International Students

An “International Student” is a foreign national who is authorized to study in Canada under a Study Permit, as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. A foreign national is a person who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident. For more information about studying in Canada as an international student, please refer to the Government of Canada website.

Residents of the Northwest Territories receive first priority for admission into Aurora College programs.

If you are a foreign national who has been living in the Northwest Territories for more than one year, you may be considered for admission for any Aurora College program at the same time as other NWT residents. However, as a foreign national, you will still be required to pay international tuition fees. Please advise us if you are a foreign national who is currently living in the NWT.

Note: Misrepresenting your residency by using an NWT address if you have not lived in the NWT for at least one year may be grounds to disqualify your application.

Designated seats for International Students for 2025-2026 are full; we will not be accepting any new International Applications for 2025-2026. Please note that as a small institution, the number of international students we can accept each year is limited and fill up quickly.

Aurora College currently only accepts students for September. There is no January or May intake.

To apply for programs:

Contact us if you have further questions at: international@auroracollege.nt.ca

1. Review the program eligibility requirements.  Program eligibility requirements can be found by following the links in the Explore Programs menu at the top of the page.
   1. If you are unsure you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact one of our Admission Offices below. We are happy to explain the admission criteria and possible upgrading options if required.
2. Gather your documents.  The required documents vary according to the program. Please visit the program page for more information on what you must submit. Some standard documents are:
   1. Transcripts: 
      1. Transcripts must be in English.Transcripts should be assessed by a Canadian evaluation service for Aurora College to determine if you meet the program entry criteria.  
         1. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).World Education Services  https://www.wes.org/ca/partners/linking-website-wes/] 
         Send transcript assessments directly to international@auroracollege.nt.ca.Aurora College will not consider an application if it cannot determine Canadian equivalencies based on the submission.
      Letter of Interest: This explains why you are interested in your chosen program.
   1. Reference Letters: Some programs require a reference letter from a teacher or employer stating why you would be a good candidate for the program you have chosen.
3. Apply Online.  The Self-Service form is easy to use. 
   • Use the form for your program of interest with “International” in its name. If you do not see an “International” title, then the program no longer accepts international student applications.
   • Complete both pages of the form and ensure that you are using the form dedicated to International Applications.
     • Page 1 is your personal information.  
     • Page 2 requires you to upload your documents, so please have electronic copies ready when you apply.
4. Wait for an acknowledgment email.  All applications will be acknowledged by email within four business days. If you have not received an acknowledgment, please contact one of our admissions offices so we can verify your contact information.
5. Apply for Student Housing.
   • We recommend that you apply to student housing at the same time that you apply to your program. 
   • Click here for the Housing Application.
6. Watch for your program’s decision email.  We review applications as soon as they are complete (all required documents are submitted) so you will know if you have a seat early. You will receive your decision letter in your email.
7. If you receive a program offer.
   • First, congratulations!  
   • Second, submit your $500 tuition deposit within six weeks of receiving your program offer. This deposit is necessary for Aurora College to hold your seat. It is non-refundable but will be credited towards your first-semester tuition.
   • Tuition deposits can be paid using Pay My Tuition.
   • After you have paid your tuition deposit, Aurora College will send you an official acceptance letter.
8. Apply for your Student Visa.  Visit the Government of Canada’s site for more information on applying for a study permit.
9. Wait for your student housing assignment.
   • Aurora College assigns student housing in April. At that time, all accepted students will be notified if they have been given student housing or are waitlisted.
10. Keep in touch
    • Aurora College will send monthly newsletters to all accepted students, and we will be contacting you about your relocation to the Northwest Territories. Let us know if your email or phone number has changed or if you have not received the updated newsletters.

How to Apply Online

Important Information