Once you have received your official letter of acceptance, you will need to start planning for your trip to Canada. Travelling abroad to study is a big adventure, use the resources below to help you prepare.

1. Apply for Permits and Visas

Please review the Permits and Visas page for information on how to apply, if required.

Allow a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks for processing. Current processing times for your country can be found here.

What happens if my application is denied?

If your application for a study permit was denied or you are unable to attend Acadia College for medical reasons, you can transfer your fees and defer your studies to the next semester. Or if you prefer, you can receive a full refund, less your application and administration fees. You must complete the Request a Refund form and include supporting documents before classes start.

If you choose not to attend for other reasons and want a refund, please review Acadia’s refund Policy.

2. Medical Insurance

As an international student in Canada, you are required to have medical insurance for the durational of your stay in Canada. This coverage will need to be purchased prior to your arrival in Canada. Additionally, if you are staying in the province of British Columbia (BC) for more than six months, you are required to enroll in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).The waiting period to receive MSP coverage is approximately three months and the cost is $75 per month. You may apply for MSP coverage prior to your arrival at Acadia College as long as you are in Canada at the time of application. Please click here to apply for MSP coverage.

Please contact us if you have any further questions regarding medical insurance requirements.

3. Plan your adventure of a lifetime!

• Apply for a new passport or ensure that your current passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your return date to your country.
• Buy your airline ticket. Due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions you will need to plan to arrive in Canada a minimum of 14 days prior to your new student orientation, which takes place one week prior to the commencement of classes.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance. This will provide coverage on things that your medical insurance wont cover such as: cancelled flights, lost documents, dental or optical care etc.
• Bring copies of your medical and immunization records.
• Bring personal documents: Passport, ID cards, drivers licence, birth certificate (or certified copy) etc.
• Arrange short term accommodation and long-term housing. Please see Find Accommodation page for further details.
• Arrange ground transportation from the airport when you arrive in Canada. Acadia College can arrange airport transportation. Please contact us for further details.
• Plan your banking Consider setting up your Canadian bank account in advance. Most Canadian banks offer student accounts with little to no annual fees. Ensure that you bring a small amount of Canadian cash with you, and pack your credit card.
• Review Canadian customs requirements and airline baggage limitations in order to plan your packing.
• Bring copies of all documents submitted during your application to Acadia College.
• Download the Arrive can mobile app to provide mandatory travel information required for entry into Canada.
• Learn as much as you can about the city where you will be living and studying.

4. Attend orientation

This year, our Acadia College staff are ready to welcome you online.

Please ensure that you check-in online when you arrive in Canada, and plan to attend student orientation, which takes place one week prior to starting class.