Accounts at +1-780-474-1933.
- Make international money orders payable to Concordia University College of Alberta, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4 Canada. If you pay the fee in US dollars, the amount must be equivalent to $80.00.
If you have further questions about admission and application, contact the Admissions Advisor for international students, Crystal Hamilton by email at intlstudents@concordia.ab.ca, or by telephone at +1-780-479-9220.
Registering in Courses
Admissions and Financial Aid will notify you in writing to tell you if you have been accepted to the university program at Concordia and, if you are accepted, will ask you to submit a Pre-Registration Deposit of $2,500.00. Concordia issues a letter of acceptance and a letter for Citizenship and Immigration Canada after we have received your deposit.
When you have paid thePre-Registration Deposit, Admissions and Financial Aid will send you registration information and inform Registrar's of your acceptance to Concordia. A Registration Advisor from Registrar's will register you in courses.
Concordia's Calendar contains complete information about academic policies and regulations. You are responsible for consulting the Concordia Calendar on a regular basis regarding program requirements, deadlines, and academic policies. The Academic Schedule contains important dates and deadlines, Academic Regulations contains academic policies, and the requirements for degrees are listed by degree program. Whenever you have questions about academic policies, program requirements, or your course registration, a Registration Advisor will be able to assist you.
Documents You Must Have Before You Leave Home
- Acceptance letter from Concordia for admission to a program.
- Valid passport.
- Canadian study permit. You must obtain this in your home country for more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada website,
or your country's consulate. - Acceptance letter from Concordia's Residence Office for admission to campus residence.
- Vaccination certificate (if required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada).
- Medical Insurance. For more information about Concordia's international student medical insurance, visit the StudentGuard website.
- Evidence that you have enough money to pay for tuition, fees, and living costs. (for example, bank statements, CIC required bonds, etc.)
- Concordia recommends that you also obtain insurance to cover the cost of your personal belongings.
Living In Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of the Province of Alberta, one of ten provinces and three territories in Canada. The City of Edmonton encompasses a land area of 700 square kilometres, with a population of 770,000.
Concordia is located in the Highlands district of Edmonton overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. Students enjoy easy access to downtown Edmonton and to the expansive network of trails and parks in the river valley. This green space in the midst of the city is the largest natural urban park system in North America, perfect for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, running, or leisurely walks.
As an urban centre, Edmonton offers an abundance of recreational, shopping, arts, and entertainment activities. You can enjoy the many coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants located in Old Strathcona. Attend a live performance presented by one of Edmonton's many local theatre groups, or simply go to a movie. Visit one of the city's many art galleries. Go with a friend to watch our professional hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, play ice hockey. If shopping is on your agenda, West Edmonton Mall is a "must-see" - the largest shopping centre in the world! Almost a self-contained city, the mall covers over 48 hectares and contains more than eight hundred stores and services as well as an amusement park, water-park, and mini-golf course, all indoors.
Moving beyond the city's boundaries, the mountains, forests, lakes, and prairie grasslands of Alberta make the province a prime tourist destination. While living in Edmonton, take a four-hour drive westward to visit the breath-taking Rocky Mountains in Jasper National Park. Or travel one-hour to the east of Edmonton and visit Elk Island National Park to see buffalo grazing in the meadows of a wetlands reserve.
At the Mapquest website, type in Concordia's address to find where Concordia is located in Edmonton. Use the zoom in or out bar on the right hand side of the map to see where we are located in the Province of Alberta and in North America.
Climate
Canada's weather changes according to its four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Edmonton's weather is typically clear, with bright sunshine and low humidity. While the city averages 12.32 hours of sunshine each day more than any other Canadian city the days vary from extremely long in summer to extremely short in winter. The temperatures too, vary from quite hot in summer to very cold in winter. When you budget, be prepared to purchase warm winter clothing in Canada (approximately $600.00).
You can find the details of today's weather in Edmonton, or anywhere in Canada, by visiting the WeatherOffice website.
