General

If I complete a Northeastern program at the Vancouver campus, where will my degree/diploma come from?

• You will receive a degree/diploma from Northeastern University. That is true whether you study at the Vancouver campus or any of Northeastern’s other locations in the U.S. and Canada.

What is the relationship between the Vancouver campus, Northeastern’s other locations, and the university’s various colleges (e.g., Khoury College of Computer Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Professional Studies, etc.)?

• The Vancouver campus is one location in Northeastern’s network of 11 campuses across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., all of which provide education through academic programs and curricula developed with the university’s nine colleges and schools.
  Learners in Vancouver can expect the same high-quality education as our flagship Boston campus with unique benefits available only in Canada. Students can expect smaller class sizes, expert faculty, and close partnerships with local tech companies that enrich their learning experience.

How big are classes, and how much instruction is online?

• To deliver an exceptional learning experience, classes are typically limited to 20 to 30 people, depending on the course. It is our intention to offer courses either on-site or online. In view of COVID-19, we aim to provide an optimal learning experience that is as safe as possible.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in STEM to apply to Vancouver’s graduate programs?

• No, an undergraduate degree in STEM is not required, but to be accepted you’ll need a certain level of education or subject-area knowledge, which may be acquired through academic coursework, professional experience, or a combination thereof. Please review the specific application requirements for the program that interests you.

Who can I connect with for enrollment, program and admission related questions at Northeastern in Vancouver?

• You can schedule an appointment with Tiffany Duff, who is our Assistant Director of Recruitment and Enrollment in Vancouver. You can also email Tiffany at [email protected]
• If you’re interested in an MS in Computer Science and would like to connect with a current student in Vancouver, you can book an appointment with Sommer Harris

Co-op and Experiential Learning

What is Co-operative education?

• Co-operative education is an educational program in which students alternate periods of academic study with periods of employment in positions related to their academic, career, or personal interests. The combination of academic study and work produces an overall learning experience that gives greater meaning to studies and more direction to career development.
  Co-op coordinators and courses help students prepare for co-op success and identify opportunities that match goals and interests. The University will do everything it can to help students find the best opportunities, but it is up to students to ensure their success. That means preparing for interviews, performing well on the job, and drawing on their workplace and classroom learning to sharpen professional and academic goals.

How does the Experiential Network, also known as XN, work? How does it differ from co-op?

• Experiential Network [XN] projects are a popular and effective way for students to gain resumé-building experience and expand their professional networks. XN projects are challenging virtual projects that you can complete in about six weeks under the direction of a company mentor. This work is unpaid because it represents an extension of academic coursework.
  A co-op or internship on the other hand is a paid work placement, typically between 4-8 months. It is an educational program in which students alternate periods of academic study in the classroom with periods of full-time co-op employment in positions related to their academic and/or career interests. This combination provides an integrated learning experience that enhances both the academic experience and career development.
  If you are an organization and wish to partner with Northeastern on XN/co-ops, leave us your contact information and a member of our team will reach out to you. You can also email [email protected] if you prefer.
  Here are some details about hiring a Northeastern graduate student in Vancouver for a co-op placement.

Where are Northeastern students in Vancouver currently doing their co-ops placements?

• Vancouver students are employed in co-op positions at companies including SAP, Providence Health, RBC, Clio, NexTech AR, Think Tech, and more. Here are just some of the positions held by recent co-op students: Machine Learning Engineer Intern, Technical Architect, AI Data Analyst and Software Developer.

How much are students paid on co-op?

• Compensation is set by the employer and depends on the industry, the level of the position, and the local economy. The rate students typically get paid depends on experience and level of education. Students do not pay tuition while they are on co-op. Northeastern also often provides a recommended pay range based on student experience.

Are students required to participate in co-op?

• Co-op is the cornerstone of a Northeastern education, and the majority of students participate in co-op (for the class of 2016, 96% of graduates participated in at least one co-op, 78% participated in two or more co-ops), but it is not required for graduation.

COVID-19 and Vancouver Campus

Are there specific public health guidelines students should follow when traveling locally to the Vancouver campus?

