International Students
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 small university, making is easier to get to know other students and your professors. With your courage and commitment to learning, Concordia will help you meet your educational and career goals.
Helpful Tips
Before you leave home, make sure you take the following documentation with you to ensure a successful journey and transition to Canada:
- 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.
- 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.
Applying (Undergraduate International Students)
To apply to Concordia, click the "Apply Now" button at the top of this page. You will be directed to ApplyAlberta, where you will need to create a SIAMS (Security Identity and Access Management System) account. After creating this account and filling in a personal and academic profile, you will then select Concordia University College of Alberta to complete your application.
To complete the application successfully, you should have the following documents in hand to help you:
- Copy of your high school transcript
- Copy of all post-secondary transcripts attended with start and end dates as well as information on credentials earned
- A Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card for the $100.00 Concordia application fee (non-refundable)
Please note international students that do not have a credit card, are to submit the application and forward an international money order payable to Concordia University College of Alberta by the international application deadline date. Once payment is received, the application will be processed.
Steps:
- Click the Apply Now button on the Concordia website and select Undergraduate Students (you will be directed to ApplyAlberta).
- To start your application, click the Apply Now button in the top right hand corner of the ApplyAlberta website. This will allow you to enter information for the first time or allow you to resume an existing application in progress after you login.
- Click the Continue Application button at the bottom of the page.
- Create a SIAMS user account. For first time users, click Register for an Account and follow the directions to create your account. If you already have a SIAMS account, enter your login information. In this section you will need to, a) Look up or create your Alberta Student Number, and b) complete your personal and academic profile. It is very important to retain your login information and Alberta Student Number for future use.
- Once you have created your account and your profile is complete, click the“Send to Concordia University College of Alberta” button. Your SIAMS information will automatically be added to your Concordia application.
- Complete the remainder of the information required on the Concordia admissions application.
- Once you have finished your Concordia application, you must click the submit button.
- When we have received your application, you will receive an email acknowledgement letter.
- Forward your academic and English Language Requirement transcripts, and any supporting documentation that may be required for your program.
English Language Requirement
The language of instruction at Concordia is English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate fulfilment of the English Language Requirement.
Admission
For programs that interest you, you’ll find complete admission requirements on the Undergraduate Admission Requirements or the Graduate Admission Requirements page(s).
Deadlines
The submission of international applications is indicated on the Admission Deadlines page.
Country Specific Requirements
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of credentials from different countries that are required for admission to the programs at Concordia. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Coming from High School
International high school students will be considered for admission based on their high school marks and credentials earned. Subjects required for admission will vary and will depend on the faculty you have applied to for admission.
Transferring from a University or College
Transfer credit is designed to ensure students receive the recognition they deserve for post-secondary work completed. It is also a mechanism to ensure students do not repeat a course for which they have already received credit for at another institution. Concordia University College of Alberta will only grant transfer of credit for courses taken from accredited institutions from within Canada and outside of the country. Transfer credit is looked at on a course-by-course basis only after final transcripts have been submitted and detailed course outlines have been provided. For more information, please contact us.
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 the Pre-Registration Deposit, Admissions and Financial Aid will send you registration information and inform Registrar's of your acceptance to Concordia. A registration appointment will be scheduled at that time and a Registration Advisor from Registrar's 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.
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.
Money Matters
All of the fees for which Concordia students are responsible are indicated in the Fees section. 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.
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.
- www.StudyInCanada.com
- www.ScholarshipsCanada.com
- www.SchoolFinder.com
- Bank of Canada Currency Conversion Calculator
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 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 Off-Campus Work Permit Program (OCWP), administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), international students, studying in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at Concordia, 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 no longer accepts paper applications from applicants applying for an OCWP. All students wishing to apply for the first time for an OCWP or for renewal 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 Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
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.
The OCWP authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic year and permits you to work full-time during scheduled breaks i.e. summer holidays and Christmas break.
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;
- Hold 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. Graduates can submit their application electronically or by hard copy through the mail.
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.
Where Are We On the Map?
Concordia is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You can see a map of our location and campus.
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 Environment Canada's 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.
Important Links
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.
Note: in order to view and/or print those documents which are in format, you must have Adobe Reader.
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.
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.
Concordia Contact
Crystal Hamilton, Admissions Advisor
Student and Enrolment Services Office
Telephone: +1-780-479-9220
Email: intlstudents@concordia.ab.ca