FAQ for Fall 2020/Winter 2021

• A. What are the self-quarantine rules once I arrive in Canada?

  You are expected to quarantine yourself for 14 days after entry into Canada, so you are expected to make the necessary arrangements that would allow you to do that.

  Learn more about travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for travellers coming into Canada.

  As part of the University's COVID-19 Readiness Plan, all international students wishing to travel to Canada on or after October 20, 2020, need an approved quarantine plan either by booking the Isolation Accommodation Program or by signing up to the Off-Campus Travel Registry. 

  All incoming international students, you must register your travel information with ArriveCAN (using the app or by logging in online) and review Alberta's public health requirements before arriving. Learn more, visit Traveller's entering Alberta from Outside of Canada. 

  Read Travel to Canada During COVID for more information.

• B. Are there supports to assist me with self-quarantine?
  Yes, Residence Services can help you with this - please contact them well in advance to organize the process.
• C. How early can I arrive in Canada before my term starts?
  As long as you have a valid study permit and visa upon entry, you can enter Canada at any time.
  
  So this will depend on the availability of flights and having the necessary arrangements that will allow you to quarantine yourself after entry.
• C. Is there transportation to campus from the airport?

  International Student Services will monitor local travel restrictions and update information accordingly. We will do our best to link students to reliable services.

  Travellers are under mandatory 14-day self-quarantine (internationally arriving passengers from outside the country) may take public transportation, such as taxis or ridesharing, if you do not show any symptoms. Transportation is provided as part of the UAlberta Isolation Accommodation Program.

  Students are encouraged to check the Edmonton International Airport for updates at their time of travel.

Tuition and Fees

• A. Will online courses tuition and fees be different from in-person tuition and fees?

  The online courses are delivered by the same high-quality instructors who also deliver on-campus instruction.

  Tuition Deposit Deadline

  The deadline for applicants to pay their tuition deposit has been extended from May 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020. Students can begin registering in courses once their tuition deposit is received and processed.

Studying Online at UAlberta

• A. If I have technical problems with my online courses, where do I get help?
  Visit the University Information Services and Technology for any technical issues.
• B. Due to the time difference, how can I join the live lecture or discussion, etc.?
  Many live lectures will be recorded for viewing at different times. It is considered best practice to hold live discussions at multiple times to allow for broader worldwide participation or to use thread-like chains to allow for contribution over different time zones. If you are having difficulty with the timing of your program specifically, it is always advisable to reach out to the professor of that course and respectfully let them know of your troubles directly.
  

Services and Support for Students

• A. What academic supports are available to me, and how accessible are they?

  Check with your Faculty for online supports.

  The Academic Success Centre has collected resources to assist you in the transition to distance learning.

• B. What services on campus will be open to help me during the term?
  All services are and will be open for students, though the interactions with these services may have shifted online.
• C. What supports are available to help with feeling isolated?
  Get involved - talk to people in real-time. Take advantage of some of the online activities produced around the campus and community
• D. Who do I speak to about landlord issues?

  It is important to know your rights and responsibilities and to understand what you are responsible for. Visit our guide on Renter's Rights and Responsibilities and also read to learn about the landlord-tenant act and the Government of Alberta guidelines.

  UAlberta Residences are available for Fall 2020 intake.

  Residences will be available for incoming and returning students for 2020-2021, subject to directives from the Chief Medical Officer. Accommodation will also be available for students arriving who may need self-isolation. This applies to students wishing to live in residence as well as students, faculty and staff returning to campus from international locations.

• E. How do students connect to the community, supports/resources, and build friendships/cohort?

  Many of UAlberta services for students are available online.

  Counselling & Clinical Services set up online to support as many students as possible while the campus works remotely as a result of COVID-19. They provide single-session, supportive counselling via telephone in lieu of regular on-going counselling and initial consultation services. Learn more

  Residences, Faculties and International Students Services have virtual peer and mentoring programs running. Do take advantage of some of the online activities produced around the campus community. Email advising@ualberta.ca to make connections.

Working in Canada

• A. What resources are available for career preparation?

  There are many career resources on campus, including at UAlberta International, and the Career Centre available online.

  International students can contact Wendy Yu, International Student Advisor - Career Development.

  Graduate students can find professional development resources on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website.

Questions?