INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

With the closure of many English testing centres in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and until further notification, St. Mary’s University is also accepting Duolingo English Test as a way of meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admissions (Except for our Bachelor of Education). This will allow applicants to complete the test and receive results within 48 hours. Please request in Duolingo to share the results with St. Mary’s University as this will allow for us to access your official results.

English is the principal language of instruction at St. Mary’s University. To ensure that students have the best opportunity to achieve academic success, all international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:

1. Applicants whose country of origin is outside of Canada or the United States who intend to study in Canada on a study permit (student visa) must normally present one of the following tests of English: (Some countries are considered to be exempt from this policy. Contact the Enrolment Services Office for an up-to-date list.)

• TOEFL, Test of English as Foreign Language » paper based: 550 (no component score less than 50)
  • computer based: 213 (no component score less than 17)
  • internet based: 80 (no component score less than 19)

• IELTS – Academic, International English Language Testing System: (no individual score less than 6.0)
• MELAB, Michigan English Language Assessment Battery: 85
• CAEL, Canadian Academic English Language Assessment: 60
• PTE – Academic, Pearson Test of English: 59
• CLB – Canadian Language Benchmarks: Level 8

2. Students who complete EAP 3 with a Grade of B or higher at Bow Valley College meet the language proficiency requirements of St. Mary’s University.

3. Applicants who have studied for three full years in Canada must present 65 per cent in English 30, English Language Arts 30-1 or approved equivalent. The three years must include Alberta Grade 12 or equivalent and may be a combination of secondary and post-secondary education.

4. Applicants who have studied in Canada but for less than three full years must present 65 per cent in English 30, English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalent and a minimum TOEFL CBT score of 213 (or an iBT score of 80). Applicants who achieve 65 per cent or greater in English 30, English Language Arts 30-1 or approved equivalent may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

5. International applicants who have resided in Canada and do not meet the previously stated requirements are required to take the English placement test at Chinook Learning Services and provide the Enrolment Services Office with the result. If the Chinook Learning Services placement test indicates the need to take English upgrading, then a score on the upgrade is required before the applicant can be admitted to St. Mary’s University.

Health Care

All international students studying at StMU need to have adequate medical insurance to cover any medical issues or accidents while they are here. A visit to a doctor may cost $40-$60 or more and hospitalization can cost more than $1000 per day. A student who does not have medical insurance will have to pay the entire medical bill for services received.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

If you are a student from outside Canada, you may be eligible for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage. You will need to apply for AHCIP coverage. Students under 18 years of age must be added to the AHCIP account of a custodian.

• Students who have a 12 month study permit (valid for an Alberta educational institute) and who will reside in Alberta for 12 months or more are eligible for AHCIP coverage.
• Students with study permits valid for more than 3 months but less than 12 months, may be eligible for AHCIP coverage if their application is accompanied by a letter from the student confirming their intent to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months.
• If the application is received within 3 months of entry into Alberta, coverage is effective on the date of either entry into Alberta or the date signed on the study permit, whichever is later.

To enroll in AHCIP, you may mail your application to the address listed on the application form or you may appear in person with your passport and Study Permit to any authorized office. More information / forms

Guard.Me Health Insurance

Guard.Me Health Insurance

International students who are not eligible for AHCIP and do not have other private health insurance are eligible to purchase Guard.Me Health Insurance. Guard.Me Insurance covers doctor’s visits, prescriptions and more and is charged on a semester-basis. Services not covered are dental care, eyeglasses or anything pertaining to pre-existing condition. Students with existing medical conditions should:

• bring a copy (in English) of their medical history,
• bring an adequate supply of any prescription currently being taken, and
• bring an extra pair of glasses and/or supply of contact lenses

To register for Guard.Me Health Insurance visit www.guard.me

Coming to a new school in a new country is an exciting opportunity, but one that comes with some challenges. As part of our campus services, StMU Experiential Learning and Student Services are here to assist you to adjust to your new environment and make your time at StMU a fulfilling experience.

Services for international students include:

• Buddy program for new international students
• Orientation to StMU and Canada
• Weekly newsletter
• Immigration referrals
• Student recruitment
• Cultural events
• Adapting to the Canadian educational environment

International students require a study permit, which may also allow students to work. International students may be eligible to work on and or off campus during their studies and academic break.
After receiving a work permit, students are required to apply for a Social Insurance Number if they do not already have one.

Recent graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Students must apply for this permit within 90 days of program completion. This permit will allow students to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.