International Applicants

American applicants, please use this page

We strongly recommend the following application deadlines for international students:

• For September enrolment, applications must be received by March 15.
• For January enrolment, applications must be received by August 15.

*Late applications may not allow enough time for a study permit to be processed by the Government of Canada. A delayed start date may need to be considered. To check processing times for study permit applications, visit the Government of Canada website.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A letter of acceptance for the purpose of obtaining a study permit cannot be released until the application portfolio is complete and reviewed and sufficient funds have been deposited into the applicant's student account.

Application Process

Step 1:

Be informed

Read the general Admission Requirements before proceeding.
Read the Financial Requirements before proceeding.
Read the Academic Admission Requirements before proceeding.
Read the English Proficiency Requirement  before proceeding.

Step 2:

Submit your Briercrest application

Complete the Online Application Form. (International students must provide a $100 non-refundable application fee made in Canadian funds.)
Submit other application-related documents.

*Faxed or emailed copies of your high school transcripts will not be accepted as official copies.

*Please note that the Briercrest College Admissions Office reserves the right to request additional information from any applicant.

Step 3:

Deposit the full amount of your first year’s tuition, fees, and living expenses into your Briercrest student account.

After applying, a cost of attendance letter will be sent to you with the estimated cost for your first year of studies and steps for depositing the required financial guarantee.
See Financial Requirements for more information.

Step 4:

Prepare documents for your study permit application

Once accepted, your letter of acceptance and a proof of funds statement will be sent to you. You will need these to apply for your study permit with the Government of Canada.
Learn more about study permits and what’s needed .
NOTE: You will receive a letter of introduction from the Government of Canada once your application has been approved. Please note that this is NOT your study permit. Study permits are given at customs/borders.

Financial Requirements

All unused funds deposited to a student account for the purposes of demonstrating financial stability for entrance into the country will be refunded to the student.

See these pages for more information on:

• Tuition and Fees
• Payment and Refunds
• Scholarships

For the study permit application, the Canadian government requires international students to provide a financial guarantee for themselves and all dependents that will be accompanying them to Canada for their first year of study. International students must deposit sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other school fees for the student and family for the first year of studies in the applicant's Briercrest College and Seminary student account. Your financial estimate will be sent to you by your Admissions Adviser during the Briercrest application process.

NOTE: Payment should be made in Canadian funds and is payable only by wire transfer, certified cheque, MasterCard, or VISA. These amounts will be held on deposit at Briercrest until they are needed for their intended purpose. If a study permit is denied, the full cost of attendance deposited minus processing fees will be refunded to the student.

Academic Admission Requirements

Students must submit official copies of transcripts from all previously attended:

• high schools
• language schools
• colleges and/or universities

Where transcripts are in an original language other than French or English, certified English translations of the transcripts must also be provided.

Transcripts will be evaluated based on the academic requirements for students who are Canadian citizens.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Foreign Credential Recognition

Briercrest requires that the academic records of applicants who have completed post-secondary education outside of Canada and/or the United States be assessed for Canadian equivalency. Briercrest requires a course-by-course or comprehensive assessment. This policy can also be found in our College Academic Calendar.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Since the primary language of instruction at Briercrest College and Seminary is English, all International Students applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the English language through one of the following credentials or test scores…

1. Completion of North American high school studies in English
   • 3 years (grades 10, 11, and 12) with ELA A30 and B30 (minimum grade of 65%)
   • 2.5 years (grades 11 and 12) with English (minimum grade of 70%)
   • 2 years (grades 11 and 12) with English (minimum grade of 80%)
2. Completion of international secondary studies in English. Acceptable English Language curricula include...
   • Advanced Placement (AP) English – 4 or better
   • International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level – 5 or better
   • International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level – 5 or better
   • GCSE/IGSCE/GCE O-level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language – B or better
   • GCE A/AS/AICE Level English or English Language – B or better
3. Post-Secondary Educational Credentials for English Proficiency: Successful completion of at least 24 credit hours in an approved English-language post-secondary institution, including at least 6 credit hours in humanities or social science subjects and with a minimum GPA of 60% or equivalent is considered acceptable demonstration of proficiency in English.
4. Completion of standardized test
   • TOEFL (Institution Code: 9644)
   • IELTS
   • CAEL
   • MELAB