1. Can the students apply for a scholarship after they arrive?

A: Some Universities allow foreign students to apply for scholarships after they arrive, however, these scholarships are very competitive and students must generally have a very high GPA their first year to be eligible to apply.


2. Why does a student have to live on campus the first year?

A: Most Universities in Canada have a residency requirement for all first year students. It is very important that foreign students have the opportunity to live on campus and experience college life similar to Canadian students. If students were allowed to live off campus by themselves or with their friends/relatives, their English level would not improve rapidly. Also, when on campus, they have direct access to resources that can help them with the transitions to Canadian University life, such as the international student advisor, academic advisor, resident assistance so on and so forth. In addition, they do not have to pay daily transportation expenses to travel to and from the university.


3. Why does it take so long for the university to make a decision on an application?

A: Depending on the time of year, the admissions staff at Universities must manage thousands of applications from both Canadian and foreign students. Due to our close relationship with our partner Universities, we estimate that most applications take between 3-4 weeks, with transfer applications taking a little longer to process. Also, a decision can be delayed if the application is in complete.


4. Which is the best school?

A: The best school is the school that best matches the student's needs, abilities and interests. Selecting a school which is too difficult or too easy for the student will only frustrate the student and make the Canadian education experience less worthwhile.


5. How are these schools ranked?

A: Universities in Canada are not ranked by the Department of Education, but by popular magazines. It is difficult to accurately rank more than 850 higher education institutions in Canada. There are many different rankings in the education sector, with separate rankings for colleges and universities as well as rankings for geographic and program on specific criteria. The rankings of our partner colleges and universities are quite competitive.


6. How do you guarantee that the student will receive all funds back if rejected by the university or by the visa officer?

A: In the application, students sign a written agreement whereby they understand that the fees paid will be refunded in the event of university or visa rejection.


7. Do I have to pay $500 deposit ? Can't we pay it later? We're a good agency?

A: All agencies must pay $500 deposit. By paying the deposit, this shows that the student is serious about their proposed study. If the student is accepted, the $500 is automatically credited toward the first year tuition fee.


8. Can the student submit an IELTS score?

A: We can provide a list of partner universities that are willing to accept an IELTS score in lieu of a TOEFL score.

9. What do you mean by conditional acceptance?

A: Conditional acceptance means that the student has been accepted to the university, however, prior to enrollment, the student must successfully complete all conditions for full acceptance by the university. Usually, conditional acceptance is given if a student's English level is insufficient, or their standardized test scores do not meet the minimum admissions requirements. I-20's are not usually issued until the student meets the university's requirements.


10. Can graduate students transfer?

A: While it is possible for graduate students to transfer to another university, graduate programs are generally very short in length (one to two years). Therefore, a transfer student may not be in a position to transfer many credits. As a general rule, graduate students do not transfer because they lose precious time and hard earned money.


11. Does the student's current major need to be the same as the proposed major if transferring?

A: While the proposed major does not need to be the same, a major that is similar to their current studies will strengthen a student's study plan. Visa officials place great weight on every student's study plan.


12. What is the minimum GMAT score?

A: While there is no official minimum score for admission, students who achieve 500 or above on the GMAT have a stronger chance of admission. However, higher GPA's can off-set lower GMAT's, and vice-versa.


13. What is the minimum GRE score?

A: There is no minimum GRE score as not all programs require GRE for admission.


14. Which programs require GRE?

A: GRE requirements vary with each university. Generally, engineering programs and science programs will require GRE. MBA courses do not require GRE.


15. If the student takes the GMAT after enrolling at the university and doesn't achieve the required score, will the student be asked to leave?

A: If the student scores poorly on the GMAT upon arrival, this may serve as an indication that the student has weaknesses that might be addressed with some additional foundation courses. However, if the student is performing successfully in class, it is very unlikely that she/he will be asked to leave the university.


16. Is work experience required for MBA?

A: Work experience is not required for entry into MBA programs, however, two years of work experience will greatly enhance both university and visa applications. Visa officers regard work experience as an integral part of a student's study plan.


17. How long are the Graduate programs?

A: Graduate programs vary by faculty and university. Generally, most graduate programs are 1.5 to 2 years in length.


18. What is the age limit for Graduate Applicants?

A: There is no specific age limit for graduate applicants.


19. If the student applies, can you guarantee admission?

A: We have a 95% acceptance rate for our undergraduate programs and an 85% acceptance rate for our graduate programs. Having more than one university choice on the application greatly increases a student's chances of gaining admission.


20. If the student applies can you guarantee they will get a visa?

A: AvenuesAbroad.com cannot guarantee visas to students. This decision is the responsibility of the visa officer at the Consulate. Avenues Abroad staff will help students with free visa counseling to ensure that students are well prepared for the visa interview.


21. Is the airport pickup provided every year?

A: The airport pickup is provided only for the initial arrival at the university. Students must arrive at the closest major airport to their university.


22. Can the student work on campus?

A: Students can work on campus for not more than 20 hours per week. The international student advisor can assist with this process. Students should not rely on a campus job for significant financial support.


23. Can the student work after graduation?

A: It is possible for students to apply for a one year work visa upon completion of graduation.

24. Will I need to attend an interview?

A: After reviewing your application, a visa officer will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, the officer will contact you directly and set up a time and place for an appointment.

25. What happens when I arrive in Canada?

A: When you arrive in Canada, you must inform officials at the port of entry that you are an international student picking up your student authorization. At that point, you will show the letter issued by the Canadian visa office in your country of origin to an immigration officer, who will issue your student authorization. Please note that authorizations are not issued by customs officers. The immigration officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must either leave Canada on or before the date set by the immigration officer or have your status extended by an immigration office in Canada.

26. Can I change schools?

A: You may change institutions and/or program of study to others at the same level. Applications for changing schools can be obtained from the nearest Canada Immigration Centre. However, if the terms and conditions on your student authorization state that you are required to attend a specific school, then if you wish to change schools, you must apply for a new student authorization and provide the appropriate documentation. This may be done while you are in Canada.

27. Can I work during my stay in Canada?

A: You may work on the campus of any publicly-funded, degree-granting institution that you are attending. If you are a full-time student at a post-secondary institution, you may also require an employment authorization for the following circumstances: if the intended employment is an essential and integral part of your course of study (this does not apply to accounting students, medical interns or medical residents); if the intended employment is related to an approved research or training program; or if you have successfully completed a community college or university program in Canada and wish to work for a maximum of one year in employment related to your course of study.

28. Can I leave Canada and return?

A: Yes. However, should your student authorization expire while you are out of Canada, you may not be allowed to return to study. If you initially required a visitor visa in addition to a student authorization, you will be able to return to Canada providing your visa, passport and student authorization if valid.