Culture
Canada is a democracy, which has laws against discrimination on the basis of ethnic background, gender, religion, or social status. You will find that many people from different countries have made Canada their home and retain some of their cultural activities and practices while living under Canadian law. As a visitor to Canada, you are protected under the same laws as Canadian citizens. However, you are also responsible for knowing and abiding by the laws of Canada.
Depending on your country of origin, some cultural differences for you may be that both men and women expect equal treatment and respect. The majority of women in Canada are in the workforce, many in positions of authority. In addition, the use of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are restricted by law. For more information about Canada's diverse culture, visit the Culture Canada website.
Student Affairs hosts orientation events for all students in September, and is a good place to receive information. The Dean of Student Affairs is Concordia's ombudsman, and is willing to assist all students who have concerns or complaints while attending Concordia.
Living in Campus Residence
The advantage of living in campus residence is the support you'll receive from the Residence Directors and their assistants and the fact that you'll be living among Canadian students. These people will help you to become familiar with your new home and more comfortable living in Canada. In addition, you will enjoy the short walk to your classes, the nutritious meals prepared for you in the cafeteria, and the easy access to public transportation.
The residences are open to students only during the fall and winter semesters (from late August until April). However, students attending the Spring Term 1 in May can make special arrangements for residence accommodation. Since the residences close during the Christmas break and from June through mid-August, students must make other living arrangements for those times.
The campus cafeteria offers a varied menu of hot and cold meals, snacks, fruits, and salads. The food served is primarily Western cuisine. Students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit; however, most students spend more than that for food in a semester. Any additional deposits to your Declining Balance Meal Plan are refundable.
If you choose to live in campus residence, you must complete an Application for Campus Residence form (which is a second, separate application form) before you come to Canada. For more information about Concordia's campus residences, visit the Residence Life page or contact the Residence Office, by email at residence@concordia.ab.ca or by telephone at +1-780-479-9349.
Fees and Living Costs
All of the fees for which Concordia students are responsible are indicated on the Fees page. As an international student, you are also responsible for the International Assessment Fee, International Student Fee, and International Student Medical Insurance fee. You will pay the International Assessment Fee when you apply, the International Student Fee when Admissions and Financial requests payment, and the International Student Medical Insurance fee with the remainder of your first semester fees.
All fees for International Students, including tuition, residence, and medical insurance fees, are due the first day of class for each semester
International Student Medical Insurance
International students are required to have medical insurance coverage that is effective throughout their registration and during their travel to and from Concordia University College of Alberta. Concordia has arranged for a basic medical insurance package provided by a Canadian insurance company that becomes effective on the 15th of the month before the beginning of the first semester in which a student is registered in classes. Details of this coverage are provided at the time a student's application for admission is accepted and coverage is arranged through Student Affairs.
Premiums for medical insurance are assessed to the student's account.
International students who present documented evidence of current medical coverage that extends through the full academic year may sign a waiver allowing them to withdraw from the medical coverage arranged by Concordia.
Living Costs
Living costs vary according to the life-style that students wish to maintain. We provide the information below to help you understand the expenses that you will encounter while living in Canada.
The fees for living in Concordia's campus residences are indicated on the Fees page. Residence students must make the minimum deposit to their declining-balance meal cards. The food and residence plan does not include meals during the Christmas break or Reading Week.
Listed below are the approximate costs for a single student living alone in an apartment off campus for eight months. Rental costs can be reduced by sharing accommodation with other students; most rental agencies request the first month's rent plus one month's security deposit when you sign your lease.
Rent (unfurnished apartment): $4,800.00 Bus Pass: 480.00 Food: 3,200.00
Whether you live on or off campus, there are additional living expenses of which you need to be aware. Miscellaneous costs include postage, laundry, pharmacy supplies, telephone, dental costs, recreation, entertainment, etc.:
Alberta Health Care: $352.00 Clothing: 800.00 Miscellaneous: 1,620.00
Funding
It is important that students coming from outside of Canada have sufficient and secure funding for all four years of undergraduate studies. In planning for your education, you need to take into consideration yearly tuition and ancillary fees, textbook costs and supplies. As well, you will also need to consider your living costs, which include food, transportation, laundry, healthcare, clothing, personal incidentals, entertainment, etc.
