Welcome to International Student Support
We provides support, programming and orientation to both international degree seeking students and short term exchange students who choose to study at Nipissing University. So whether you are here for an exchange or to obtain your degree, our programs and services will help make you feel right where you belong at Nipissing.
Future Students FAQ
This FAQ is for International Degree-Seeking Students who want to complete a full 3–4 year degree at Nipissing University.
Students who want to study at Nipissing for one semester or academic year through an exchange can learn more about International Exchange Students.
For Undergraduate Programs
For Graduate Programs
- Graduate Programs
- Graduate Application Guide
- Admission Requirements for Future Graduate Students
- Finding a Graduate Supervisor guide
General Info
Nipissing University offers three study semesters. However, the majority of classes are offered during the Fall and Winter semesters. Degree students can study all year, however most programs start in the Fall semester.
- Fall Semester – September to December
- Winter Semester – January to April
- Spring Semester – May to August
Note: the exact start and end dates, including exam period, vary for each academic year.
Degree students will receive their acceptance directly from the admissions office.
As part of your acceptance package from the admissions office you will receive instructions on selecting and registering for your courses.
- If your study period is less than 6 months you do not need a Study Permit.
- Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to download the Study Permit Guide Book. This publication provides information about how to apply from outside Canada if your study period is more than 6 months.
For information on working while you study please visit the CIC website for more information on the requirements.
You will receive information by email. This information will help you prepare for your journey to Canada and settling upon arrival.
Additionally, joining the International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is a great way to meet other students and adjust to your new life in Canada.
In your acceptance package you will be provided with information on applying for residence.
Nipissing University offers off-campus housing support. Please visit our Off-Campus Living website.
Degree-Seeking Students must secure a Study Permit prior to their arrival in Canada. The process can take up to 45 days and longer in various regions. You will need to submit your “Student Acceptance Information Form, which Nipissing International will send you with your offer of admission, as proof of your acceptance and duration of your study period.
For more information visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca
Beginning in Fall 2024, Canada intends to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours. Learn more about this policy
Accepted International Students Arrival Checklist
We are so excited that you have chosen to study at Nipissing University. This is an exciting time in your life, and we are happy to welcome you as the newest member of our international family.
You can enter Canada through Toronto’s Pearson International Airport or Jack Garland Airport in North Bay. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is the nearest international airport to the city of North Bay. You can contact Pearson International Airport at 1-866-603-4495. If you choose to enter through Pearson International Airport, you will need to seek travel to North Bay.
Upon entry into Canada, a Canada Customs Officer will question your purpose of entry and check your immigration documents. Respond to any questions you are asked both simply and truthfully. Service will be available in English and French. If you do not understand, ask if an interpreter is available in other languages.
Be sure to carry the following documents in your hand luggage, as you will require them at the Canadian Immigration post:
- Passport
- Study Permit (if required)
- Proof of acceptance from Nipissing University
- Proof of funds available for support (e.g. bank statement, traveler’s cheques)
Study permit: Prepare for arrival - Canada.ca
It is strongly advised that you carry photocopies of all your official documents in a place separate from the originals. Also, it is suggested to leave copies of your documents with family members at home and email some photocopies to yourself.
For more information about visitors entering Canada (rules and regulations), visit: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (see “non-Canadian” link)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. It also:
- grants citizenship and
- issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians.
Transportation to North Bay
You have three options for transportation from Pearson International Airport to North Bay.
Connecting Flight
If you book your flight to Toronto through Air Canada, it is possible to pre-book a non-refundable Air Canada connector flight from Toronto to North Bay (Jack Garland Airport). Pre-booked flights range from $100 – $150 CAD one-way. You can reach Jack Garland Airport at 1-705-474-3026 or yyb.ca.
Northern Airport Shuttle Service
The Northern Airport Shuttle Service departs from the Pearson International Airport Ground Transportation Services desk twice a day (14:00h and 18:30h). The one-way fee for a single student from Pearson to North Bay (Country Style Donuts main drop-off) is $130 CAD. For an additional charge of $14, you can request to be dropped off at any location, including the Nipissing University campus. The Northern Airport Shuttle Service may take several stops to pick up other passengers and will also stop for a coffee and washroom break between Toronto and North Bay. Reservations must be made in advance and pre-paid using a VISA or MasterCard. To make a reservation, email reserve@northernairport.com.
Northern Ontario Bus Lines
Ontario Northland is the only bus line to travel from Toronto to North Bay. The coach bus travels several times during the day, and departs from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal located at Bay and Dundas Street in downtown Toronto. With the use of your host institution’s student card or your ISIC card, the rate for a one-way trip from Toronto to North Bay is approximately $72.45 CAD.
For more details, please refer to their website or phone number: www.ontarionorthland.ca or 1-800-363-7512. If you are travelling from Pearson International Airport, there is a Go Bus shuttle from Terminal 1, lower level, to the Yorkdale Mall Ontario Northland bus stop. The rate for this shuttle is $6 CAD.
For more information including scheduling, please refer to their website or phone number: www.gotransit.com or 1-888-438-6646.