• Translink requires that all public transit commuters wear a mask while on public transit and maintain six-foot distance where possible. For more information on public transit protocols, visit the Translink website. Additional FAQs specific to travel and quarantine requirements can be found on the Office of Global Services website.

Are there specific cleaning protocols that the Vancouver campus will follow?

• We have custodial services that will clean all high-touch services in each building, including restrooms, elevators, entrance door hardware, counters, and handrails, in accordance with the guidelines of the BC CDC. Everyone should personally wipe off surfaces before and after using them. (Think of wiping carts when you go grocery shopping). This includes AV equipment in meeting rooms, workstations, lecterns, tables and seats in classrooms, etc. The Operations team will install and maintain hand sanitizer stations and cleaning materials at entrances to our spaces throughout campus to promote easy access. Shared whiteboard markers and erasers have been removed from the classrooms and common areas. Sanitized sets are available for check out at our 8th floor Administration office. All faculty and teaching assistants will be issued a set as part of their supplies for the term and should bring them to campus as needed. All areas, including classrooms, will have a full cleaning and disinfecting nightly. It will not be possible for custodial staff to clean classrooms between use, so each member of our community will need to share responsibility for sanitizing spaces before and after use. Campus will supply all classrooms and common spaces with sanitation wipes or cleaning spray and towels.

What should a student, faculty, or staff member in our Vancouver location do if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

• If you are feeling unwell, contact 8-1-1 for and follow their recommendations. Local testing information is available through the BC COVID-19 support app or online at bc.thrive.health.

Where can I find the current information on local restrictions and public health orders?

• Information related to mask mandates, indoor and outdoor gatherings, and local travel can be found on the British Columbia government website.

What is Northeastern’s current protocol on mask-wearing in Vancouver?

• British Columbia provincial health orders state that face masks are required in all indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status.

What is the visitor policy on the Vancouver campus?

• Short term visitor access is available. More information is available on the Northeastern University Visitor and Event protocols site.

Is eating allowed on the Vancouver campus?

• In accordance with the university policy on locations for safe eating and drinking on campus, eating is not allowed in classrooms or hallways, however beverages are permitted. There are three community kitchen areas where food can be consumed. These community spaces also include microwaves, fridges as well as free coffee, tea and filtered hot/cold water. Masks must be worn unless actively eating or drinking in permitted areas.

What is the event policy on the Vancouver campus?

• Visit the Northeastern University website for information on Visitor and Event protocols.

Vaccinations

Does Northeastern require vaccination for students, faculty, and staff on the Vancouver campus?  

• All students, faculty, and staff at the Vancouver campus will be required to submit proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots when eligible. This policy may be modified or updated from time to time in keeping with federal, provincial, and municipal guidance. 

I have questions about the vaccination requirement. Who can I talk to?  

• Please reach out to [email protected] for questions or concerns related to the Northeastern University—Vancouver vaccination requirements.  

How will vaccination status be confirmed by Northeastern? 

• Students, faculty, and staff should use the Vaccine Verification Form to submit documentation of their COVID-19 immunization. If you were vaccinated in British Columbia, you will receive a paper copy of your immunization record card when you get vaccinated. You can also get a digital copy online by registering for Health Gateway, or request a printed copy by phone at 1-833-838-2323 or at a Service BC office. 

Am I eligible to receive vaccination in British Columbia?

• The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to people 5 years and older who reside in British Columbia. Everyone is first required to register for the vaccination, and then they will be contacted to book an appointment. The British Columbia website provides more information on COVID-19 vaccine registration information.

If I’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered/I have a test that shows I have antibodies, do I still need to get vaccinated? 

• Yes.  

Where can I get vaccinated? How do I book an appointment? 

• Visit British Columbia’s guide on How to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19.  

How do I schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Once you have registered you will be contacted with a link and Registration ID to book your appointment. The booking system will provide you options to find the closest and most suitable vaccination clinic.

How can I prepare for my vaccine appointment?

• COVID-19 vaccinations are free of cost. On the day of your appointment, you will be required to bring government issued identification. You are not required to have a public health number.

