High School in Canada

Last Updated: July 08, 2024

This step-by-step guide is for new international undergraduate students coming to SFU from a Canadian high school. This is your go-to place for all the resources and to-do items before and after you start at SFU.

Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page. Before you begin, download the checklist.

Download Checklist

CONTENT ON THIS PAGE

AFTER ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER

Step 1. Check and update your study permit.

Extending or Changing Conditions on your Study Permit

You may need to extend your study permit if it will expire soon, and/or you may want to change your study permit conditions so that you can work during your studies. If you are outside of Canada, check out our Frequently Asked Questions to know more about Travelling to Canada.

Learn more >

GETTING TO KNOW SFU

Step 2. Know your advising resources to support your time at SFU.

International Services for Students

International Services for Students provides a variety of support, programming and non-academic advising on topics such as Canadian immigration documents (e.g. study permits, visas) and medical insurance, exchange and study abroad.

Learn More >

Academic Advising

Academic advisors can assist you with everything from specific questions about enrollment and course selection, to complex questions about your future. Review important deadlines and academic calendar.

Learn More >

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TERM

Step 3. Review medical insurance coverage information.

Medical Insurance at SFU

As a new international student at SFU, you will be automatically enrolled in guard.me@SFU for your first term of studies. Students staying in BC for 6 months or longer are required to enrol in the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) under the Medicare Protection Act.

Learn more >

Opting Out

Check to see if you are eligible to cancel (opt out of) the guard.me@SFU Plan and SFSS Health and Dental Plan.

Learn more >

Step 4. Find housing and decide where to live.

Housing Resources

Deciding where to live is one of the first things you'll need to do after you've been accepted to SFU, and you may find yourself re-making this decision a few times during your stay in Canada. 

Learn More >

Avoiding Scams

Educate yourself in identifying potential rental scams, which you may find while looking for off-campus housing. Learn more about common types of fraud and how to prevent them from the Vancouver Police Department website.

Learn More >

Step 5. Sign up for orientation and transition programs.

Get SFU-Ready: International Student Orientation 

Sign up for the International Student Orientation events where you can engage with the SFU community and discuss topics that are important for your transition to SFU.

Learn more >

Global Student Centre Events

The Global Student Centre (GSC) is the campus hub for creating intercultural connections and sharing your international student experience. The GSC offers an array of social events throughout the semester, including welcome events for new students. Check out and sign up for these events.

Learn More >

TRAVELLING TO CANADA

Step 6. Review the current travel restrictions and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to know more about travelling, studying, and working in Canada, as well as your enrollment requirements.

Learn More >

Trip Planning

Plan your trip by reviewing useful information and resources about travelling to Canada.

Learn More >

WHILE AT SFU

Step 7.  Review our resources to ensure you comply with the conditions of your study permit and know the eligibility requirements to work while pursuing your studies. 

Enrolment Requirements

Your enrolment at SFU affects your ability to work, study, and stay in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to actively pursue your studies while at SFU.

Learn More >

Support Services for International Students

Access various support services available for international students, from transition support to academic writing and careeer advice.

These support services are accessible whenever you need it, at any point in your academic journey at SFU. 

Learn more >

Work Eligibility

Determine your eligibility to work on campus and off campus with your study permit by reviewing the requirements.

Learn More >

Step 8. Find health and wellbeing support.

Access a Transition Case Manager

Whether you're looking for assistance with managing school stress, finding housing, understanding documents, or understanding Canadian services, our Transition Case Manager is available for one-to-one support.

Learn more >

MY SSP (Student Support Program)

With My SSP, all SFU students have access to immediate or ongoing, confidential support - accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world by phone or through the downloadable app.

Learn more >