Our Vision: "Creating exceptional learning experiences for a world of possibilities"
Learning has no borders. To ensure the richest education possible, Mount Royal University has built an international education program that is widely regarded as a leading-edge. Through the development and delivery of programs related to student mobility and faculty exchanges, and through the provision of specialized student supports dedicated to our international student population, our focus is to ensure Mount Royal students can have the opportunity to enrich their education and expand their understanding of the world.
Choose your adventure
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Outbound Exchange Spend a semester or two abroad immersed in another culture. |
Field School Travel and learn with |
Inbound Exchange Incoming international students studying at Mount Royal |
Work Experience Complete your work term abroad.
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COVID-19 UPDATE — July 7, 2020
For more information regarding Mount Royal's response to COVID-19 visit the website for regular updates.
Travel Restrictions and International Students
Updated June 10, 2020
IRCC has confirmed, all “international students who hold a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020, are exempt from the current travel restrictions to Canada."
While students may be considered exempt from the travel restrictions, students need to show that your entry to Canada is for an essential/non-discretionary purpose.
For travel back to Canada, MRU students should:
- Review the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) website for any relevant travel updates
- Email the IRCC to get written confirmation that you are exempt from the travel restrictions
- Contact CBSA and airline to confirm exemption from the travel restrictions prior to booking your flight
- Have supporting documents that prove your travel to Canada is “essential/non-discretionary”. This may include: IRCC confirmation of exemption when possible, verification of enrollment for fall/winter, copy of your MRU residence lease agreement or off-campus housing/lease agreement, any other document which may support that technical and internet difficulties in your home country are affecting your study progress remotely.
- Have a detailed quarantine plan in writing, accompanied by relevant supporting documents. This may include confirmation of 14-day booking in Residence to self-quarantine or letters from family members confirming arrangements to have you quarantine for 14 days.
Canada’s Travel Restriction Measure:
Alberta’s provincial requirements for self-isolation:
https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx
Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Test Information
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-testing-in-alberta.aspx
Government of Alberta’s Isolation Questionnaire for Returning Travelers
https://formsmgmt.gov.ab.ca/Public/OCMO12443.xdp
COVID-19 Disruptions:
Please note, as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, international students may face a variety of other disruptions. This may include:
- Visa application centre closures
- Service disruptions at Canadian visa offices
- Travel plan disruptions
- Limited access to local government offices and businesses
- Limited access to a panel physician who can do the immigration medical exam
Current Students:
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made several policy and procedure updates related to COVID-19. Please review these updates as they pertain to your situation. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has also released a collection of helpful information related to IRCC's updates. Should you have any questions about your individual situation, please email immigration@mtroyal.ca
New Students:
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that international students are able to begin their studies from their home countries either with or without a study permit, with different regulations. Please review the IRCC source material provided below for your specific situation. Should you have any questions about your individual situation, please email immigration@mtroyal.ca
1) If you have a study permit, or have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in the fall, but you are unable to travel to Canada, you may begin your MRU studies online from your home country. The time spent studying outside Canada (to a maximum of 50% of your program, if you are unable to travel to Canada sooner) will count for eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. You are still required to actively pursue your studies. (Source)
2) If you do not have a study permit, or have applied but have not yet been approved for a study permit, you are able to begin your studies online from your home country. The time spent completing your courses online without a study permit will not count towards eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. (Source)
Please contact: Immigration@mtroyal.ca to connect with an MRU International Advisor to discuss concerns.
Travellers without symptoms entering Canada during COVID-19
Updated June 30, 2020
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has provided guidelines for travellers with a list of requirements for those arriving by air or by land. These criteria apply to asymptomatic travellers (travellers with no COVID-19 symptoms).
Travellers are expected to make plans BEFORE arriving to Canada for where/how they will isolate or quarantine at their final destination as per the PHAC guidelines.
Read information for travellers entering Alberta from outside Canada.
Starting May 20, all travellers entering Alberta from outside of Canada by air, must complete an isolation questionnaire to demonstrate they have appropriate plans and the necessary supports in place to isolate for 14 days.
You will receive a provincial isolation questionnaire to fill out at a provincial checkpoint after clearing customs. You can also print it off in advance and bring it with you:
View the Provincial isolation questionnaire (English)
Travellers who do not have an appropriate place in which to isolate or quarantine themselves must go to a place designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
Before you travel
Prior to travelling to Canada, ensure that you are exempt from the travel restrictions if you’re outside the US, and evidence that you’re travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose.
If you are a student, you must bring
- a valid study permit or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows that you were approved for a study permit before or on March 18, 2020
Airline officials will be conducting a health check, and anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be able to board their flight to Canada.
Download the ArriveCan app
The ArriveCAN mobile application and accessible ArriveCAN, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency, provides a digital way for all travellers entering Canada to easily and securely submit their information and complete a self-assessment of symptoms up to 48 hours before they arrive in Canada.
The ArriveCAN app is available for free on Google Play and Apple App stores. With the ability to capture information requirements electronically, the Government of Canada is also aiming to expand our collection of contact information to those travellers who enter Canada for the purpose of performing an essential job or function. The use of ArriveCAN will help the Government of Canada communicate with travellers via push notifications, and for those travellers required to quarantine or isolate, to promote and verify their compliance with requirements under the Quarantine Act and to record any voluntary report of symptoms of COVID-19 during their 14-day quarantine period.
When you arrive in Canada
Your health will be assessed before you leave the airport. Any foreign national showing signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter the country.
You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you should not travel to Canada.
Quarantine requirement
When you arrive in Canada by air, land or sea, your health will be assessed before you leave the POE. If you’re a foreign national, and you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed to enter Canada.
You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, which include:
- a place to stay
- how you will
- get to your destination place of entry
- get your groceries
- access essential services and medical care
This plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you do not have a plan, you should not travel to Canada. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter the country. A border services officer will determine if you can enter the country.
The penalties for not following your quarantine plan once you’re in the country can include
- a fine of up to $750,000
- 6 months of jail time
- being found inadmissible, removed from Canada and banned from entering for 1 year
Why should you study abroad?
Gain valuable skills and experience - From learning a few words in the local language to collaborating in the classroom, develop your intercultural skills and understanding, both personally and professionally.
Globalize your degree - Make your degree stand out by adding international experience to it. Studying abroad is also an excellent way to develop international connections.
Expand your perspective - Connecting with people from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds will be sure to help you see the world in new ways.
Personal growth - Grow by jumping outside of your comfort zone!
Have an unforgettable experience - Everything from the people you meet in the classes you take will come together to create one unforgettable experience.
Are you looking to improve your English Language skills?
The Language Education for Academic Purposes (LEAP) program offers high-quality English language instruction, developing the language skills necessary for success in academic settings. This supports a smooth transition from language classes to credit studies in undergraduate programs.
