International Students

Study in Canada

Studying in Canada is an enticing choice for many international students. Visions of lakes, mountains, clean air and friendly citizens are among the reasons millions of international students choose Canada.

Centre for Arts and Technology has been welcoming international students into our arts and technology programs in Kelowna, British Columbia for over 20 years. Our centrally located campus is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, a vibrant and growing community, and plenty of extracurricular activities including skiing and snowboarding, hiking and lake activities as well as a diverse cultural and artistic scene.

Through our arts and technology diploma programs, the Centre welcomes students from around the world and provides hands-on education in a variety of disciplines including animation, audio engineering, network security, interior design, photography, filmmaking and more!

Are you considering Canada for your post-secondary education? Read on to find out why CAT is your best choice!
Why Choose CAT?

Why Choose CAT?

The CAT Advantage

We’re not your average arts and technology college. We’re different. On purpose. Our students are so much more than a student number to us. Each student has unique strengths, challenges and goals and we pride ourselves in providing customized, quality education to bring out the best from each of our students. From your first inquiry, through to graduation, you can count on individualized support from each member of our team. Here’s a few more things you can look forward to:

  • State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
  • Industry-proven instructors
  • Mentorship and career counseling
  • Full designation through Education Quality Assurance and Private Training Institutions Branch
  • University pathway options
  • Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status

Designated Learning Institution

Centre for Arts and Technology is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This designation allows us to welcome international students as per the requirements set out by the Government of Canada. We are proud to carry this prestigious designation, and for more information please visit the Government of Canada’s official webpage on Designated Learning Institutions.

Centre for Arts and Technology’s DLI Number: O19283900882

University Pathway Options

As an international student, you may be planning to apply for a post-graduate work permit after completing your studies in Canada. Through our diverse pathway programs, international students who have completed a Centre program, have the option of pursuing a variety of degrees, and through these pathways, may become eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit.
Please visit our Pathways page for complete details on our university degree options.

International Student Admissions Requirements and Application Process

As the application process for international students can take some time to complete, we suggest that international students apply for admission as early as possible.

Below you will find the steps and requirements for International students to enroll in Centre for Arts and Technology. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact a Program Advisor by completing the inquiry form located on this page or emailing us at inquire@digitalartschool.com

Admission Requirements and Process

Application Form

Please complete the online application form for full-time studies.

Application and Assessment Fee

A $400 non-refundable Application and Assessment Fee is due at the time of application. This fee can be paid online through our payments page with a Visa or Mastercard set up to make an international online payment.

Alternatively, you may use our Flywire international payments portal.

Essay/Letter of Intent

Using 250 words or more, please email your Program Advisor, and tell us about yourself and your passion for the program you have applied for.

Need some help? We want to get to know you! We’d love to hear a little about you and why you’re passionate about the program you’re applying for. If applicable, please include any related, previous experience. If you don’t have any, not to worry, that’s why you’ve applied: to learn! It’s also great to include how your educational goals relate to your career plans. Lastly, feel free to include any activities you’ve participated in that demonstrate your teamwork abilities.

Transcripts

Submit your high school transcripts by email to your Program Advisor. You may also include college or university transcripts as well.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at Centre for Arts and Technology. International students, regardless of country of origin or citizenship, are required to demonstrate English language competence as part of the Centre’s admission requirements. Applicants who live in a country where English is not the language of majority or students whose primary language is not English are expected to submit test results within one of the following recognized testing-providers and may be asked to complete a telephone or video call interview.

  • TOEFL score of 68 Internet-Based Testing (IBT)
  • TOEFL score of 190 Computer-Based (CBT)
  • TOEFL score of 520 Paper-Based (PBT)
  • TOEIC score of 700
  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Level B1
  • IELTS Band 6.0
  • Canadian Test of English for Scholars & Trainees (CanTest) Minimum 4.0 in each component
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Minimum C Grade
  • Pearson Test of English Minimum 58%
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Examination (CLB) Minimum score of 7
  • Duolingo score of 95-100 or greater

Proof of Identification

All international students are required to submit proof of identity by email to a Program Advisor. The most accepted form of proof is the photo page of your passport.