Is an educational session about the COVID-19 vaccine available to me? 

• Northeastern University is able to offer you an educational session about the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccination. Please reach out [email protected] to request an educational session. We also encourage you to review the following resources:
• How the COVID-19 vaccines work 
• Vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines 
• The benefits of the vaccination against COVID-19 
• Risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19 
• Possible side effects of COVID-19vaccination 
• Additional COVID-19 questions and answers from Health Canada 

What if I am not yet fully vaccinated? 

• If you are not fully vaccinated, you are expected to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Visit the Government of BC vaccination page for details on securing a vaccination in Vancouver. Submit the Vaccine Verification form as soon as you receive a first dose, and resubmit the form when you receive a second dose and again after your booster.  Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated will be required to undertake antigen testing on a weekly basis, arranged by Northeastern. 

Can I apply for an exemption to the vaccine requirement?  

• Individuals may submit the Vaccine Verification form to request a medical exemption to the vaccine requirement. Medical exemption requests must be supported by a signed and dated letter from your primary care physician, or other licensed treating medical provider, that states why you are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as well as the effective time period for the medical reason. All medical information submitted to Northeastern University in connection with the above policy will be kept strictly confidential.   

Why is the University requiring people to submit proof of their vaccination status? 

•  At this point, vaccination is proving to be the best way to control and ultimately defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the best tool we have for promoting the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.  In addition, Northeastern University – Vancouver is acting in accordance with guidance for post-secondary institutions from the Government of British Columbia.
  
  To promote the health and wellbeing of the university community during the COVID-19 pandemic, students, faculty and staff at Northeastern’s Vancouver campus are expected to comply with the vaccination policy.

How will the University use this vaccination status information? 

• Vaccine status information is treated confidentially by the university, as we would do with any shared medical information. The information faculty, staff, and students provide regarding their vaccination status or plans will be treated confidentially and will not become part of a faculty or staff personnel file. The information may also be used in a limited number of ways, including for reporting, as required, to government agencies to comply with public health requirements in certain campus locations.  

Do I need to be fully vaccinated before I come to campus? 

• Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated may come to campus but will be required to undertake antigen testing on a weekly basis, arranged by Northeastern.Visit the Government of BC vaccination page for details on securing a vaccination in Vancouver. Submit the Vaccine Verification form as soon as you receive a first dose, and resubmit the form when you receive a final dose.   

If I received an approved exemption to the vaccine requirement, which additional safety protocols must I follow? 

• Regardless of vaccination status, students, faculty, and staff will need to resume wearing a face mask or face covering indoors. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to wash their hands regularly and stay away from campus if they feel ill or have tested positive for COVID.
  
  Students and employees who have received a vaccination exemption will be able to teach and work on campus, attend classes in person, and participate in any campus activity available to the rest of the university community. Students, faculty, and staff with an approved exemption are required to submit a negative COVID-19 antigen test result each week. Unvaccinated individuals with an approved exemption should observe six-feet physical distancing from others.  

Does it matter what type of vaccine I get? 

• Students, faculty, and staff will need to get a vaccine approved in Canada or a vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). Students who have received a vaccine that is not approved in Canada or a vaccine listed for emergency use by WHO should still use the Vaccine Verification form to upload documentation for the vaccine they received.  International students – please refer to British Columbia’s guidance on what to do if you get vaccinated outside of Canada for more information. 

I’m fully vaccinated. Do I still have to wear a mask and follow Northeastern’s COVID-19 safety protocols?  

• Currently, Northeastern requires both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with an approved exemption to wear face masks indoors.

Does this policy apply to me if I am on co-op in the Spring? 

• Students who are on co-op during the spring semester and have no intention of visiting campus are not required to comply with the mandatory vaccination policy. You are however required to comply with any workplace safety regulations that have been instituted by your co-op employer. Assuming that the mandatory vaccination verification policy is still in effect at that time, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination upon completion of their co-op and return to campus.
  

Will the University provide vaccinations to international students? 

• The university will help international students secure their vaccine appointments. Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination plan includes all those currently living in Canada. Visit How to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 for information on booking a vaccine in British Columbia.  

