International Students
Last updated: September 26, 2022
This page contains information that applies specifically to International Students. For more general information visit the Current Student FAQs page.
Please email international@bowvalleycollege.ca should you require any clarification on the information below.
Important updates:
NEW
As of June 14, 2022, the Government of Alberta eased all mandatory public health restrictions. You can find the latest information on current public health measures in the province here.
Please visit our COVID Pandemic Information & Support page for updates about our current protocols and campus access information.
Effective September 6, 2022, our campuses are open to the public.
Please note, in light of the continued closure of many IELTS testing centers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bow Valley College will continue to accept the Duolingo Language test for Fall 2023 applications. For questions on how to apply to Bow Valley College, please check this page.
IRCC has announced that international students can continue to study online until August 31, 2023. Click on (q.2) for more information.
Quarantine policies continue to be in effect for eligible students who wish to travel to Canada. Click on (q.3) for more information.
You must have internet access, a dedicated study space and the equipment (laptop, desktop, webcam, microphone, etc.) required to take online classes.
You must also feel comfortable with taking classes that might be offered during late hours due to the difference in time zones. Most classes are offered between 8:00AM and 4:00PM Mountain Standard Time (Calgary time). Click here to convert to your time zone. Watch our online video to understand more about online delivery. For help with any technology need, please email the BVC Help Desk at helpdesk@bowvalleycollege.ca.
Select courses in our Health Care Aide, Practical Nursing and Pharmacy Technician programs are to be conducted face to face, in accordance with Alberta Health Service guidelines.
For any inquiries contact us by emailing at international@bowvalleycollege.ca
All students are expected to attend class inside Canada from Fall 23. Students are highly recommended to register in-person classes when the college offers to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced that they’re creating a transition period for distance learning measures. International students studying online from abroad or who submit a study permit application before August 31, 2022, will continue to be able to complete up to 100% of their program online until August 31, 2023, without affecting their PGWP eligibility.
However, students should consider several factors before they decide to start a semester online:
- Students need to find courses to make a full course load to maintain PGWP eligibility.
- No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
Testing and quarantine requirements have been updated by the Government of Canada to support the safe and gradual entry of international students, which took effect February 21st, 2021.
If you are considering travelling to Canada, please check the Pre-arrival Resources page for more instructions.
No, we do not provide fee reduction. While online classes may be an adjustment and different from what students are used to, they are an effective method to achieve the job-ready skills our students need and employers' value. Our goal is to maintain our standards in teaching and learning while balancing the necessary maintenance of our campus to ensure it is safe, secure and ready for your eventual return. Our tuition reflects the tools, resources, digital licenses and materials required to offer educational excellence.
According to Gallivan: International students can now claim for eligible health services received in their home country for the upcoming benefit year. Claims for services eligible under your Student Health & Dental Plan, made from a student’s home country, with a date of service during the benefit year are eligible for reimbursement. Travel benefits are excluded.
The benefits will be paid based on the existing insurance policy according to the terms of the contract with all reimbursements, maximums, physician requirements, fee guide, frequencies, policy details, etc. remaining in force. Claims can be submitted using a standard claim form once the student is back in Canada. If a student has registered for Groupnet with a Canadian bank account, they will be able to submit claims electronically from their home country. All claims will be paid in Canadian Funds.
New!! Update regarding Health and Dental coverage for International Students who are still studying in their home country. These students will continue to be part of the program and allowed to claim benefits until December 2022.
New!! New international students studying in their home country are now eligible to opt out of the plan without proof of coverage. Should they move to Canada to complete their studies, they can opt in within 30 days of their arrival in Canada with proof of their entry into Canada.
If you have questions about the new changes, please contact our plan administrator at bowvalleyplan@mystudentplan.ca.
Please check here for more information.
