Before applying, you must find out about requirements that you must comply with to study at Saint Paul University (SPU).

• General requirements for international students
• Language requirements
• Special requirements depending on the program of study

General requirements for international students

Undergraduate studies

To register in an undergraduate program, you must have a diploma certifying 12 years of education that is equivalent to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). You must check to see if you have a diploma that is recognized by SPU.

Graduate studies

If you are a candidate for a graduate diploma or a master’s degree, you must have an honours B.A. (4 years) or equivalent and have obtained an average of at least 70% (B).

If you are a doctoral candidate, you must have a master’s (with thesis or dissertation) and have obtained an average of at least 75% (B+).

Language requirements

You can choose to study only in French, only in English, or in both languages. Being proficient in French or English is therefore essential.

I want to study in French

To study in French, you must prove that you are proficient in French by providing the official results of a recognized language proficiency test, such as DELF or DALF.

You can be exempted from the French language test if you have completed your studies in one of the locations where French is an official language listed on the University of Ottawa Language Requirement webpage, as long you have completed three years of full-time studies in an institution where French is the only language of instruction. Please note that the admissions office reserves the right to request a language test from any applicant following the analysis of their file. If you are not sure whether you must take a language test, contact the admissions office.

DELF or DALF test centres outside France

The benefits of studying in French

I want to study in English

To study in English, you must prove that you are proficient in English by providing the official results of a recognized language proficiency test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, MELAB, CPE or PTE Academic.

You can be exempted from the English language test if you have completed your studies in one of the locations where English is an official language listed on the University of Ottawa Language Requirement webpage, as long you have completed three years of full-time studies in an institution where English is the only language of instruction. Please note that the admissions office reserves the right to request a language test from any applicant following the analysis of their file. If you are not sure whether you must take a language test, contact the admissions office.

Student of BIR Training Center (Chicago, Illinois, US):
Levels 5 and 6 of the BIR Training Center’s English Language Test Preparation Program meet the language requirements for admission to undergraduate programs at SPU.

Special requirements depending on the program of study

You must meet additional requirements to be eligible for certain programs. Read about the special requirements in the descriptions of the programs of study.

1. Tuition fees

2. Study in French and get a scholarship

3. Other scholarships offered to international students

You must submit:

• Your official transcripts for all of your studies, no matter which program you are applying to.
  • If your transcript is not in English or French, you must also submit a certified translation – signed and sealed.
  • Your educational institution must send transcripts directly to Saint Paul University.
• The official results of a recognized language proficiency test, if required.
• The other required documents based on the program you wish to apply for.

Collect all the required documents before applying.

Expedite the process

By email
To expedite the assessment process for your application, scan your documents and email them to the Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services at admission@ustpaul.ca.

By mail
These documents must also be sent by mail to the following address:

Apply online

Have you chosen your program, found out about the requirements and collected the required documents? You are now ready to apply.

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The application is valid only for the program, year and session indicated.

Pay tuition fees or application fees

You can pay your tuition fees or application fees by bank transfer from a country outside Canada.

Application fees are not refundable.

Application deadlines 

For international students, the last day you can apply:

• To start in September: the deadline is April 1.
• To start in January: the deadline is September 1.

Assessment of your application

The Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services does not assess an application until all required documents have been received.

The response to your application for the program, year and trimester indicated will be sent to you by email.

Make sure that your personal contact information is correct on the response to your application to Saint Paul University. For all changes, contact the Office of Admission at admission@ustpaul.ca.

Once your application has been accepted, confirm your enrolment and choose your courses.

Get a study permit

You can get a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to study in Canada, in most cases.

Before applying for a study permit, you must be accepted by Saint Paul University.

• Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a study permit.
• Collect the required documents to apply for your study permit.
• Apply for your permit online or on paper. A fee of $150 CDN is required to assess your application. Note that the amount of this fee may change.
• Consult the application processing time tool from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for more information.

