Admission requirements
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
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.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Required documents
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.
Study permit
Get a study permit
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.
| 2023–2024 Tuition fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate – 2 terms per academic year | Graduate – 3 terms per academic year | |
| Tuition fees – International student | $17,760 | up to $26,401 |
| Tuition fees – International student studying in French | $14,760 | up to $21,901 |
| Estimation of Other Living Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8 months | 12 months | |
| Housing | $8,000 – $10,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 |
| Meals | $5,400 | $8,100 |
| Clothing, outings, miscellaneous items | $1,500 | $2,250 |
| Telephone and internet | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Textbooks and other school supplies | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Mandatory health insurance (UHIP) | $756 | $756 |
| Medical and dental insurance | $276.38 | $276.38 |
| U-Pass: public transit | $447 | $670 |
| Other administrative fees | $120 | $120 |
| Approximate total of other living expenses (living in residence) | $20,750 | $30,600 |
*Depending on your program of study, other ancilliary fees could be added.
Renew your study permit 30 days before it expires
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.
Restore your student status
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.
Preparing for your stay
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
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.
If your study permit expires and you have not applied in time to renew it, you have 90 days to apply to have your student status restored.
In addition to the student permit renewal fee of $150 CDN, you must pay the restoration of status fee of $200 CDN. Note that the amount of this fee may change.
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.
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:
| Beginning of program (1st year) | September 1 |
| Beginning of UHIP coverage | August 10 |
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 2023–2023 year) is $63 CDN per person. The annual cost of UHIP, from September 1 to August 31 (based on the 2023–2024 year), is $756 CDN per person.
Housing
Si votre permis d’études expire et que vous n’avez pas fait votre demande de renouvellement à temps, vous disposez alors de 90 jours pour demander le rétablissement de votre statut d’étudiant.
En plus des frais de renouvellement de permis d’études de 150 $ CAN, vous devrez aussi acquitter les frais de rétablissement de statut, qui s’élèvent à 200 $ CAN. Veuillez noter que le montant de ces frais peut varier.
Pour faire une demande de rétablissement de statut, vous devez continuer de respecter les conditions inscrites sur votre permis. Toutefois, il n’est aucunement garanti que votre demande soit acceptée.
When you arrive in Canada
Useful information for your arrival in Canada
Financial needs when you arrive
Bring with you a money order or bank draft to cover up to $2,500 CDN of living expenses for the first month, which will give you time to open a bank account in Canada.
If you enter Canada with more than $10,000 CDN in your possession (cash, cheque, etc.), you must declare it to a Canadian border services agent.
For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.
Open a bank account
When you arrive in Ottawa, we recommend that you open a Canadian bank account.
To do this, you will need
- Your passport
- A student card
- Your study permit
The process is free, but the bank will usually ask for an initial deposit to activate the account.
The bank will give you a client card, which will allow you to make withdrawals at bank machines and pay for your purchases at most stores and businesses.
It is possible to get a credit card once you are in Canada, but we recommend that if you have one, you bring a credit card from your home country.
Here is a list of several Canadian banks:
- Scotiabank
- TD Canada Trust
- CIBC
- Royal Bank
- National Bank
- Bank of Montreal
- HSBC
Student card
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.
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.
Consult the ads for rental accommodations on the Saint Paul University website or on the University of Ottawa’s Student Housing Billboard and the City of Ottawa’s geoOttawa app to become familiar with the different parts of the city.
The average cost of housing downtown is higher than housing in the suburbs:
- One bedroom in a private home: from $500 to $800
- Apartment-style studio for one person: from $750 to $1,000
- One-bedroom apartment (3½ rooms): from $1,000 to $1200
- Two-bedroom apartment (4½ rooms): from $1,200 to $1,600
UOttawa email address
You must get your email address from the University of Ottawa, which offers this service to Saint Paul University. Saint Paul University will use this email address to communicate with you throughout your studies.
Payment of tuition fees and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
You must pay your tuition fees in their entirety as well as your UHIP contribution when you arrive in Ottawa.
You can pay by cheque, by debit card or by bank transfer at Saint Paul University’s Financial Services, room G172.
Buddy program
International students who would like to be paired with Canadian students to create ties with people to make their adjustment to university life easier can take part in a buddy program.
To participate in the buddy program, simply tell the SPU International Office, room G134 or international@ustpaul.ca, that you are interested.
Participants will be matched as soon as possible.
Working in Canada
As an international student, you can work on the Saint Paul University campus as well as off campus. However, you must respect the conditions of your study permit.
Your spouse can also work, but they must apply for a work permit.
For more details, see Working in Canada.
Student services
Saint Paul University offers you many tools to help you succeed in your studies:
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.
Contact the coordinator of the pastoral team, Anne-Marie Habyalimana, at ahabyalimana@ustpaul.ca.
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.
Working in Canada as an international student
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
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.
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).