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IMPORTANT!!! International Student Applications are currently on hold

Please be informed that while Columbia College is a designated institution recognized by Immigration Canada and can accept students under Canada’s International Student Framework agreement, we understand that our graduates are unable to obtain a Post-Graduate Workplace Permit at this time. This is based on the current eligibility requirement that excludes graduates from private post-secondary institutions. As a result, Columbia College is currently in discussions with government stakeholders to remove this constraint for our international graduates. During this process, Columbia College is putting a hold on international student applications at this time until a clear decision has been made by our Canadian Government that supports the eligibility of Columbia College graduates for a Post-Graduate Workplace Permit.

Thank you very much for your interest in Columbia College.

Applying to Columbia College

If you are applying to a credit program, you can apply following the steps below:

Note: International students need to use Columbia College’s Designated Learning Institution number 019391275502 on their applications.

Mail: Admissions Department
Columbia College
802 Manning Road NE
Calgary, AB Canada T2E 7N8
Telephone: 403-235-9300
855-228-2022
Fax: 403-272-3805
In Person: Main Office Building 802
Office hours are: Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday (excluding holiday weekends) from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online: Click here to go to the Online Application

Please note, as of June 1st, 2016 a $125.00 non-refundable application fee is in effect for international applicants. You will be required to submit your application fee in order for us to process your application. The application fee covers your assessment test (where applicable). Your application file must be fully complete to be considered for admission.

Following the submission of your application, applicants must:

  • Email or mail documentation that verifies that you meet the language requirements to the contact information below.
  • Upon receipt of your application and language verification, your Admission Advisor will contact you with the necessary information regarding the proctoring of your assessment test for entry into the program of your choice.
  • Once you have completed your assessment test, your Admission Advisor will contact you requesting further required documents.
  • If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter of acceptance. A $500.00 non-refundable Student Registration fee is required upon acceptance to the program; this fee will be credited to the student’s tuition upon commencement of the program. The remaining tuition and fees are to be paid in full by the first day of classes

Preparing for the Columbia College Assessment
You will need to take the Columbia College Entry Assessment. To facilitate this assessment, you will need to find a proctor (someone to supervise you when you take the assessment). This must be a suitable person at an educational facility. Information is provided for you regarding the proctor and the proctoring process in separate documents. Refer to Columbia College Calgary Exam Proctoring Policy for International Students (SSA-E001) and the Proctor Application Form (SSCA-F02).

Language Requirements for Admission to Columbia’s Professional Programs

English is the language of instruction at Columbia College. Applicants who have not received their formal education in Canada must submit official transcripts of marks in English for evaluation. See the individual program of interest to learn more about the entrance English proficiency requirements.

English Language Training Department
The English Language Training Department offers a variety of educational services to students who require upgrading of essential skills or improved language acquisition in order to achieve their career and training goals. The English as a Second Language program focuses on helping people gain the language skills they need to succeed.

Note: The Full-time English As A Second Language program is not available at this time for international students. Please contact us at internationals@columbia.ab.ca if you are an international student and are interested in applying for a course part-time in this area.

Academic Regulations

To learn more about Columbia’s Academic Regulations, please visit our Academic Regulations and General Program Information page.

Program / Tuition Fees

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $125 is required to process your application. The application fee covers your entry assessment. To apply online, please click here.

Registration Fee: A non-refundable Student Registration fee of $500.00 is required upon acceptance to the program; this fee will be credited to the student’s tuition upon commencement of the program. The remaining tuition and fees are to be paid in full by the first day of classes. International students are not eligible for Alberta Government Student Finance Board financial assistance. Applicants from other countries who require financial aid should contact officials of their own government to determine if they qualify for aid from the Government of Canada under the Canadian International Development Agency. A student will be required to fill out a Student Enrollment Contract.

Click here to review the Program Fees for International Students.

Note:Textbook Fees
All textbooks and other learning materials required for the program are included in the total program fees.

International Students in Canada

Individuals wishing to enter Canada as Columbia College students must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be accepted by Columbia College into one of our programs (and be in possession of the necessary documentation attesting to that acceptance).
  • You are required to have a Study Permit.
  • Depending on country of origin, you may be required to have an Immigration Medical Examination. The Canadian Embassy or Consulate will instruct you if required.
  • You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a Police Security Clearance.
  • You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
  • You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies.
  • You must possess a valid passport.