Distance learning student

• Some distance learning courses include an in-Canada portion to the program.
• If the overall course of study is greater than six months, then the student requires a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program, even if the in-Canada portion is less than six months.

Renew your study permit or restore your students status

You must apply to renew your study permit at least 30 days before it expires.

You can apply online or on paper. A fee of $150 CDN applies. Note that the amount of this fee may change.

If your study permit expires and you have not applied in time to renew it, you can  apply to have your student status restored.

To apply for a restoration of status, you must continue to meet the conditions written on your permit. However, there is no guarantee that your application will be accepted.

We encourage you to arrive in Ottawa a few weeks before classes begin so you can become familiar with your new environment, including the climate.

You must attend a mandatory information session for international students. You will receive an invitation to this session by email.

Here is some essential information to help you prepare well for your stay in Canada.

• Budget
• Mandatory insurance for international students
• Housing
• Transit
• City of Ottawa
• Ville de Gatineau

Budget

Guide for international students

It is important to set a budget to make sure you can cover all your expenses during your studies. In your annual budget, plan an amount for your tuition fees and an additional average amount of $20,000 to $30,000 CDN to cover your living expenses.

*Depending on your program of study, other ancilliary fees could be added.

Mandatory Insurance for International Students

When you arrive at SPU, you must enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP covers costs related to basic health services, such as hospital services, ambulances, medical services, laboratory services, etc.

You will also receive Green Shield insurance, which covers medication, dental care, vision tests, etc.

International services are not covered by Canada’s provincial health plans.

The statement of account you will receive from SPU includes fees for UHIP and Green Shield insurance (in September only). You must print this statement yourself from your UOCampus account.

Premiums for these two kinds of insurance can also be paid at SPU’s Financial Services.

Coverage Period

As a newly enrolled student, you will be covered by UHIP as of the 10th day of the month before the beginning of the first year of your program at Saint Paul University.

Example:

UHIP coverage ends on August 31 every year.

Family

UHIP coverage may be extended to your immediate family (spouse, dependent children). However, they are not automatically covered. You must contact SPU’s Financial Services within 30 days of their arrival in Canada.

Cost

The monthly cost for UHIP (based on the 2024–2025 year) is $63 CDN per person. The annual cost of UHIP, from September 1 to August 31, is $756 CDN per person.

Housing

Temporary housing

The Ottawa Tourism and Tourisme Outaouais websites can help you find temporary housing in the region based on your needs and your budget. This gives you some time to choose your housing.

On-campus housing

The Saint Paul University Residence gives students the option of living on campus. Two students share an apartment that includes two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

The Saint Paul University Residence will provide you, upon your arrival, with bedding and towels in the room you have rented. These will be loaned to you for 5 days, if you ask. This will give you more time to buy these items, which are bulky to bring in a suitcase.

Off-campus housing

Saint Paul University does not formally help in finding off-campus housing. That said, if you’re looking for housing around campus, you might consider staying in one of the following neighbourhoods: Old Ottawa East, Sandy Hill, Overbrook, Centretown, the Glebe. Among other platforms, you can search for accommodation on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji or the University of Ottawa’s web page.

Transportation

Transportation from the airport

The Ottawa International Airport is located about 12 km from Saint Paul University.

The best way to get to the SPU campus from the Ottawa International Airport is to take a taxi. You can expect to pay about $50 for the ride.

The airport is served by public transit. However, plan your trip as you will need to take at least two buses to get to SPU.

Public transit

The City of Ottawa is served by the public transit service OC Transpo.

Full-time students will get the universal transit pass, or U-Pass, which is mandatory. This pass gives you unlimited access to bus transit. It is valid on OC Transpo buses and on Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) buses, which serve the neighbouring city of Gatineau.

The U-Pass is valid from September to April, and costs $447 CDN (based on 2023–2024 prices).

These fees will be included in your statement of account from SPU.

