International

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Admission

Q. What do I need to do to study at Conestoga College?

Complete the on-line application form, submit a $100.00 application processing fee and provide supporting documents (transcript) for your application.

Q. How do I get the application form?

The application form can be found on the international students section of our website.

Q. What is the minimum age requirement for me to study at the College?

You must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of class to study as an International Student at the College.

Q. Can I apply while I'm still in high school?

Yes, however you will not be granted admission to the College until you reach 18 years or older.

Q. Can I apply to the College without submitting transcripts?

The ESL program does not require transcripts for admission. All other College programs require students to provide proof that they meet the program admission requirements (pdf).

Q. Can I apply to any program at the College?

No, please consult the list of accessible programs.

Q. Can I send my application form before sending other supporting documents?

Yes, you can. Please note that NO processing of your application will take place until the $100.00 CAD processing fee and all supporting documents are received by the International Office.

Q. Is there an application fee that I need to pay to the College?

Yes, if you apply directly to the College and before any processing takes place you will need to forward a payment of $100.00 CAD to the International Office.

Q. Can I apply through the Ontario College Application Services (ontariocolleges.ca)?

Yes, you can. Please note that you will be required to pay a processing fee and submit all supporting documents directly to ontariocolleges.ca. Ontariocolleges.ca will then forward this to Conestoga College.

Q. How will I know if I have been accepted to the College?

An acceptance will be issued to you once the assessment of your transcripts has been finalized and pending program eligibility and available space in the program.

Q. When will I get my Acceptance Letter?

You will be contacted within 10 working days, following receipt of your completed application, application fee and supporting documents.

Q. What do I need to do after I get the Acceptance Letter?

Consult the 'conditions' of acceptance, page two of you letter, and ensure that if you wish to confirm your place in the program for that start date, your tuition is paid by the date indicated.

Q. What happens if I cannot make my start date?

If you have paid your tuition and are not able to make your initial start date please notify the International Office immediately. A place will be reserved for you in the program for the next available start date, within the same academic year.

Q. When must fees be paid?

Full fees are due by the date specified in your letter of Acceptance. If payment is not received your space in the program will be released to the next available candidate.

Q. What is your refund policy?

Rejection of Application for Study Permit: International Students who have their application for a Canadian Study permit rejected may receive a refund of the entire amount received by Conestoga College, if they request the refund in writing and provide the College with the rejection letter. In all other cases, the $500.00 CAD deposit is non-refundable.

Alternatively, if you are unable to complete visa arrangements in time for the start of classes you can chose to transfer the deposit and fee payment to another start date, if places are available. Please indicate in writing if you wish to postpone your studies to the next available start date.

Program Withdrawal - International Students who Receive a Study Permit and Arrive in Canada

In all other cases a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 will be kept if you chose to not study at the College.

Entry Requirements

Q. What is your English proficiency requirement to the College?

	TOEFL	IELTS
Diploma / Certificate Program	IBT 79	6.0 Overall with no band less than 5.5
Degree Program or Post Graduate Program	IBT 88	6.5 Overall with no band less than 6.0

Please note Conestoga College has an IELTS testing facility on Campus. For more information please contact the IELTS test centre directly at: 519-748-3516 or via email at: ielts@conestogac.on.ca or via fax 519-748-5926

Q. Do I need TOEFL or other internationally recognized test in order to be accepted by your college?

If your wish to be considered for direct entry into a Diploma or Degree program you will need to provide 'proof' of English that meets the minimum English entry requirements.

If your wish to study in the ESL program you do not have to provide proof of English and your level of proficiency will be determined when you arrive at the College.

Q. What is Conestoga College's TOEFL institution code?

0426

Q. Do you have English language programs (ESL) for students that do not meet the English Language requirements?

Yes, the English Language Studies program is designed for the student that does not have the English Language requirements to enter directly into a Diploma program at the College.

Tuition Fees

Q. As an International Student, can I apply for financial assistance?

There is no financial assistance available to International Students at this time.

Q. How much are tuition fees?

Please visit the International Fees pages for current information.

Please consult the Student Procedures Guide for a more detailed breakdown of your incidental fees.

Q. How much are incidental fees and what do they include?

Please visit the International Fees page for current information

Please consult the Student Procedures Guide for a more detailed breakdown of your incidental fees.

Q. How do I pay my fees?

Your payment of fees, made payable to Conestoga College, may be made by:

Remitting an international money order, bank draft or certified cheque and returning it to the International Education Office, Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4 Canada.