Orientation

All students are expected to attend the College’s orientation as part of their program. The orientation includes an online component, as well as 2-3 face-to-face seminars held at the College. Students attending the orientation will be registered into COLL110 – College Skills for Success. COLL110 is a great course designed to help introduce students to different topics found valuable in helping students be successful in their programs. Please note that the registration fee into COLL110 is covered for all students accepted into one of Columbia College’s professional programs. It is important to note that students must successfully complete COLL110 prior to starting their program.

Refund of Fees

Please refer to the Student Contract of Enrollment form for details of tuition refund policy. This form is also available from a Student Admission Advisor. Refunds will be issued directly to the registrant by cheque. However, when a sponsor is identified, refunds will be issued directly to that sponsor. Fees paid by Visa ® or MasterCard ® will be credited to the original account used.

Columbia College is required to notify Canada Immigration of all withdrawals or changes in status. If a student decides to withdraw his or her application prior to entering Canada, the student must return both the original letter of acceptance and the original letter from Immigration.

Other Services and Supports

Columbia College has a Student Services Department that is available to help students in a variety of ways. Please view the Student Services and Forms page for further details. You may also contact an International Student Advisor directly at internationals@columbia.ab.ca.

ICAS/IQAS Assessments

ICAS is the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada. Their services help potential immigrants and new Canadians assess the education they received outside of Canada. For more information, please visit their website at www.icascanada.ca, or by calling toll-free 1-800-321-6021.

IQAS is the International Qualifications Assessment Service. IQAS was established by the Alberta Government to help individuals educated outside Canada to assess international documents and compare them to educational credentials in Canada. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/iqas, or call (780) 427-2655.

Columbia College does not currently require a ICAS/IQAS assement to apply and register for a Columbia College program.

Health Insurance and Medical Information

International students must have adequate and active health insurance for the entire duration of their attendance at Columbia College. You must purchase a private health insurance plan through an insurance company or agent in your home country or in Canada. Students should have arrangements made for medical coverage before they come to Canada.

We do not recommend a particular plan or agent. We advise you to talk with two or three insurance agents and compare prices and services before making a decision on which plan to buy.

Working in Canada

If you plan to work in Canada, it is important to review your eligibility to work in Canada prior to choosing your School / Program to ensure that you choose the program that is right for you. Columbia College Admission Advisors are able to provide you with the general employment information of previous graduates (both domestic and international students combined), but as an international student, you are to contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada to provide you with work eligibility advice according to your specific circumstances.

It is also encouraged that you do research into the different employment opportunities where you would be interested in working to learn what immigration requirements and/or conditions they may have for employment in their company/field. As different employers may require different things, this can be valuable research for you in helping you identify opportunities following your graduation.

Working Off-Campus While in your Program

You may be eligible to work off-campus while completing your studies if you are:

  • currently a study permit holder
  • enrolled, full-time, in a designated post-secondary institution, and
  • studying an academic, vocational, or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, which is at least 6 months in duration.

IMPORTANT: It is illegal to study and work in Canada without appropriate authorization. You must stop working on the day you no longer meet the above eligibility requirements.

For more information about Post Graduate Work Permits please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/students/post-grad.asp or Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Our understanding is that International Students attending regulated career colleges are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits.

Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for further information on eligibility and processing times for working during your program as well as after you graduate. If your goal is to work in Canada after you graduate, please do your due diligence to know what the requirements are and if you are eligible. Understanding the requirements may help you better choose the right program (and school) for you before you begin your education in Canada.

 

IMPORTANT: It is illegal to study and work in Canada without appropriate authorization.

Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for further information on eligibility and processing times for working during your program as well as after you graduate.

Volunteering

Volunteer work is a great way to be actively involved in the community. It allows students to gain valuable experiences and also strengthens their resumes and enhances future employment opportunities.

Contact for More Information

For further information, contact our International Student Office:
Dorina: 1-888-235-9370 ext 329

Email: internationals@columbia.ab.ca

Skype: Our Skype ID is: Columbia_skype1