Questions you might haveAcademia
1. How do I apply to study at the Mount?
You can apply by mail or fax, but the quickest way to apply is online. After you’ve applied, you should get a confirmation email and information package from the Admissions Office. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Ute Fiedler, International Admissions Liaison, at (902) 457-6221 or msvu.ca
2. Where can I find information about the Mount’s programs and degrees?
The Mount offers 38 undergraduate degrees and more than a dozen master’s programs. We also offer more than 190 credit courses and 15 complete programs through distance learning.
To find out more about programs and degrees at the Mount, please take a look at our academic calendar.
3. What is a Co-operative Education program?
Our Public Relations, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Information Technology programs have a mandatory co-operative (co-op) education component, and our Business program has an optional co-op. Co-op programs allow students to gain practical work experience during their programs.
To read more about co-op programs, please visit the co-op website.
4. What is the application deadline for international students?
The application deadline for September enrollment is in mid-June. Visit the website to learn more.
5. Which courses should I choose?
To choose required and elective courses for your degree, you need to refer to the latest academic calendar. The Electronic version is available online. We also encourage you to frequently contact your academic advisor for academic advising to make sure that you are on the right track to acquiring your degree and courses.
6. What if I already have a degree or I have finished some university courses in my own country? Can I transfer course credits? And if so, how?
You will likely be eligible for some transfer credits. When you apply, you must submit your official transcript and course descriptions. Your course descriptions will then be sent to their corresponding departments for evaluation and a recommendation will be made. Please note that you can transfer a maximum of 10 credits toward a 20-credit degree.
7. Should I come for the fall, winter or summer semester?
For most Mount programs, you can come in any semester. However, it would be ideal to arrive at the end of August so you could take part in New International Student Orientation activities and begin your courses in September. Many courses are only available in the fall-winter terms.
8. How long does it usually take to complete one degree at the Mount?
Depending on your program and the number of classes you take each semester, it takes from three to five years to complete most degrees.
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Language requirements
9. What are the language requirements for studying at the Mount?
To be a full-time student at the Mount, you are required to have one of these test scores: minimum 550 TOEFL (written test), 213 TOEFL (computer-based), 6.5 IELTS, 4.5 CanTest, 80 MELAB or 60 CAEL. You can visit our web page to learn more. Students who are close to meeting our requirements (for example, IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 520) may enroll in our University Bridging Program and study part-time their first semester. The successful completion of this course allows students to study full-time the following semester without writing another test.
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Finances
10. How much does it cost for international students to attend the Mount for a year?
Your tuition for one full-time academic year will be about $11,000 (all fees are listed in Canadian dollars). Including living expenses, you will need about $25,000 per year. For more information about finances, visit our financial page.
11. Will the Mount refund my fees if my student permit is rejected?
Yes. If your authorization was refused but you have already transferred your tuition fees on your Mount student account, all of your fees will be returned.
12. Can I get financial aid?
Yes. International students are awarded entrance scholarships and can apply for our bursary program. Entrance scholarships are based on your high school marks and range from $1,200 to $36,000. Bursaries are need-based awards intended to help students having trouble paying the fees for attending the Mount. All bursaries awarded through the Mount require a formal application that includes specific and detailed information. Applications must be received in the Financial Aid Office before the deadline at the beginning of November.
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Study and work permits
13. What are the requirements to enter Canada as an international student?
Before coming to Canada and attending the Mount, you must apply for and obtain a valid study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
To learn more about CIC, visit www.cic.gc.ca. Click here to learn more about Student Authorization (study permits).Study and Work Permits.
14. How long does it take to apply for a study permit or a work permit?
It can take you up to three months or more to get your study permit and temporary resident visa, so apply as early as you can. It usually takes about one month to get your off-campus work permit.
15. Do I need a work permit in order to work on campus?
No. You are allowed to work on campus with your study permit. You do not need to apply for a work permit.
16. Can I work off campus?
Once you have studied full-time at the Mount for six months, you may apply for an off-campus work permit. To keep this permit, you must continue with your full-time studies and have a GPA of over 1.7. To apply, contact the International Student Advisor.
17. What if my student visa is going to expire soon?
You must always have a valid study permit, so if it is going to expire before you finish your degree, you must apply to extend it two months before it expires. Application packages are available in the International Student Office located in Evaristus 202.
18. Can I work in Canada after I graduate?
Yes, you are entitled to work for up to three years in Canada after you complete a degree program. To apply for this program, you must have proof of graduation. When you are ready to apply, you should make an appointment with the International Student Advisor.
19. If I work, do I have to claim Canadian income taxes? If so, how can I do that?
Yes. If you work here in Canada, you have to claim Canadian income taxes every year. You may be eligible for a tax refund and you will be eligible for a GST rebate (about $200). A workshop with all the information you need to file taxes will be held by the International Student Advisor in March.
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Medical insurance
20. Do I have to buy medical insurance while studying at the Mount?
International students must purchase medical insurance through the Mount. You will automatically be signed up for it and charged for it. After 13 consecutive months living in Nova Scotia, you will be eligible to apply for the regular Nova Scotia Health Card—don't miss that option!
21. What exactly does my medical insurance cover?
Your international student insurance is an emergency plan. It does not cover your dental work, glasses or any pre-existing health conditions. Click here to read more about other coverage.
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Campus life
22. Where can I live when I’m studying at the Mount?
You have can choose to live on-campus in residence or off-campus in a rental apartment, house or with a local family. You could also share an apartment or house with other students. That decision is totally up to you.
23. If I’m going to rent an apartment off campus, what do I need to know?
Most apartments in Halifax require you to sign a 12-month lease. Make sure you understand the agreement of the lease before you sign it and you know what is included in your rent. For example, rent that includes heat and hot water would keep your extra expenses to a minimum. For more information about renting, read our off-campus housing guide.
24. What is a meal plan at the Mount?
The Mount offers a meal plan to students. It’s a virtual account where you place money on a card and can use it to buy food on campus. With a meal plan, you do not need to carry cash or a debit card, only your meal plan card. A meal plan is especially convenient if you live at school or you live somewhere else but don’t like to or have time to cook.
25. Where can I find information about current and upcoming events and activities?
Every year, the International Student Office and International Student Society plan various indoor and outdoor activities for international students. From International Student Orientation, which captures your very first experience at the Mount and Halifax, to Multicultural Night you will be sure to enjoy events on campus!
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Do you have other questions?Please email msvu.ca or msvu.ca