Study in Canada: Common Questions

Admission

Is there a fee to apply for an admission assessment or offer?

No. The application form, submission, and initial assessment are free.

How long does an admission decision take?

Our regular processing time is 15 to 30 days from the date we receive a completed stage two application.

Can I get admission without IELTS or other proof of English?

Yes, it is possible. Applicants who do not meet the English requirement may receive a conditional acceptance. English skills remain important for your studies and for your study permit application. See International Admission Requirements.

Can I apply with a secondary school certificate from my home country, or another degree or diploma?

Yes. Your credential may need an assessment to confirm it is equivalent to a Canadian secondary school diploma. See Credentials and ECA below.

Is there a maximum age limit?

No. CCEC has no maximum age limit. Many of our programs are designed for adults who want to build job skills.

Does the College use agents for admissions or fees?

No. Applicants receive admission decisions and the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) directly from the College.

Can I change my program after I receive an offer or LOA?

Yes, within CCEC, if you meet the admission criteria of the new program. Changing to a different school is covered under Study Permits below.

Will the College help with my study visa application?

After you receive your LOA, staff can explain the College documents you need. CCEC staff cannot give immigration advice; for that, consult a licensed RCIC or lawyer.

Fees and OSAP

Do I have to pay the full tuition before admission or visa approval?

No. You do not have to pay the full amount up front to receive an admission decision. CCEC offers instalment plans for eligible students. A study permit application, however, requires proof that you can pay tuition, living costs, and return travel (Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, s. 220).

How much does it cost to study at CCEC?

Tuition depends on the program and is listed on each program page. See All Programs, Student Loans and Financial Aid, and How to Pay Tuition Fees and Dues.

Who is eligible for OSAP?

OSAP is for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons who meet Ontario residency and other requirements. International students are not eligible. Eligibility also depends on your program; contact Financial Aid to confirm. See OSAP Questions and Answers and ontario.ca/osap.

When should I start my admission and OSAP applications?

Start both at least 30 to 40 days before your program start date.

What is the MSFAA?

The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is a legal agreement that sets out your responsibilities when you receive and repay government student loans.

When are fees due, and what if my OSAP is late?

Fees must be paid before the program start date. Even when OSAP pays the College directly, you are responsible for making sure your fees are covered. If your funding has not arrived by the payment due date or program start date, you may not have access to the program until fees are paid.

Study Permits and Visas

Is CCEC a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

Yes. DLI # O262228554872.

What is a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)?

An LOA is issued by a DLI after an applicant meets the admission requirements. You need a valid LOA from a DLI to apply for a study permit; a digital copy is acceptable. See LOA Policy.

Is an LOA a guarantee of a visa or study permit?

No. An LOA confirms your seat in a specific program and intake. IRCC decides every study permit application based on its own requirements and your circumstances.

Is anyone exempt from the LOA requirement?

Yes. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (s. 219(2)), certain family members of a foreign national whose work or study permit was approved in writing before they entered Canada do not need an LOA. This does not guarantee approval.

What is the difference between a student visa and a study permit?

A visitor visa (TRV) or eTA lets you enter Canada. A study permit lets you study in Canada. See Understanding Canadian Student Visas.

Do I need a study permit for a short certificate or skills program?

Not if the program lasts six months or less. You still need a valid passport and a visitor visa or eTA, and you still apply to CCEC for admission. See Short Study and Micro-Credential Programs.

Can I study online without a study permit?

Yes. Online distance study from outside Canada does not require a study permit. If you are in Canada on a work permit, IRCC allows you to study for six months or less while you work; longer programs in Canada may require a study permit. Check your permit conditions before you enrol.

Can I change to a different college after I arrive in Canada?

Post-secondary students must apply to extend their study permit before changing schools, and usually need a new PAL. See Extend, Renew, or Restore a Study Permit.

Can I restore or change my status from inside Canada?

In many cases, yes. You can apply to extend your study permit before it expires, or apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it. Moving from study to work status depends on IRCC work permit rules.

Can my spouse or children come with me?

They may apply to accompany you. Open work permits for spouses of international students are now limited to certain programs, and most college diploma programs do not qualify. Check the IRCC website.

Work and the PGWP

Can I work while I study in Canada?

If your study permit includes work conditions and you meet IRCC requirements, you may work on campus, and off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions. You cannot start work before your program begins. See IRCC: work while you study.

Do CCEC programs lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

No. CCEC programs do not make graduates eligible for a PGWP.

Does a PGWP guarantee permanent residence?

No. A PGWP is a temporary work permit. Permanent residence programs have their own requirements, such as work experience, language, education, and admissibility.

Credentials and ECA

Do I need to send an ECA report with my application?

Send it if you have one. Otherwise it is optional, and we can offer alternatives. See Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Which ECA organizations does CCEC accept?

CCEC accepts assessments from these organizations only:

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
• Comparative Education Service, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

I have a bachelor's or master's degree. Do I also need to send my secondary school certificate?

No. Submit your degree. If your highest credential is a secondary school certificate plus a diploma of one year or more, send both.

Is a 12-year secondary school certificate from outside Canada equal to a Canadian secondary school diploma?

Not always. It may need an assessment by an approved agency. If you also completed a post-secondary diploma at a Canadian institution, you may submit that diploma, and CCEC may accept it without an ECA.

Leave of Absence and Deferral

Can I take a leave from an active course?

• A leave of absence must be authorized in writing by the Registrar's Office. During an approved leave you cannot attend classes or write exams. Continuing to study online is not a leave, so the College cannot issue a leave letter in that case.
• Under IRCC guidance, an authorized leave should not exceed 150 days from the date it starts. Students must keep actively pursuing their studies and making reasonable progress toward completing their program. See IRCC: assessing study permit conditions.
• A leave means you will not graduate with your class on the current schedule, because you will miss classes and exams.
• If you plan to leave Canada during your studies, consult a licensed representative about your study permit conditions and re-entry before you travel.

Can I defer my admission or enrolment?

Deferral depends on seat availability and the conditions in the Deferral Policy. Admissions and LOAs are issued for one specific program, campus, and intake.