International Students – College
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR 2024-2025:
Heritage College & Seminary has been informed that due to the cap on international study permits that has been instituted by the Government of Canada, study permits will not be granted to international students applying to Heritage for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students may study from their home country via distance learning (synchronous or asynchronous online).
This information will be reassessed and updated for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Learn how to begin your journey at Heritage College & Seminary (DLI#: O110124108754) by reviewing the information found on this page. Please note: international students are recommended to begin their studies in the fall semester.
International Student Application Process
1) Select Your Program
Choose a program from our list of bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates. International applicants are advised to begin the application process at least nine months before their planned enrollment date to ensure there is sufficient time for their Heritage and study permit application to be processed. Please contact our college admissions team for assistance with choosing a program.
2) Review Admission Requirements
Review the College Admission Requirements for International Students, including academic and tuition information. To ensure there is sufficient time for your study permit to be processed, international students must complete their application by the following dates:
- Fall start – Applications must be completed by March 31
- Winter start – Applications must be completed by July 31
You must also review the Heritage College & Seminary Student Handbook and declare on your application form that you have read the Community Life Commitment section (Part B).
Note: Students must also meet all Government of Canada eligibility requirements at the time of travel: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html. Please contact our admissions team for information on distance learning options.
3) Begin Your International Student Application Form
International applicants must submit three references, proof of English language proficiency (see below for a list of accepted tests and scores), and official transcripts (applicants from the U.S.A. should submit SAT scores if available). Applications that are missing required documentation will be considered incomplete. Important note: completion of the application form and submission of required documentations does not guarantee admission into Heritage.
Three References: Contact a pastor and two adult friends who know you and your walk with Christ and ask them to be references (three referees in total). Submit their email addresses on your application form. Reference forms must be written in English.
4) Submit Required Documents
Note: Applicants from the United States of America may skip this step.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency is normally required of all international applicants with the exception of citizens from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and countries of the West Indies (except Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia). Heritage only accepts scores from the following English language proficiency tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – iBT: Students must achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT, and a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections. Tests can be booked at https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/. Heritage’s institutional code is: 1498.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic: Students must achieve a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (6.0 in each band) on the IELTS Academic. Tests can be booked at https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test.
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General: Students must achieve a minimum level of 7 on the CELPIP-General. Tests can be booked at https://www.celpip.ca/.
Important note: test scores must be sent directly to Heritage from the testing agency. Results submitted by applicants will be considered unofficial, and official results from the testing agency will still be required.
Heritage reserves the right to request an English proficiency test from all applicants as proof of academic readiness.
Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts from all previous educational experiences. Transcripts that are not written in English must be translated in full and notarized by an official translating company. International applicants must also provide a credential evaluation report from World Educational Services (WES) Canada. Applicants must request a “WES ICAP Course-by-Course Evaluation Report” and choose Heritage College and Seminary as the recipient. When your evaluation report is complete, WES will send your evaluation report along with a copy of your transcripts directly to Heritage. The official transcripts that Heritage receives from WES must match any transcripts provided by the applicant. Discrepancies between the official transcripts provided by WES and the transcripts provided by the applicant may affect the applicant’s eligibility to be enrolled at Heritage.
5) After You Are Accepted, Confirm Your Acceptance
Complete the Confirmation of Acceptance form and pay your tuition deposit to secure your spot as a student at Heritage.
Once you have confirmed your acceptance, you will receive a formal acceptance letter and a study permit letter from Heritage College & Seminary.
6) Apply for Your Study Permit
Study permit applications are processed and approved by the Government of Canada. For more information, or to apply for a study permit, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html. All international students must obtain a study permit to study at Heritage and will not be able to begin their studies until all necessary government documentation has been approved.
7) Plan Your Arrival
Once your study permit has been approved, you must prepare for your arrival to Canada by:
- Submitting a Copy of Your Documentation to the Registrar. Send us a copy of your study permit and passport. When you arrive on campus, we will ask to see your original travel documents for verification purposes only. Heritage College & Seminary will not, under any circumstances, retain or withhold a student’s passport or visa documentation.
- Registering for Courses. Contact the college admissions coordinator to register for classes.
- Reviewing, Completing, and Submitting Documents. Ensure all necessary documents and forms have been completed and submitted.
- Purchasing Extended Health Insurance. Upon acceptance into Heritage and approval of your study permit, Heritage will purchase extended health insurance for you. You will be billed directly for the full cost of the health insurance coverage.
- Organizing Your Accommodation.
- Living on-campus: If you plan on living in residence, please note that limited spots are available. Go to https://discoverheritage.ca/residence to learn more and to apply for residence.
- Living off-campus: Students planning to live off-campus are responsible for having their accommodation arranged prior to arrival. For a list of available off-campus accommodations, please contact Student Services at ctalabis@heritagecs.edu.
- Applying For Scholarships and Bursaries. To apply for our available scholarships and bursaries go to https://discoverheritage.ca/tuition/scholarships-and-bursaries/. Most scholarship and bursary applications are due by May 31st for the fall term, and October 31st for the winter term.
- Paying Your Fees. Students will not be allowed to begin their studies until all outstanding fees have been paid in full.
- Reviewing Requirements and Information for Arriving in Canada. Ensure you meet all requirements and have all documents required to enter Canada. View information on the Government of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare-arrival.html.
Note: Students must arrive in Canada no later than one week before classes begin.