If I got a vaccine that is not on the approved list, should I get revaccinated?  

• Please refer to British Columbia’s guidance on what to do if you get vaccinated outside of Canada for more information. If you are an international student, please refer to this guidance from Health Canada.   

I’m an international student, is someone at the University available to help me understand what type of vaccine to get?  

• We recommend obtaining a Health Canada approved vaccine if possible.  If this is not available, we recommend obtaining the first WHO-approved vaccine available to you and, if possible, select the vaccine that will allow you to be fully vaccinated before coming to Canada. Health Canada has recently released new guidelines for those individuals who have received a non-Health Canada approved vaccine. Students who receive a non-Health Canada approved vaccine (one or two doses) should receive one dose of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer) Health Canada approved vaccine. Please note this guidance may change as circumstances evolve and we encourage you to review Health Canada guidelines regularly.  If you have questions, it is recommended that you speak to your local health care provider for guidance. 

Where can I find more information about how COVID-19 regulations affect me as an international student? 

• More information for international students on COVID-19 regulations in British Columbia can be found on the Office of the Global Services Canada website. Our number one priority remains the health and wellbeing of our community. Click here to read more on Northeastern University’s vaccination requirements, including up-to-date university messages and FAQs. 

International

Application

Do I need to take the GRE exam?

• The GRE requirement has been waived off for Spring 2022 due to COVID-19.

Is it possible to waive the language requirement?

• Yes, for Master’s programs offered though the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, an exception can be made to the language requirement if the student has received a Bachelor’s degree or PhD in an English-speaking country. We do not accept master’s degrees for language waivers. (An exception may also be made if you are a Canadian permanent resident or Canadian citizen.)

What is Northeastern’s tuition rate in Vancouver for international students?

• For the most up-to-date tuition rates for the Vancouver campus, please visit Northeastern Vancouver’s tuition page. Additional information can also be found on the Student Financial Services tuition page.

Acceptance

Study Permit
What is a study permit? How can I apply for a Canadian study permit?

• A Study Permit is the immigration document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides permission for an international student to study in Canada. This permit is your status document while you are studying in Canada and you must make sure to meet the requirements of your study permit.
  Please visit the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Details are also provided on Northeastern’s Office of Global Services (OGS) Canada website.

How quickly after being admitted to Northeastern should I apply for the study permit?

• Usually, we recommend you apply 3-4 months before the program start date. During COVID-19, it is recommended to submit your application as soon as possible.

I have recently been admitted to Northeastern as an international student. What documentation do I need to request from the university in order to apply for a study permit?

• You will need to request your proof of acceptance (POA) document in order to apply for your Canadian study permit. Please refer to the OGS Canada-POA and Deposit Process page for details.

How can I request my proof of acceptance (POA) document?

• In order to request your POA document, you must first have paid your $1000 CAD deposit. You will receive an email from the Student Accounts department regarding paying the deposit. Once the deposit is paid, you can request your POA on the OGS portal with your myOGS account. More information can be found on the OGS website here.
  Note: Proof of acceptance documents provided by Northeastern are usually password-protected PDFs. Please ensure you remove the password protection before uploading a copy as part of your study permit application to the Canadian government. If you are unable to remove the password protection, we recommend printing a high-resolution copy of the POA and uploading a scanned copy to the IRCC portal.

How do I apply for a study permit extension?

• Please monitor the expiration date of your study permit. You must ensure you apply to extend your study permit before it expires. To extend your study permit, visit the extension process found on the IRCC website.

Paying Your Deposit
How soon after admittance can I pay my deposit prior to my POA request?

• You will be provided a link to pay your deposit once you are admitted to Northeastern. If you do not receive a payment link within 10 days, please contact [email protected].
• Payment can only be made through the invoice portal. If you have older wire transfer instructions, please do not use them. We no longer accept wire transfer payments except through the invoice portal.
• We encourage you to pay your deposit as soon as possible to avoid any processing delays. [OGS Canada will stop issuing Fall 2021 POAs in June 2021.]

Co-op Work Permit
How do I apply for a co-op work permit?

