When will Universities Open in Canada? A Comprehensive Guide

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and colleges in Canada have had to adapt to the changing landscape. Students are eager to know when universities will open in Canada and what measures have been put in place to ensure their safety. In this article, we'll explore the latest updates on when universities will open in Canada, as well as the resilient and creative ways universities and colleges are taking a step forward to support their communities. The Canadian government has implemented travel restrictions for international students due to the pandemic.

Students who are unable to travel to Canada due to delays in processing study permits or other travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will be admitted to online classes. The Government of Canada has also put in place measures to help students who need additional time to make travel arrangements or who will need to defer their studies. At present, only 4.6 percent of schools in Canada offer courses predominantly, if not entirely online, the same percentage they offered in-person classes last year. However, international students who are unable to return home due to cost or border restrictions can still enter Canada more than four weeks before the start of classes.

The IRCC has announced that if your in-class courses are moving to an online-only format due to COVID-19, you are still eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) if you have a study permit, study permit approval letter, or Approval in Principle provided that you complete 50% of the entire program within Canada. International students in Canada must apply online for the renewal of their permit to activate implied status. Additionally, all persons entering from outside the country are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. The Canadian government is now requiring that all international travelers arriving in Canada show a negative COVID-19 molecular test. Canada is consistently among the best places in the world to live according to the United Nations, and Canadians are known for being friendly and polite.

With these measures in place, international students can feel confident that they will be able to study safely and securely in Canada.

Simon Gooch
Simon Gooch

"Simon Gooch is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the landscape of international education. With over two decades of experience in the education industry, he has excelled in roles that encompass student recruitment, market development, and educational consulting. Currently serving as the Global Sales Director for ELS Educational Services, Inc., Simon's commitment to expanding educational access is evident in his work overseeing agent sales worldwide, with a particular focus on ELS centers across the USA. His career journey also includes founding Seed Educational Consulting Ltd, a B2B and B2C agency dedicated to helping students from Africa pursue higher education opportunities in various countries. Simon's strong leadership, exceptional agent relationship management, and proficiency in opening new and emerging markets have played pivotal roles in his successful career.Simon's academic background further strengthens his expertise, a fluent French speaker holding a First-Class degree in French and Modern European Studies from the University of East Anglia. His specialties lie in customer relationship management with a clear focus on agents, parents/students, and university partners. Simon's remarkable track record in developing emerging markets, particularly in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcases his ability to drive consistent and long-term growth in these regions. With a deep commitment to educational access and international collaboration, Simon Gooch continues to make a significant impact in the field of international education."