The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC) now requires a deposit of $4,900 from the majority of international students who wish to apply for admission, a measure which aims to help them, but which is however far from unanimous .
In addition to paying $100 in admission fees, the majority of new international students will now have to pay a deposit of $4,900 to formalize their admission application.
“Deposit which will be applicable on their registration. French and French-speaking Belgian students are excluded because we have France-Quebec agreements which ensure that these students pay Canadian tuition fees,” explains Étienne Hébert, vice-rector for studies, training and success at the UQAC.
This amount represents 40% of their registration fees for a session and aims to ensure that they will have the necessary funds to begin their academic journey.
“We want them to come here to study. Whereas if they find themselves working 20,25,30 hours per week, we are not maximizing their chances,” he continues.
This decision, however, is far from unanimous among the international community surveyed by TVA Nouvelles.
“Someone who wants to register for next year for example, he is not in the country, he is in his country. He has to do everything online and assuming he has to pay to send to the University. He does not know if immigration will respond positively. It’s really putting a noose around the necks of students,” says a student from abroad.
“Sometimes they spent a lot on procedures. Having to pay $4,900 before being on Canadian territory, it’s going to be complicated for some, I think,” muses another.
Nearly a third of UQAC students come from abroad.
“Most universities are implementing measures like this to ensure that our students are able to succeed. It is certain that for us, international students are a large contingent. We want to maximize their chances of success so we think this measure will help them,” says Mr. Hébert.
Admission applications for international students have been open since October 1. These students will be affected by the newly effective deposit. For the moment, no deposit has been recorded. They have until February to submit an application.
Related News :