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High School in Canada

Last Updated: June 23, 2025

This step-by-step welcome guide is for new international undergraduate students coming to ´óÏó´«Ã½ from a Canadian high school. This is your go-to place for all the resources and to-do items before and after you start at ´óÏó´«Ã½.

Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page. Before you begin, download the checklist.

Download Checklist

International Student Orientation

All new international undergraduate and graduate students beginning their studies at ´óÏó´«Ã½ this Fall 2025 are invited to our 3-part orientation series to get transition support and make connections.

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CONTENT ON THIS PAGE

AFTER ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER

Step 1. Check and update your study permit and other documents.

Apply for a ´óÏó´«Ã½ Study Permit

As of Nov. 8, 2024, if you transfer from a Canadian high school (or secondary school) to ´óÏó´«Ã½, you will need to apply and be approved for an ´óÏó´«Ã½ study permit before starting at ´óÏó´«Ã½. 

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Review our Study Permit Application Guide

Review our guide for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a ´óÏó´«Ã½ study permit. You must have a ´óÏó´«Ã½ study permit before you start your studies in Fall 2025. If you are applying for a ´óÏó´«Ã½ study permit from outside Canada, this is considered a new study permit application as opposed to a study permit extension. 

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GETTING TO KNOW ´óÏó´«Ã½

Step 2. Know your advising resources to support your time at ´óÏó´«Ã½.

International Services for Students

International Services for Students provides a variety of support, programming and non-academic advising on topics such as Canadian immigration documents (e.g., study permits, visas) and medical insurance, exchange and study abroad.

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Academic Advising

Academic advisors can assist you with everything from specific questions about enrollment and course selection, to complex questions about your future. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TERM

Step 3. Review medical insurance coverage information.

Medical Insurance at ´óÏó´«Ã½

As a new international student at ´óÏó´«Ã½, you will be automatically enrolled in guard.me@´óÏó´«Ã½ for your first term of studies. Students staying in BC for 6 months or longer are required to enrol in the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) under the .

Opting Out

Check to see if you are eligible to cancel (opt out of) the guard.me@´óÏó´«Ã½ Plan and SFSS Health and Dental Plan.

Step 4. Find housing and decide where to live.

Housing Resources

Deciding where to live is one of the first things you'll need to do after you've been accepted to ´óÏó´«Ã½, and you may find yourself re-making this decision a few times during your stay in Canada. 

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Avoiding Scams

Educate yourself in identifying potential rental scams, which you may find while looking for off-campus housing. Learn more about common types of fraud and how to prevent them from the Vancouver Police Department website.

Step 5. Sign up for orientation and transition programs.

International Student Orientation Series

All new international undergraduate and graduate students beginning their studies at ´óÏó´«Ã½ are invited to our 3-part orientation series to get transition support and make connections.

Learn more >

Global Student Centre Events

The Global Student Centre (GSC) is the campus hub for international students on campus. The GSC offers an array of social events throughout the semester as well as various support services.

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TRAVELLING TO CANADA

Step 6. Review the current travel restrictions and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to discover what documents to bring with you when you enter Canada.

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Trip Planning

Plan your trip by reviewing infomration on what to pack, what to expect in the airport,  short-term accommodation, and more.

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WHILE AT ´óÏó´«Ã½

Step 7.  Review our resources to ensure you comply with the conditions of your study permit and know the eligibility requirements to work while pursuing your studies. 

Enrolment Requirements

Your enrolment at ´óÏó´«Ã½ affects your ability to work, study, and stay in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to actively pursue your studies while at ´óÏó´«Ã½.

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International Student Experience Support

The International Student Experience Support is a suite of drop-in services offered by our team of professional staff and trained student advisors at the Global Student Centre. We are here to offer you assistance and guidance on various topics and questions.

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Work Eligibility

Determine your eligibility to work on campus and off campus with your study permit by reviewing the requirements.

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Step 8. Find health and wellbeing support.

Access a Transition Case Manager

Whether you're looking for assistance with managing school stress, finding housing, understanding documents, or understanding Canadian services, our Transition Case Manager is available for one-to-one support.

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MY SSP (Student Support Program)

With My SSP, all ´óÏó´«Ã½ students have access to immediate or ongoing, confidential support - accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world by phone or through the downloadable app.

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