Information for Incoming International Students

Since your initial study permit application can take time to put together, we recommend that you apply for your study permit well before you plan to travel. Ideally, you should apply as soon as you receive a Letter of Acceptance from the University of Lethbridge. ​​

We understand that circumstances change and unforeseen challenges may require you to make adjustments to your academic plans. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your admission.

Effective January 22, 2025, most study permit applicants (from inside and outside Canada) will require a PAL to be included in their application. Learn more.

A PAL is required for those: 

• Applying to study in an undergraduate level program
• Applying to study in a graduate level program (master's or doctoral degree)
• Changing Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) or level of study inside Canada
  • Level of study categories include: 1) Primary and secondary education  2) Post-secondary education (including undergraduate programs) and 3) Graduate education or above

Important: If you are changing programs at uLethbridge and think you may need a PAL for your study permit application, please book an appointment to speak with an International Student Advisor.  

You need to provide proof that you can support yourself and accompanying family members while in Canada. 

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants increased from $10,000 to $20,635 (not including tuition) for a single applicant applying on their own. The minimum amount increases with each additional family member who will come to Canada with you. 

Check the IRCC website for required amounts and types of financial proof accepted. 

A medical exam is required if you:

• Have lived in a designated country or territory for more than 6 months in the last 12 months before you apply.
• Would like to work in certain jobs in Canada that bring you into close contact with people who must have their public health protected such as schools, hospitals, child and senior care facilities, clinical labs.

Only Panel Physicians approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada can do this exam. Your own doctor cannot perform the medical exam. Medical exams are valid for 12 months and must be valid when you enter Canada.

If you are required to complete a medical exam, you have 2 options:

1. Take an upfront medical exam and include a copy of the print out (e-Medical) given to you by the IRCC Panel Physician in your study permit application. (Recommended option)
    
2. Submit your study permit application first and wait for IRCC to send you instructions on how to complete the medical exam with details on when you should book your medical exam appointment. (You must complete the IME within 30 days of receiving the instructions from IRCC)

We recommend arriving at least a week or two before the start of classes. This will give you time to get settled and become familiar with your new home before New Student Orientation and the start of classes.

If you try to travel to Canada more than 4-6 weeks before the start of your classes, there is a possibility that a Border Services officer may not allow you entry into Canada if you are arriving too early.

We also recommend not booking flights until your passport complete with Temporary Resident Visa (sticker in your passport) is in your hands. The passport request letter is not sufficient enough approval to proceed with a flight purchase. It may take several weeks to receive your passport back from the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

As difficult as it may be to postpone studies, it is in your best interest to delay your studies than to arrive late. The latest a student can arrive and be successful is the end of the add/drop period - check the academic calendar for dates. 

Do not pack your important documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you, or in your carry-on luggage. You will need to show them to the border services officer when you arrive in Canada before you collect your checked luggage.

Keep the following documents with you:

• Your valid study permit or your Letter of Introduction (study permit approval letter) provided to you by the visa office that approved your study permit application.
   
• Your valid passport with a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA (as applicable)
   
• Your Letter of Acceptance from uLethbridge and your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of Alberta. 
   
• A Verification of Enrolment from the Bridge showing your registration at uLethbridge, for the current or upcoming term (as applicable)
   
• Proof of financial support demonstrating that you have sufficient resources to support yourself and any family members accompanying you to Canada (e.g. bank draft, financial statements, letter of credit, letter of financial support or other proof). 
   
• A valid medical exam (Please note: medical exams are valid for twelve months from the date of the medical assessment). If your medical exam has expired, please undergo a new medical exam prior to your travel. If you have any questions regarding medical exam validity, you may contact our office for assistance. When emailing our office, please include your student ID#, copy of your medical exam assessment receipt and your question.)

Please note the Canada Border Services Agency officer makes the final decision on who is permitted to enter Canada.

For further information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) what to expect when you arrive in Canada page.

If you are outside of Canada with sufficient financial resources and have not yet applied for your initial study permit, you may choose to submit your family member's applications together, at the same time you apply for your study permit. 

If you are already inside Canada studying with a valid study permit, your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children may be eligible to apply to join you in Canada as a Visitor, Student or Worker. 

In all cases, your accompanying family members will need to have their applications approved to come to Canada (either as a worker, student or visitor) before they travel.

• They may be able to travel as long as they have the necessary travel requirements: either a TRV or eTA
• They should not travel to Canada before you do.

See the IRCC website for additional details and eligibility. Contact your International Student Advisors if you have any questions.

At the Canadian port of entry, you will be required to show the border services officer your Letter of Introduction, along with any other relevant documents. When the officer issues your study permit, ensure your name is spelled correctly and that your biographical details (birth date, country of citizenship, etc.) are accurate. Check the expiry date on your study permit.

If you hope to work while you are a student, either on or off-campus, tell the border services officer. Ensure that one of the following statements is listed on your study permit before leaving the immigration area of the airport:

• May work 24 hrs off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR
• May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria
• May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies (for English for Academic Purposes program students or exchange students)

One of these statements must be present on your study permit to apply for a Social Insurance Number, which is required to work in Canada.

