Welcome to Winter 2023!

Your International Education Centre (IEC) would like to welcome you to a new academic semester. We have compiled a list of important announcements for new students, returning students and students who are getting close to finishing their program.

Please feel welcome at the IEC. We have a lounge and kitchen space where you can eat and socialize. If you have an appointment or are coming in to attend a workshop, why not come a little early and make yourself at home? We offer coffee, tea, snacks, and friendly conversation.

Wondering where we are located? The Seton Annex is at 95 College Road, just down the hill from Evaristus and just behind the Seton Academic Building.

Wishing you all the best this term!
Your IEC Team

Deadline to add and drop courses AND to pay your fees

Monday, January 16th is the last day to add or drop a course. If you need to drop a course for any reason, you must do so by this date to receive a full refund. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the course.

This is also the last day to pay your fees.

If you pay after this date, you will be charged a late fee, interest, and you could be removed from your courses and your network access. Please visit the financial services website for full information on deadlines, refund schedules, and how to pay.

Immigration Advising Notice: Find out how many hours you can work off-campus

As you know the policy around international students’ working hours work has changed temporarily. We have received a lot of questions that relate to individual circumstances. We have designed an MS Form that will help you understand whether you are eligible to work more than 20 hours per week.

NOTE: this is a temporary policy that is in effect from November 15th, 2022, to December 31st, 2023.

Here is the link to the Form to help you assess your eligibility to work in Canada.

Please always remember that academics must be your top priority. You MUST keep your studies in balance with your paid work. If you fail a course, you will not get a refund, and you will have to pay full tuition to repeat the course. I hope you can avoid wasting time and money by giving your courses the time and devotion they demand.

We suggest booking an appointment with the Learning Strategist to develop time management strategies if you plan to increase the number of hours you work. 

Reminder: check the expiry date of your study permit

Do not let your study permit expire! Now is a good time to check the expiry date on your study permit and apply for renewal 3-4 months before it expires. If you plan to travel, please allow 5 months for the renewal.  

Need to get started on the renewal process? Follow these steps:  

  1. Download the guide to renewing your study permit here 
  2. Follow the steps outlined in the guide 
  3. Prepare all your supporting documents as specified in the guide 
  4. Book an appointment with an immigration advisor by clicking this link 
  5. Review your application with your immigration advisor 
  6. Submit the application 

Recorded Orientation webinars

Did you miss Orientation? Do you want to review any of the presentations? We have recorded all the helpful presentations that were delivered at Orientation. Please check them out here. 

NEW Academic Skills workshops for all international students

Our celebrated English Language instructors are offering FREE workshops this term for all international students! 

 If you did not attend high school or undergraduate studies in Canada, adjusting to new academic culture and expectations will be challenging.  

 Attend these fun and relaxed workshops to become part of a community of international students who are looking to make friends and succeed in your courses this year.  

Health Services: Set up your account with the Health Office BEFORE you need to see a doctor

Did you know that you have access to medical care here on the MSVU campus? The MSVU Health Office asks that you do not wait until you are sick to set up your pomelo health myself account. This account is how you book appointments, cancel appointments, and send reception staff secure messaging. 

Please call 902 457 6354 and press option #0 to leave your name, email address, and phone number. You will receive a link to your email to complete the set up. 

Deadline to apply for graduation

Do you plan to graduate in the Spring 2023 convocation? Do not forget to apply by January 31st! Visit the full convocation website for all the details.

Deadline to apply for Study Abroad or Exchange programs

The deadline to apply for Study Abroad or Exchange programs for the 2023 Summer or Fall term is January 31st. Please visit our website for the details.

Volunteer Opportunities

The International Education Centre is always dedicated to our students’ growth from both academic and professional perspectives. We offer various volunteer opportunities for students to develop their skills. Your participation will be rewarded with the Co-Curricular Record (CCR).

If you have any questions, please contact us at international@msvu.ca.