International Students and Refugees

To obtain a study permit you must:

• Apply to St. Mary’s University and have your letter of acceptance
• Have a valid passport
• Receive a Provincial Attestation Letter. Information on
  this process will be provided after you apply and are
  accepted to St. Mary’s University
• Submit a completed application with the requested fees to the Canadian Embassy or to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in your country

You must provide proof that you have enough funds to pay for your:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

You must be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate)

• You will not be a risk to the security of Canada
• You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary
• You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies

For more information about obtaining a study permit, visit:
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit

As of 2024, international students who are already studying at a Canadian institution and who have a valid study permit need to apply for a study permit extension to change post-secondary institutions. This will require a Provincial Attestation Letter issued by St. Mary’s University. IRCC requirements are subject to change, so students are encouraged to consult directly with IRCC.

1. The applicant must submit their application through Apply Alberta, identifying themselves as a refugee in the application.
2. The applicant is required to provide proof of refugee status through one of the following documents:
   • formal letter from Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB);
   • Confirmation of Permanent Residence
   • Permanent Resident (PR) Card
   • Verification of Status document
3. Once proof of refugee status is confirmed, any tuition amounts are updated to domestic tuition and fee amounts.
4. If the applicant has applied for refugee status with IRCC, they may also apply for a study permit while they are awaiting a decision on their claim. Until the refugee status is confirmed, the student is considered an international student and international student tuition and fees apply.
5. Official transcripts and/or documentation from previous educational institution(s) are requested.
   • Typically, the applicant must provide all original transcripts and/or documentation from their previous educational institution(s). If documentation is not in English, exact translations must be provided by a certified translator.
   • The applicant must demonstrate English proficiency (outlined above) or present English Language proficiency results.
   • If applicable, the applicant must have previous education earned outside of Canada evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
   • If applicable, the applicant must provide proof of acceptable Math 30-1 equivalent.
6. Applicants may be required to take WRIT 201 or other remedial coursework, depending on their circumstances to best ensure success at St. Mary’s University.
7. Once admitted, students will pay their registration deposit, meet with an Academic Advisor, register for classes, and pay for tuition and fees by deadlines provided.

*Note: This process is subject to change and may be impacted by the IRCC, federal government, provincial government and StMU policies/processes.

It is important that you subscribe to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) as soon as you arrive in Canada. You will need an Alberta Health Care Identification Card, Blue Cross Card or another private insurance plan identification card to access the health care system.

Students authorized to stay in Canada for 12 months or longer are required to register with AHCIP. You will be eligible to apply and to receive coverage on the date of your arrival. You must register within 3 months of your arrival in Canada. A copy of your Study Permit and /or your Temporary Resident Visa will be required when you apply for AHCIP.

AHCIP pays for services provided by Physicians (doctors) and oral surgeons. It also pays a portion of the cost of treatment provided by optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists and physical therapists. It does not pay for naturopaths, medication or ambulance services.

Apply for AHCIP by visiting one of the local registry agents or by mail:

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
Box 1360 Stn Main
Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3

Additional information can be obtained by calling toll-free: 403-310-0000 or visit https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip for more information.

If you do not qualify for AHCIP, you may purchase health insurance from a private insurance company such as:

• • Kanetix

• • Bridges International Insurance Services

• • Guard Me

International students are not covered through St. Mary’s University’s accident insurance plan that covers injuries sustained in campus buildings or on the premises while attending classes on any regular day of classes; while attending or participating in any University activity approved and supervised by an appropriate University authority; while travelling directly to or from any regularly scheduled and approved University activity under the direction or supervision of a proper University authority; and while travelling to or from the insured’s residence and the University for the purpose of attending classes or participating in any University-sponsored activity.