If there is anything you don’t understand, make sure you ask the border services officer to explain it to you.

Once you enter Canada and your study permit is issued, you will be eligible for a Social Insurance Number, provided your study permit indicates you are able to work in Canada. SIN applications can be made online or in person at a Service Canada Centre.

For Lethbridge Campus Students: An employee from Service Canada will be present on campus to process SINs. More details will be available as we approach the Fall 2025 term. Keep an eye on your uleth.ca email for more information. 

You can learn more about the Social Insurance Number here.

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to find accommodation to live in while you are studying – most landlords will look for someone to move in on the first of the month, so keep that in mind when planning. 

You should start looking for your accommodation as soon as your study permit is approved. However, it is a good idea to research in advance to familiarize yourself with the different options and know what you want to look for. You can start this process while you are outside of Canada.

For more information about finding a place to live, including where to find temporary accommodation upon arrival (if needed), see our Accommodation section.

Important note: the distance between Calgary and Lethbridge is approximately 2 hours by car. If you are studying at the Calgary campus, look for accommodations in Calgary. If you are studying in Lethbridge, look for accommodations in Lethbridge. It is not possible to commute between Calgary and Lethbridge for classes.

Living off campus gives you the freedom to find accommodations that meet your specific needs. 

There are many things to consider when looking for a place to live. When deciding which location is best for you, consider:

• How will you get around?

• Do you want to live within walking distance to campus?

• Will you be taking transit? 

• How close is the nearest bust stop? How close is it to places like grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and banks?

If you would like to live off-campus, please review our Off-campus Accommodation Guide for more information. 

In Canada, registration is completed each semester by you, the student. The act of registration and selecting the right courses are solely your responsibility. 

We encourage you to begin familiarizing yourself with the registration process and view the recording of our Registration Support Webinar step-by-step help and important tips to ensure you are in the correct classes. 

Registration for Fall 2025 is now open and is done via the Bridge. 

Classes fill up quickly, so we suggest that you register for classes now, even if you haven't received a response on your study permit application yet.  

We also have upcoming registration support webinars scheduled in the coming months. Check our Pre-Arrival page for more information and to register for a webinar!

You may choose to register as a part-time student. However, we recommend always registering as a full-time student (at least 9.0 credit hours, usually 3 classes for undergraduate students) in every Fall and Winter term, beginning with your first term. 

In order to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after you complete an eligible program, you must be a full-time student for the duration of your program (with the exception of scheduled breaks such as Summer or final term of study). This is true even for online classes or classes taken outside of Canada.

Note: Most graduate students are considered full-time students in every Fall, Winter and Summer term throughout their program, as long as they are registered.

If you are considering taking a part-time course load, please consult with an International Student Advisor to understand the implications of taking part-time studies on your work eligibility and Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility.

Exact tuition and fees will vary from year to year and depending on your level of studies and the courses taken each semester. Tuition and fees are assessed to student accounts on the first day of classes each term. 

• If you are an undergraduate student, you will find estimated tuition and fees for the 2025/2026 academic year in the Academic Calendar under “Fees Schedules”. 

• If you are a graduate student see the "Fee Schedule" for your program here. 

You can find a summary of your current term charges by looking online on the Bridge under “Student → Student Account → Account Summary by Term”. 

Learn more about tuition and fees in our International Student Guide here. 

As an international student, you are welcome to make advance payments for tuition once you have accepted your offer of admission, although it is not typically required for the study permit application.

There are a number of methods you can use to pay your tuition: 

• Cash, cheque, and Interac debit card payments are accepted at the Cash Office, located in Anderson Hall (AH144). Payments can also be put in the 24-hour deposit vault located at the end of the counter in front of the Cash Office.
   
• You can add the University of Lethbridge as a payee through your online banking service, including ATB, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD Canada Trust, and send your payments online.
   
• You can use GlobalPay, which enables you to transfer funds from your international bank account directly to the University of Lethbridge.
   
• You can also use PayMyTuition to make your tuition payments from any bank, in any country, in any currency at better than bank exchange rates.

Yes! Our University of Lethbridge Students Union offers Health & Dental coverage to all full-time students. Students with pre-existing coverage can opt out of this service. 

In Alberta, basic health care coverage is provided by a provincial public health care plan. This system makes it possible for all Alberta residents to have access to necessary services such as hospital visits and doctor appointments without sacrificing personal funds to pay hefty medical bills. As a student with a study permit for at least one year, you are eligible to receive these benefits.

Learn more about your health benefits as a student here. 

If you have questions about the application or admission process after reviewing the Admissions webpages or receiving information from us, please contact admissions@uleth.ca 

Staff in the Student Enrolment and Registrar Services would be happy to assist you with any step along the way.

Student Enrolment and Registrar Services
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive W
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
Canada

Phone: 403-382-7134
Fax: 403-329-5159
Email: admissions@uleth.ca