International Students

Before You Arrive
You should inform the departmental graduate administrator at 403-220-3528 or email Lorraine Storey (storeyl@cpsc.ucalgary.ca) of your expected arrival date. Please visit the International Centre's website concerning what international students should take into consideration before coming to Canada.

Immigration
A Study Permit gives you permission to stay in Canada for the purpose of studying. International students must have their application for a Study Permit approved before entering Canada. You can apply for a Study Permit at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate before coming to Canada. Proof of admission to the University and evidence of financial responsibility, as well as good health and character, are required. If you have been offered a Graduate Assistantship, you must provide immigration officials with your letter detailing this offer of financial support. Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States, and residents of Greenland and of St. Pierre and Miquelon, may apply for their Study Permit at a Canadian Port of Entry (at the Canadian border).

Immigration regulations in Canada permit foreign students to work part-time on campus, as long as they are full-time students and have a valid study permit. Students who wish to work off-campus must apply for a Work Permit.

Do keep in mind that immigration procedures can take several months so we advise students to begin the application process well in advance. Do not come to Canada as a visitor if you intend to remain to study. Remember you cannot change your status from within Canada. For more information, visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies Site, Student Permits or Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

On Arrival
Have the telephone numbers of people you may need to contact. This includes the Graduate Administrator in the Department, (403-220-3528) the International Student Advisor (403-220-5881) and the Graduate Students' Association (403-220-5997).

You may also be interested in taking an orientation session , which are held at the beginning of the fall and winter terms.

Financial
Bank drafts may take over three weeks to clear. It is essential that you bring enough money to cover living costs for the first month, preferably in traveller's cheques. These expenses will likely include the first month's rent (which must be paid in advance) plus a damage deposit (usually the equivalent of the monthly rent), and food, textbooks and clothing. It is recommended that arriving students bring $2,000 (Canadian funds) to cover these expenses.

Insurance
Alberta Health Care Insurance is strongly recommended for all students. If you have a Study Permit (or a Work Permit) valid for at least 12 months, you are eligible to register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which is the basic insurance coverage for all Albertans.

Graduate students have a Health and Dental Care Program. This program does not replace Alberta Health Care Insurance, which should be registered for on arrival.

An application for a Social Insurance card can be obtained from a Service Canada Centre. A Social Insurance card is required if you or your spouse work in Canada. Students need a contract of employment form from the Department in order to apply for their Social Insurance card.

Climate
Calgary's climate is essentially dry, with a wide range of temperatures and conditions. You can expect it to get as cold as -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter, to as warm as +30 degrees Celsius (+86 degrees F) in summer. You should be prepared for some extremely cold spells during winter months (November through March), although these are interspersed by much warmer times when the famous Rocky Mountain Chinook winds blow in. You need to allow extra money for warm clothing (boots, parka, hat, gloves, etc.). It is less expensive to buy these locally.

Information and help
The Centre for International Students and Study Abroad is available to help with information on any aspect of immigration regulations, residence or accommodation, health care, campus life, or if necessary, financial emergencies. Phone 220-5581, or come to Room 275 in the MacEwan Student Centre.

The International Student Centre offers drop-in immigration sessions for U of C students. Topics of discussion include: renewing your Study Permit, applying for a Work Permit, and applying for a Temporary Resident Visa. See their website for further information.

The International Student Handbook has more detailed information plus a list of useful contacts and telephone numbers for campus. This handbook can also be obtained from the International Student Centre in Room 275, MacEwan Student Centre.

International students interested in applying to University of Calgary can find information on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for Prospective Students. English as a Second Language courses are offered through Continuing Education for students who want to improve their English language skills