Residence
- It is our hope that your stay in residence becomes one of the most rewarding experiences of your university journey. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, comfortable living and learning environment in which you may grow as an individual and develop long lasting relationships. Our team is committed to providing you with learning opportunities outside of the classroom that will offer you personal and academic growth, and help ease your transition to university.
- Applying for Residence
- Read Residence FAQ
Off-Campus Living
- We've recently partnered with Places4Students Inc. to provide an online collection of numerous housing options. Places4Students provides students, schools and landlords with the highest quality, off-campus housing service. The website provides a large real-time database for student housing vacancies in our area, including photos and text, contact information and property features.
- See Off-Campus Living
Your orientation will consist of a first-step learning module, live opportunities to connect with current students and services, ask questions, giveaways and more!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@nuintlstudentLT) for more information, to keep you updated and engaged – and ready to start your journey as a Laker!
What is Academic Advising?
The Academic Advising department primarily assists with academic questions for current undergraduate students.
Course Selection and Registration
For assistance with academic questions or course selections, please contact internationaladvising@nipisingu.ca.
Resources
Go on Exchange from Nipissing
An exchange program provides cultural and language experience, fresh perspectives, valuable cross-cultural skills, and helps build independence, flexibility, resilience, and adaptability.
International Student Mentorship Program
The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to help international students develop friendships and adjust to their new learning and living environment.
The North Bay & Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is designed to bring the benefits of immigration to rural communities across Canada.
Student Support
Student Financial Services
The department is meant to provide you with the best possible financial service in support of your education goals.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
The Mental Health & Wellbeing team is here to support you with a range of services to help you navigate challenges, build resilience, and care for your mental and emotional well-being throughout your time at university.
Student Learning and Transition
Student Learning and Transitions (SLT) is here to help you make the most of your time at Nipissing University. Whether you need tips on studying more efficiently, writing better, or just navigating university life, we've got your back.
University Health Insurance Plan, Programs and Initiatives
What is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is compulsory for international students studying at a university in Ontario, Canada. UHIP provides basic health coverage similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Your coverage typically begins at the start of your academic term or the UHIP policy period and remains active as long as you are enrolled and eligible. UHIP fees are charged to your student account each year, with the first-year fee due upon arrival.
What Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP covers medically necessary services, including:
- Emergency room services at hospitals
- Hospitalization in a standard ward
- Medications administered during hospitalization
- Physician services (doctor visits)
- Annual health examination
- Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury
- Surgery
- Diagnostic laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited emergency services outside Ontario or Canada (under the same conditions as OHIP)
- Services of certain practitioners (e.g., osteopaths and podiatrists), under the same conditions as OHIP
Important Information
- UHIP covers basic healthcare only. It does not include prescription drugs, dental care, or vision care. These services are typically covered under a separate extended health plan (Student Insurance Plan), which is different from UHIP.
- When traveling outside Ontario or Canada, UHIP provides limited emergency coverage only. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance.
Using Your Coverage
You will receive your UHIP proof of coverage electronically to your student email. Please present this document when visiting a healthcare provider.
In most cases, you should not have to pay for services when you present proof of coverage. However, some providers may require payment at the time of service. If this occurs:
- Pay for the service
- Request a receipt
- Submit an online claim for reimbursement through the insurer.
Eligible expenses will be reimbursed according to UHIP guidelines.
Before Arrival
- Before leaving your home country, you may wish to purchase travel insurance to cover you during your journey to Canada. We also encourage all international students to review the UHIP plan in advance to determine if additional coverage is needed.
- For more detailed information, please visit: www.uhip.ca
- If you have any questions about UHIP, including claims, please contact the International Student Support Office at internationalsupport@nipissingu.ca.
World University Services of Canada (WUSC)
World University Services of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian non-profit organization in international development, committed to building a sustainable world. Work with a group of internationally minded individuals both on-campus and across Canada who believe “Education Changes the World” and have a passion to give back globally.
Become a part of our local WUSC committee and think globally while participating in awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts. WUSC offers leadership development, conferences and opportunities to get involved globally.
How do I get involved?
Nipissing University has a local committee on campus, we are always looking for new members. Please contact us at nuwusc@nipssingu.ca.
Student Refugee Program (SRP)
SRP is a program that Nipissing University is proud to actively participate in. The SRP program is one of WUSC’s longstanding programs, being active since 1978, and helps refugees achieve their dreams of obtaining a post-secondary education here in Canada.
At Nipissing we sponsor students for 3 years. Each Nipissing student contributes $2.50 each year to this program. We also raise funds through our annual Ten Thousand Villages Sale. Nipissing University has graduated 4 SRP students to date and and 2 active SRP students are currently on campus.
Meet our team
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Manager, International Student Support and Community Liaison
International Student Support, Registrar's Office- 705-474-3450 Ext. 4540
- yvesk@nipissingu.ca
- Not provided
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International Mobility Coordinator
International Mobility, Registrar's Office, International Student Support- 705-474-3450 Ext. 4212
- sabahk@nipissingu.ca
- Not provided
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International Recruitment Regional Supervisor
International Student Recruitment, International Student Support- 705-474-3450 Ext. 4125
- jingxh@nipissingu.ca
- Not provided
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International Student Support Coordinator
International Student Support- 705-474-3450 Ext. 4697
- priscillab@nipissingu.ca
- Not provided
