International Students

Language Requirements for Admission to Columbia’s Professional Programs

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to write a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination or provide evidence of successful completion of the required English prerequisite or an acceptable alternative before admittance will be considered.

TOEFL levels of 550 on the written exam and 220 on the computer exam are required to ensure adequate language comprehension in most programs. Applicants whose TOEFL test scores are below 560 for the written test or 220 for the computer test may apply to Columbia’s English as a Second Language program for remedial instruction.

The TOEFL test is available several times a year at a location near Columbia College. Please visit the TOEFL website at www.toefl.org for more information.

The Department of Academic Upgrading and English as a Second Language
The Department of Academic Upgrading and English as a Second Language offer a variety of educational services to students who require upgrading of essential skills of 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, while the Academic Upgrading program focuses on helping students improve their skills in English. Math, and Science. Please refer to the respective program sections for more details.

Tuition Fees

Application Fee: There is no application fee for International Students.

Tuition fees for international students are 15% greater than the fees listed in this calendar. A $200.00 non-refundable International 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. 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.

Refund of Fees

Please refer to the Student Contract of Tuition form for details of tuition refund policy. This form is 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. 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.
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).
• Depending on country of origin, you may be required to have a Study Permit. The Canadian Embassy Consulate will instruct you if required.
• Depending on country of origin, you may be required to have an Immigration Medical Examination. The Canadian Embassy 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 certificate.
• 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.

Application Procedure

1. Apply for admission by filling out an application form. Send the completed form by email, fax, mail, or apply online.
2. Send documentation that verifies that you meet the language requirements.
3. Upon receipt of your application, your admission advisor will contact you with the necessary information regarding the proctoring of your assessment test for entry into the professional program of your choice.
4. Once you have completed your assessment test, your admission advisor will contact you requesting further required documents and conduct a short interview.
5. Once all documents are in, the program chair of your program will contact you for a final interview.
6. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter of acceptance. You will need to pay a $200.00 registration fee by the date designated on the letter in order to secure your seat in the program. The registration fee is part of your tuition. The remainder of your tuition and any other fees are due on the first day of classes.

IQAS/ICAS 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.

Health Insurance and Medical Information

International students must have adequate and active health insurance for the entire duration of their attendance at Columbia College. It is necessary to register with the Alberta Health Care Commission immediately upon arrival, unless covered by another adequate health insurance plan. To be eligible for immediate coverage, a registration application must be received by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Commission within 30 days of arrival in Alberta.

International students who will be in Alberta for less than one year are not eligible for Alberta Health Care coverage. Students should budget approximately $100.00 – $150.00 per month for private medical insurance.

International students are requested to bring their International Vaccination Certificate and any other records of previous immunization, such as tetanus, polio, hepatitis and diphtheria. A Tuberculin Skin Test or Chest X-ray is also required and students should bring proof of one of these tests.

For further information contact:
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
12th Floor, 10025 Jasper Avenue
PO Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2N3
Phone: 1-780-427-1432 Fax: 1-780- 422-0102
web: www.health.gov.ab.ca

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