Application/Placement Procedures — Academic Programs

There are several steps to preparing an application for academic studies in Canada and CBIE encourages students to begin to consider the options soon after arrival in Canada. Some programs are offered at many universities across Canada, while other programs have limited enrolment. Admission can be competitive, so it is important that applications are submitted up to 6 months before the date you wish to enroll.

Soon after you arrive in Canada

Step 1 – Soon after your arrival in Canada, CBIE will communicate with you concerning your academic placement options in Canada. You should consider and research these options via the internet. A helpful website to access is http://oraweb.aucc.ca/dcu_e.htm where you will access an online database of a “Directory of Canadian University Programs”.

Step 2 – Once you have had an opportunity to consider your options, send an email message to Ms. Shanna Scarrow, Program Administrator (SScarrow@cbie.ca) if you have any questions and/or to inform CBIE of your preferred placement options.

Step 3 – Send the following original documents to CBIE’s address which can be found in the Contact section of the website:

For Undergraduate Studies:

• Original copy of Secondary School Transcript

• High school course outlines

• Original copy of national secondary school leaving certificate or graduation statement

• Original copy of English language test score (TOEFL, IELT, etc)

For Graduate Studies:

• Original Undergraduate transcript and graduation certificate (and translations if available)

• 2-3 original letters of recommendation from previous professors

• A curriculum vitae

• Original copy of English language test score (TOEFL, IELT, etc)

For PhD Students

• Documents listed above in “Graduate Studies”

• Master’s transcript and graduation certificates (and translations if available)

• 1 copy of the Master’s thesis

Step 4 – Prepare your Statement of Interest and send it by email to SSarrow@cbie.ca. This should be approximately 1 page long and explain:

• Why you are a good candidate for graduate studies

• What experience you have in your field

• What you wish to study or research

• How this will help you achieve your personal and professional goals

Step 5 – Contact a potential supervisor. Go to the Department website at the universities where you wish to apply. Look at the research interests of faculty members. If you find someone who has similar interests to you:

• Contact this professor by email and introduce yourself

• Tell the professor about your research interests

• Attach your CV and a scanned copy of your transcript

• Ask if they think you are a good candidate, and if they are accepting new students or if they can suggest another professor

Step 6 – Take an English language test. If you wish to improve your score you will have time to take another test before you begin your academic program. CBIE will reimburse you for the cost of up to four language tests, upon receiving the receipt as well as a copy of the test score.

Step 7 – When your file is completed and ready for application, CBIE will prepare and submit your applications to up to five (5) university programs.

It should be noted that CBIE will communicate with students on a regular basis throughout the placement process. We look forward to working with you towards your goal of acceptance at one of Canada’s finest universities.