International Students
The University College of the North (UCN) welcomes students from all over the world to study in a unique and supportive learning environment in Northern Manitoba, Canada. International students can choose from a range of high-quality academic and career-focused programs while benefiting from small class sizes, personalized support, and strong connections to community and industry.
International Students
The University College of the North (UCN) welcomes students from all over the world to study in a unique and supportive learning environment in Northern Manitoba, Canada. International students can choose from a range of high-quality academic and career-focused programs while benefiting from small class sizes, personalized support, and strong connections to community and industry.
Gain Your Degree, Or Diploma In Canada’s Rugged North
The University College of the North’s campuses are found in the heart of Canada’s wilderness in Northern Manitoba. This area’s four seasons have much to offer for students who like adventure. The winter temperature here averages approximately -20°C while the summer temperature comes to around +20°C.
Campus Locations
UCN has main campuses based in The Pas and Thompson, Manitoba.
-> The Pas Campus is located 600 km north of Winnipeg (6 hours by car or 1.5 hours by plane).
-> Thompson campus is situated 800 km north of Winnipeg (8 hours by car or 2 hours by plane).
In both communities, you’ll find an unparalleled northern spirit in the people who live and work there. We’ve got a list a kilometre long of natural attractions and things to do that celebrate our culture and honour our history.
Application Requirements
An international applicant must have:
- a valid student visa;
- a copy of the student visa must be submitted to Enrolment Services before the start of class.
- Health insurance must be purchased after arriving at UCN;
- a copy of the health insurance must be submitted to Enrolment Services before the start of class.
Please review the UCN academic calendar for a complete listing of academic programs open for international students. We reserve the right to limit the number of applicants per program.
Provincial Attestation Letter
On January 22, 2024, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) established an additional requirement to support an International students’ application for a study permit. The new requirement is a Provincial Attestation Letter issued by the University College of the North (UCN).
Admissions for the 2025-2026 Academic year in now open.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
UCN’s primary language of instruction is English. That is why international students must demonstrate English language proficiency to participate in all aspects of coursework.
List of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements
For applicants with previous education outside of Canada or education in a language other than English, you must submit proof of their English proficiency with either of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum of 550 on the paper-based test and with no less than 50 in each component or an internet-based test score of 80 and with at least 20 in each component
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with at least an overall band score of 6.5 and with no individual band scores less than 6.0
Academic Requirements
- All applicants are responsible for ensuring that their documents are verified by World Education Services (WES) before applying at UCN. Visit their website at www.wes.org.
- If you are looking at courses for purposes other than admission, the verification must be a course-by-course evaluation. (International Document Verification)
- Specific programs may have additional admission requirements.
Admission
- The admission application fee is $158.00 and is non-refundable.
- International students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the program requirements and deadlines before they apply.
- The deadline for completed applications is April 1. Application deadlines are also outlined in our academic calendar.
- Applications must be complete before they are processed. Incomplete applications are grounds for application rejection. Programs may have limited space for international students.
- International students will only be in the Regular Student classification since they are not eligible to apply as a Special Student or as a Mature Student.
Campus Services and Amenities
Financial Aid
International students are not eligible to apply for financial assistance such as student loans or bursaries that are offered by UCN or the Government of Manitoba.
Student Housing
Residence facilities are available at both Thompson and The Pas campuses. We also offer family housing in both locations.
Health Insurance
All international students are required to be covered by health insurance while studying in Canada. This insurance is charged upon registration for the Fall term and payable by the posted fee payment deadline. UCN students must acquire health insurance through guard.me International Insurance. For more information regarding the guard.me plan, please visit http://www.guard.me/ucn.
The length of insurance coverage is for one year (Aug 1 to July 31), with an estimated cost per student. International students entering in any term other than the fall term must contact guard.me International Insurance to coordinate coverage under the UCN required plan. The cost of insurance will be prorated to the start date of your entrance to UCN. The plan coverage will still end on July 31 of that school year.