Electronic transfer from the bank of your choice to Conestoga College through:

Royal Bank of Canada
600 Fairway Road South
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Bank 003
Transit 2512
Account # 000-001-8
Swift Code: ROYCCAT2
Routing Number: 021 000 021

Web Banking through most Canadian Banks. Select Conestoga College as a vendor. Your student ID number is your account number for payment purposes.

Be sure to include your name (and ID number) when paying fees to Conestoga College.

Please be advised that we do NOT accept wire transfers for payment of the $100.00 CAD application processing fee.

Visa Requirements

Q. Do I need a Student Permit / Visa to study at Conestoga College?

Yes, if you wish to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need a study permit. For more information, please consult the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Office closest to you.

Q. Can I work in Canada with a study permit / student authorization?

With a study permit there are restrictions. Please consult your visa document for all the conditions given to you while studying in Canada. Generally, but not in all cases, you will be permitted to work part-time on campus.

Accommodation & Services:

Q. Do you have an airport pickup service? How much does the service cost?

Yes, we will arrange to for your transportation from Toronto Pearson Airport to the Student Residence or to your new Host Family. The cost for airport pick up is $100.00 CAD.

Q. Will I need to by health insurance for my study in Canada?

Yes, the College organizes Health Insurance Coverage for all International Students while you are in Canada. The cost of the Health Insurances is included in your 'Incidental Fees' portion of you fees for the academic year.

Q. Do you have a Student Residence / Dormitory?

Yes, the Student Residence's located on Campus, a short walk from class.

Q. How much does residence cost and what does it include?

The Cost for a Private Bedroom is approximately $6100.00 CAD for 8 months. In addition to this you will need to pay a $500.00 CAD refundable deposit when you arrive in Canada. Each Private Room is furnished with a double bed, television, shared kitchenette area, private bathroom, telephone and internet access. For more information and a detailed description of the layout and amenities available with the private rooms, please visit the Student Residence Web-site

Q. How do I reserve a room in residence?

Please fax your Housing Application form to the International Office, 519-748-5926

Q. Do you have a Homestay option?

Yes we do. If you wish to choose Homestay accommodation for your stay in Canada please complete the Housing Application form and fax this to the International Office, 519-748-5926

Q. How much will you charge me to arrange for the Homestay?

There is no charge for your initial Homestay placement. This service is FREE to our new International Students.

Q. How much does Homestay Cost?

The cost for Homestay is $700.00 per month with an initial refundable $700.00 deposit. This includes a private bedroom in a family home, access to washroom and laundry facilities and three full meals a day. Plus, Homestay families can further help you learn conversational English and will involve you in family activities. For more information about Homestay please visit housing.

Q. How far is my Homestay from the college?

We try to ensure that your journey from your Host family to the College will not be more than a 45 minute journey by bus to the College Campus.

Q. Can I leave Homestay if I don't like it?

Yes, however, you are required to commit to a 2 month minimum stay with your Host family. Once the two month period has come to an end you must provide your host family with 14 days written and verbal notification that you will be seeking accommodation elsewhere. At this time you will also indicate the date that you will be leaving.

Q. If I want to leave my Homestay can I go into another Homestay?

Yes, but you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to live with another Host family. Please note before you can change Host families, you must commit to a 2 month minimum stay with your original Host family. Once the two month period has come to an end you must provide your host family with 14 days written and verbal notification that you will be seeking accommodation elsewhere. At this time you will also indicate the date that you will be leaving.

Q. Can I chose to live on my own or with relatives?

Yes, however, if you choose to live on your own or with relatives, please provide us with contact details to forward on dates for Orientation, class start times and other important information.

Miscellaneous Questions:

Q. Will I receive an orientation session when I arrive to the College?

All new students to the College will receive an Orientation session, organized by the International Office. During this time you will be welcomed to the College Community and receive valuable information about the College, the Services that are available to you, Health Insurance and Activities.

Q. Can I transfer to other institutions after finishing my study in Conestoga College?

Yes you can, for a complete list of Institutions that will recognize course credits from College programs please access the Degree Completion Opportunities information page.

Q. What are the countries of origin of the International students currently at Conestoga College?

Country
Bahamas	Hong Kong - China	China, P.R.	Korea
Haiti	Uganda	Japan	Mexico
Taiwan - China	Cayman Islands	USA	Nigeria
Brazil	India	Vietnam	Saudi Arabia

Q. What support services are available for International Students?

There are several support services available to International Students at the College:

International Student Advisor
Peer Conversation Partners
International Student Message Board
Culture Shock Workshops
Survivor Conestoga Workshop

Q. When do classes start and finish?

Please see the following link for Academic Dates.