Driving in Canada

To drive in Canada, you must have a driver’s licence issued by the government of the Canadian province where you are living.

You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive beyond 60 days after your arrival in Canada.

You must apply for an IDP in your home country before arriving in Canada, as you cannot apply for it once you are in Canada.

Useful information for your arrival in Canada

Saint Paul University offers you many tools to help you succeed in your studies:

• Academic writing help
• Counselling service for students
• Library
• Guidance for making or changing your course selection
• Internships or volunteering in the community
• Pastoral Services
• Saint Paul University Student Association
• Health and wellness services offered at the University of Ottawa

Academic writing help

At the Writing Centre, advisors will teach you how to organize and present your university papers. They will also show you tools for avoiding plagiarism.

The Centre also offers seminars to help you learn more about writing tools, such as word processing and bibliography software.

To meet with an advisor, contact the Writing Centre at redaction-writing@ustpaul.ca.

The Writing Centre is located in the Library.

Counselling service for students

From September to May, psychotherapists are available for individual consultations, which are confidential and free of charge.

Find out more about the Student Counselling Service.

Library

Jean-Léon Allie Library and Archives contains more than 500,000 volumes to consult or borrow, 25 computer stations, printers, photocopiers and 9 study rooms reserved for group work or individuals.

You also have access to online research guides in all the disciplines taught at Saint Paul University.

The Library is located on the first floor of Guigues Hall.

Guidance for making or changing your course selection

You can make or change your course selection by consulting the academic advisors. They can also give you information on programs and university regulations.

To make an appointment:

Undergraduate
premier.cycle-undergrad@ustpaul.ca

Graduate
etudes.sup-grad.studies@ustpaul.ca

Internships or volunteering in the community

The Internship Office offers support to students who wish to do an internship as part of their university studies, or to volunteer in the community.

The Internship Office also offers professional development workshops, such as writing a CV and cover letter, techniques for a successful job interview, etc.

Pastoral Services

Pastoral Services organizes liturgical celebrations and offers you a place to relax, recharge and talk to other students, volunteers, professors and staff.

Saint Paul University Student Association (SPUSA)

SPUSA represents Saint Paul University students. Its objective is to encourage and promote educational, sociocultural and liturgical initiatives among its members.

SPUSA is also involved with student clubs, and provides the health and dental insurance plan (Green Shield Canada) and the free International Student Identity Card, which gives you access to a number of discounts at participating businesses.

Contact SPUSA at spusa-aeusp@ustpaul.ca.

If your study permit allows, you can work on campus or off campus. Your spouse can also apply for a work permit. Read on for more information.

• Get a social insurance number
• Work on campus
• Work off campus
• Work permit for your spouse
• Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

Get a social insurance number

To work in Canada, you need to apply for a 9-digit social insurance number. To get a social insurance number, you will need your passport and your study permit indicating that you are authorized to work in Canada.

You can apply in person at the Service Canada Centre located on the main floor of Ottawa City Hall at 110 Laurier Avenue West.

Work on campus

To work on campus, you must be a full-time student and have a valid study permit and a social insurance number.

For information on the Saint Paul University work-study program and to view job postings, consult our Job Openings page

Work off campus

To work off campus, you must be a full-time student and have a valid study permit and a social insurance number.

In general, international students do not need to obtain a work permit to work off campus, but you should check the terms listed on your study permit.

Work permit for your spouse

To be able to work in Canada, your spouse must apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Your spouse can apply if you are a full-time student and have a valid study permit. Note that the work permit is valid for the same dates as your study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

To work in Canada after graduating, you must apply for a work permit as part of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

To be eligible, you must have completed a program that is at least 8 months long and have obtained a diploma from a Canadian postsecondary institution (college or university).

ATTENTION: A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after your study program has been completed. Your program is considered complete when you receive a notification of program completion from your school.

You have 180 days after your school issues your final marks to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).