Student Visa

You must secure a Student Visa to be granted admission into any Centre for Arts and Technology program. We suggest you contact an Immigration Consultant to assist you with this process. Centre for Arts and Technology may also be able to connect you with an Immigration Consultant. Please ask your Program Advisor if you would like to be referred to a consultant.

For Student Visa information contact a Canadian consulate or one of the following government offices:

Citizenship & Immigration Canada

615 Prospect St. West 1st Floor
Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 7K5
Tel: 1-888-242-2100
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 1J5
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

The International Student Visa application kit is available for download at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

A number of conditions apply, so before coming to Canada you should refer to the booklet “Entering Canada to Study or to Work”. This is available from the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your country, or by contacting:

Travelers Division

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
14th Floor Sir Richard Scott Building
Ottawa, ON Canada K1A 0L5
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Medical Coverage

International students must have valid medical insurance coverage while studying in Canada. The Centre will provide the first three months of coverage for all international students.

As soon as you arrive to Canada, you must apply for your Canadian Medical Services Plan (MSP). You can learn more about this on the British Columbia’s Government’s informational webpage. Because MSP is not as comprehensive as what you will get in your first 3 months, you may want to look closely at what is covered by MSP to determine if you’d like to buy additional coverage elsewhere.

There are many reputable insurance providers, however one we often recommend is Studyinsured by Ingle International.

Portfolio (Select Programs)

Professional Photography (Required)

Email a portfolio of the following 20 images (JPEG) to your Program Advisor:

  • 2 landscape photos
  • 2 action (can be sports) photos
  • 2 architectural photos
  • 2 portrait photos
  • 2 creative photos
  • 10 additional photos at your discretion – you choose!

2D Animation & Digital Art (Required)

Email a portfolio of the following 13 original drawings to your Program Advisor:

  • 5 realistic drawings (Ideally these drawings have shading and detail)
    • 1 perspective drawing of a room in your home (normal eye level angle of view)
    • 2 drawings of animals
    • 2 drawings of a person you know
  • 3 character design drawings
    • Your own character design in 3 different action poses
  • 5 additional drawings at your discretion – you choose! (Best to choose drawings that you already have that demonstrate a range of artistic abilities and style)

3D Animation (Optional)

Email a portfolio of 4 the following original drawings to your Program Advisor:

  • 4 realistic drawings (Ideally these drawings have shading and detail)
    • 1 drawing of a person you know
    • 1 perspective drawing of a room in your home (normal eye level angle of view)
    • 1 drawing of an animal
    • 1 drawing of your own hand

Please note – drawings may be digital or traditional and then scanned or photographed.

After the items above are completed and all required documents have been received, it will take approximately 1-2 weeks to receive your acceptance letter. We use DocuSign, so you’ll sign everything electronically and there is a 7-day due date to sign and submit.

Your Acceptance Package

Upon acceptance into a program, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you will need to apply for a Student Visa. Shortly after receiving your acceptance letter, we will send you your official student contracts. When you receive your contracts, follow the steps below.

Sign

We use DocuSign, an electronic agreement service, to send you official enrolment paperwork.
For students under the age of 19, an email requesting signature through DocuSign will be sent to both student and parent (or legal guardian).

Deposit

Pay your $1000 tuition deposit.

Upon acceptance into a program at the Centre, a $1000 payment is required to complete your application process. This deposit is treated in accordance with the General Directives under the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and will be deducted from your tuition. This is not an extra cost as it is part of the full tuition.

Go to Payments

What Comes Next?

After acceptance and signing of your contracts, you might be wondering what’s next? We suggest a few things:

Finance

Planning your finances is an important step. Our Finance Department is a valuable asset to you and can offer guidance in planning the best way for you to finance your education. You can contact our Finance Department through your Program Advisor.

Immigration Consultant

An Immigration Consultant can assist you with the requirements to apply for your study permit, and we do suggest you utilize this service, but you are free to complete the steps on your own if you wish. You are free to find your own consultant, or we can suggest some if you prefer.

