COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM FUTURE AND NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Last updated April 1, 2021

Where can I find information about MHC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? You can find information on MHC’s response here: https://www.mhc.ab.ca/AboutMHC/CampusSafety/COVID-19

How will programs be delivered in the fall 2021 semester? While full details are yet to be confirmed, MHC is moving forward with preparations to safely welcome students back to campuses for face-to-face instruction in Medicine Hat and Brooks this September, while complying with COVID-19 guidelines, and striving to maximize flexible learning options for students. MHC prepares to welcome students back to campus

If I have already started my program online from my home country for the fall 2020 or winter 2021 term, will there be any effect on PGWP? IRCC has recently updated PGWP regulations to allow for online study (for students with study permits) to begin a program where it is not possible to travel to . Please see the detailed update from IRCC here: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): International students - Canada.ca

If I do not secure a study permit by the August 15 study permit deadline, will I get a refund or can I defer to the next term? Your deposit can be deferred to an upcoming semester if you inform the College prior to the August 15 deadline that the study permit has been denied or delayed. You will need to pay the application fee and reapply for the next term. If your study permit has been refused, you will also be eligible for a refund of your deposit.

What is the fall 2021 application deadline? The application deadline for international students is June 15. The deadline for competitive programs is May 1.

Dates, Tuition, Fees (mhc.ab.ca) Can I come to study in Canada?

As of October 21, 2020, international students may travel to Canada only if they:

• have a valid study permit or letter of introduction, and • will be attending a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the DLI is located and listed on IRCC’s website. ( is listed on IRCC’s website). See here for the list.

All travellers to Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and, as of February 22, 2021, all air travellers will be required to take a COVID-19 test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. Air travellers will also be required to reserve prior to departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. Travellers will be required to stay at their reserved hotel for up to 3 nights, at their own cost, while they await the results of their arrival test.

Travellers will need to book a hotel in the city in which they first arrive in Canada. If they receive a negative result on their arrival test, they will be able to take a connecting flight to their final destination. There will be a number of hotels to choose from near each of the four international airports accepting international flights, in , , Toronto and Montreal. Costs of these hotel stays may vary slightly at each location. The price will include costs associated with the room, food, cleaning, infection prevention and control measures, and security as well as transportation. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travellers. Please see here for more info. For booking and government-authorized hotels, please see here. All MHC international students travelling to Canada must connect with Lulu Guan ([email protected]) for guidance in meeting requirements.

International students should ensure that they have a suitable quarantine plan before travelling to Canada. If they do not have a plan for quarantine, including how they will buy groceries and access other essential services, they are advised to delay their travel until they have made one, as failure to do so may result in being refused entry to Canada by the CBSA.

Please see these links for the detailed Federal and provincial requirements for self-quarantine:

Federal

Provincial

Prior to travelling to Canada, you must submit your quarantine plan form, based on the template attached and send it to Lulu Guan [email protected] so that we may review and advise as needed. You will receive from Lulu information to support you in building a quarantine plan. The quarantine plan also requires you to complete a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms. If you do not have an approved quarantine plan or you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 you must not travel to Canada.

We ask that you please also download the ’s ArriveCAN app prior to arrival in Canada and complete the information required (available on the App Store or Google Play).

Can I apply for fall 2021 now? Yes, applications for fall 2021 opened on November 1, 2020. We encourage you to apply early as places are limited.

Would you accept Duolingo or IELTS indicator scores instead of TOEFL/IELTS? What would an acceptable score for admission? Yes, we accept both of those assessments. Duolingo scores of 105 are required to meet general ELP (IELTS 6.0) and 120 for advanced ELP requirements (IELTS 7.0).

I have more questions. How should I ask them? Please email [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions you have. We are very happy to help you.