Study Abroad in Canada

Applying for a Student Visa

Once you have been accepted to study in Canada you will be sent a Letter of Acceptance by your chosen institution. If you are studying for less than six months, and are from a visa free country, you may not need a visa to enter Canada. It's best to contact your local Canadian Embassy or Consulate to check this well prior to your departure. If you are studying for longer than 6 months you will need a Student Authorization. Your instiutution will advise you of these details at the time of application.

Student Health Insurance in Canada

Alberta: Under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, students must register within three months of their arrival. Coverage costs approximately $34 CDN per month and is available for the term stated in the student authorization, which must be valid for more than three months. A letter from the student or educational institution confirming the intent of 12 month residency is required to determine eligibility. For more information, contact: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, P.O. Box 1360, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 2N3. For telephone inquiries, dial 310-0000 and ask for either 403-427-1432 (Edmonton) or 403-297-6411 (Calgary).

British Columbia: Under the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), a student must hold a student authorization upon entering Canada to be eligible for medical coverage. As of January 1st, 1998, new medical regulations state that international students with student authorizations for six months or longer must be covered under the province's medical service plan. There is a three month waiting period and students should apply immediately upon commencement of studies. The cost is roughly $36 per month. Students should take out private medical insurance for the first three months OR if they will be studying for less than six months in total. Those studying for longer than six months should not acquire private medical insurance for any longer than this time period as it will still be mandatory for them to be covered by MSP. For more information contact the B.C. Medical Services Plan, PO Box 1600, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 2X9. For telephone enquiries, call 1-800-663-7100.

Saskatchewan: Under Saskatchewan's medical plan, students must register immediately upon arrival. Coverage, which is free, is available for students and their dependants for the duration of the student authorization or visa. For more information, contact Saskatchewan Health, Registration, T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 6X6. For telephone enquiries, call 1-800-667-7551 or (306) 787-3251.

The following provinces do not cover international students under their Provincial Health Care Plans:

International students studying in these provinces must arrange for private medical coverage through private insurance companies. Please note however that international students attending an Ontario university or affiliated college are required to purchase the compulsory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).

Accomodation - Average Costs

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