Foreign students are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or High Commission in their home country to inquire about financial assistance options.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides valuable information for foreign students looking for funding in Canada. The following provide helpful information for international students about living in Canada and available financial support.
Work in Canada
Work experience can be extremely valuable in developing your professional contacts within the field of work you are pursuing. Not only do you meet new people and enhance your skills, but you also earn extra income for yourself. Although work on or off campus can be rewarding in itself, you should not rely on temporary work to fund your education and living expenses.
Work on Campus
You may work on campus providing you are enrolled full-time (minimum of nine credits per semester from Sept-April) and have a valid study permit.
Students may work for any private business that is located on campus that provides service to the institution i.e. food services. Students can apply for work positions at the Human Resources Office on campus.
Work off Campus
Under the new Off-Campus Work Permit Program (OCWP), administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), international students, studying in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at Concordia, now have the opportunity to work off campus while completing their studies.
CIC announced an online application system that makes it easier for international students to apply for an OCWP. As of February 3, 2009, CIC will no longer be accepting paper applications from applicants applying for an OCWP. All students wishing to apply for the first time or for renewal will need to do so online.
Students wishing to apply for an OCWP must create a MyCIC profile. MyCIC is your personal online secure site on the CIC website. You will need a Government of Canada epass account to access MYCIC. To enrol with MyCIC, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp
From this link www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp you will go through the following steps:
Step 1
Complete your Request for Initial Eligibility Verification.
Step 2
After you have made your initial verification request, Concordia’s Designated Institutional Representative (DIR) will review and complete the institutional verification.
Step 3
When the DIR has completed the verification process and you meet the academic eligibility requirements an Electronic Verification Number (EVN) is issued to you and is sent to your email address. If you do not satisfy the academic eligibility requirements, an EVN is not issued and you will be notified of this by email as well.
Step 4
Initial Eligibility Verification requests can take up to 28 days to process and when granted will be valid for 60 days. If you do not apply for an OCWP during this period, you must request a new Eligibility Verification if you wish to apply for the program at a later date.
Are you eligible to apply?
To apply for an OCWP you must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Registered full time in a qualifying academic program of study.
- Studied full time at an eligible institution for at least six months out of the 12 months before applying.
- Are in satisfactory academic standing as defined by your program of study.
- Must comply with the conditions listed on your study permit and work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
The Post-Graduation Work permit program is designed to give graduating students Canadian work experience anywhere in Canada. A work-permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program cannot be valid for longer than your program of study. Students that have completed a four-year degree for example, could be eligible for a three-year work permit.
To be eligible for this work permit you must;
- have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit
- apply within 90 days of receiving confirmation from the University that you have completed your course requirements
- have passed your program of study and are eligible to receive your degree, diploma or certificate
- provide proof of completion of your program; transcript with final grades and or letter from the University.
For further information or to download the Instruction Guide, application and checklist, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp. Graduates can submit their application electronically or by hard copy through the mail.
Exchange Programs
Concordia has exchange program agreements in place with Jerusalem University College in Israel, as well as the Universität Hamburg and the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg in Germany. Students at those universities who are interested in attending Concordia should contact the exchange program coordinator or Registrar at their home university.
Agents
Information for Agents
- Concordia University College of Alberta does not work with agents to recruit students from outside of Canada.
- If you would like more information on Concordia University College of Alberta, please visit www.concordia.ab.ca
Information for Applicants working with Agents
- Applicants that choose to work with an agent receive the same consideration as all other applicants. The application process is the same whether or not you are working with an agent.
Important Links
Concordia Contacts
Crystal Hamilton, Admissions Advisor
Student and Enrolment Services Office
Telephone: +1-780-479-9223
Email: crystal.hamilton@concordia.ab.ca
International Student Guide
*All dollar amounts listed on this page are in Canadian Dollars.
American Express® is a registered trademark of the American Express Company, MasterCard® is a registered trademark of MasterCard Worldwide, Visa® is registered a trademark of Visa International.
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