Additional Identification

Your Program Advisor will ask you to provide additional identification. Please inquire with your Program Advisor for accepted identification.

Housing

Your student accommodations in Canada should provide an environment that will support your educational journey. While the Centre does not have on-campus student housing, our Student Services Department can assist you in finding and securing housing for the duration of your program. If you need assistance with housing, please ask your Program Advisor to put you in touch with our Student Services team.

Working in Canada

Many international students, including yourself, may have a goal of working in Canada during their post-secondary studies and after graduation. To work in Canada as a student or graduate, special documentation is required and we’ve compiled some basic information for you below.

Working During Your Studies

While we do not recommend working during your Centre program, this decision is ultimately yours to make. If you decide to work during your studies, you will need a work permit. As an international student, when you apply for a student visa, you will automatically be approved for a limited work permit for off-campus jobs.

Working After Graduation

If your goal is to stay in Canada and work after graduation, you will be required to apply for a post-graduation work permit. With the Centre’s status as a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit after graduation. It is important to note that graduation from any DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a PGWP, as the Government of Canada has outlined additional eligibility requirements including the validity of your study permit.

For complete eligibility requirements, time restrictions for application, and details on applying, please review the Government of Canada’s online information on post-graduation work permits.

International Tuition

Centre for Arts and Technology is proud to offer tuition prices for international students that are among the most competitive for a fully accredited professional arts education in North America. Please contact a Program Advisor for up-to-date program and tuition information.

International students can make payments towards admission fees and tuition via our online Flywire Portal. Paying by Flywire allows you to make tuition payments directly to Centre for Arts and Technology in the currency of your choice, and track payments.

Flywire Customer Support Information:

Email: support@flywire.com
Website: flywire.com/company/contact

No matter your time zone, you will have a dedicated multilingual customer support team available to you via live chat, email and phone to answer any of your questions.

International Studies FAQ’s

Do you offer scholarships to international students?

Unfortunately, we do not offer any regular scholarships through the Centre for international students. There are outside organizations that offer scholarships to international students, but you will be responsible for doing your own research and application.

Do you have on campus housing?

Due to the location of our campus, we are unable to offer on-campus housing. However, our Student Services team would be happy to assist you in your search for suitable accommodation.

Are you able to help me with my immigration to Canada?

The Centre cannot directly assist you with your immigration process, and as such, we recommend you speak with an independent, qualified Immigration Consultant. Their services are not required but can aid you greatly in this process. You are free to research and secure your own consultant, or if you’d like, we can connect you with a certified immigration consultant.

When should I apply as an international student?

Regardless of citizenship, we recommend that all students apply for their program as soon as possible. This is of particular importance for international students as the admissions and immigration processes can take a considerable amount of time. Please speak with a Program Advisor for additional details and tips on when to apply.

How do I obtain a Student Visa?

For Student Visa information, contact a Canadian consulate or one of the following government offices:

Citizenship & Immigration Canada
615 Prospect St. West 1st Floor
Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 7K5
Tel: 1-888-242-2100
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 1J5
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

The International Student Visa application kit is available for download at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Are there things I can do to improve my chances of being granted a student visa?

Great question! We can provide some information that may assist with your study permit approval. Please note, that none of these tips guarantee you will be granted your visa.

  • Be able to show a logical progression and connection from previous studies to your intended Canadian education
  • Be prepared to show proof of finances
  • Ensure you meet the immigration language requirements
  • Be able to explain any long gaps in education
  • Make evident your intent to leave Canada after the duration of your studies
  • If you are also seeking permanent residence (PR) status, ensure you complete a dual intent application.
  • Having paid your post-secondary tuition in full can also demonstrate your commitment

How do I apply for a post-graduation work permit?

If your goal is to stay in Canada and work after graduation, you will be required to apply for a post-graduation work permit. With the Centre’s status as a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit after graduation. It is important to note that graduation from any DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a PGWP, as the Government of Canada has outlined additional eligibility requirements including the validity of your study permit.

For complete eligibility requirements, time restrictions for application, and details on applying, please review the Government of Canada’s online information on post-graduation work permits.