• Our programs offer co-op as part of the curriculum, please review the co-op and work permit eligibility here before applying.

How do I receive my co-op permit?

• Apply for your Co-op Work permit at the same time as your Study Permit, or you may apply once you arrive in Canada

Insurance
Where do I purchase health insurance?

• Northeastern University has arranged full coverage for our students with Guard.me. You will need to purchase your insurance prior to arriving. This provides access to your health insurance needs, policy information and will let you manage your account, submit claims, and track the status of those claims.

What is the process to apply for insurance coverage for my dependents?

• If you are an international student and have been enrolled in the guard.me plan, you can apply for coverage for your dependents here.

How do I make an insurance claim?

• You can submit your claims online as long as you have your scanned receipts and medical records.

Housing
Does Northeastern provide housing in Canada?

• Northeastern in Vancouver does not provide housing, but we have some resources to help you find the housing you need. Find up to date housing information on the housing in Canada page on the OGS website as well as Northeastern’s off-campus housing services. If you need some assistance, please contact our Vancouver campus Student Services Advisor, Serena Conlon ([email protected]).

Pre-Departure

Testing and Quarantine
Where can I get the latest info on COVID-19 requirements?

• Travel and quarantine requirements are frequently changing so please visit the Government of Canada Travel Requirement Checklist as well as the travel, testing and quarantine page from the Government of Canada to get the latest information as you make your way to Vancouver for the semester.

Travel
What do I need to know prior to departing for Canada?

• Before joining us on campus, you will need to ensure you have prepared a few things which you can find in the Vancouver Pre-Arrival Checklist provided by OGS Canada.
  Alongside the checklist, make sure you review the Quarantine Act which explains the requirements of quarantine, as well as the consequences of failing to comply with quarantine requirements.
  Download ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information on and after your entry into Canada.

What is the current travel guidance for international students travelling to Canada?

• The Northeastern Vancouver campus is an approved designated learning institution (DLI) by the Canadian government with an approved Covid-19 readiness plan. Northeastern international students with a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit will be allowed to travel into Canada provided that you meet other requirements. Please note that a border services officer (BSO) will make the final decision on whether you’re eligible to enter Canada when you arrive. and will be required to quarantine upon arrival.
  Please visit the arrival and quarantine page on the OGS Canada website for travel details as well as the latest quarantine support provided by Northeastern as well as traveling to Northeastern updates page.

How do I invite my spouse, common law partner or dependent children to come to Canada?

• Review all the requirements here to allow your spouse, common law partner or dependent children to come with you or visit you in Canada.

Post Arrival/Post Graduation

Life in Vancouver
I am new to the city, are there any recommendations of places I can explore in Vancouver?

• Here are some great places to explore in the city recommended by the NU Vancouver team.

PGWP
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? Does my time at Northeastern in Vancouver count towards a PGWP?

• The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows foreign students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
  Yes, Northeastern is a PGWP eligible institution in Canada, as seen on the DLI list from the Canadian government. Please find the most up-to-date information on the Canadian government’s PGWP website. For eligibility requirements, you can also visit the PGWP details on the OGS Canada website.

Are all programs at Northeastern University—Vancouver PGWP eligible?

• Yes, all the programs at Northeastern University—Vancouver are eligible for PGWP.

Will I be able to obtain 3 years of PGWP?

• It is a case-by-case situation, please visit the PGWP page here for more details or email [email protected] for specific inquiries.

Do I need previous work experience?

• No, work experience is not a mandatory requirement.

How do I apply for PGWP?

• To apply for PGWP, directly go to the IRCC website where you will find eligibility details, exceptions, passport expiry and special cases.

Additional Help

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

• For additional queries regarding POAs, general study permit applications and travelling to Canada, please contact OGS Canada ([email protected]) or visit the OGS Canada website.
• If you have questions regarding Khoury admissions, deferrals, transcripts etc., please contact the Khoury College of Computer Sciences Graduate Admissions team ([email protected]) or visit the Khoury website.
• If you have questions regarding tuition fees and deposit, please contact the student accounts Canada team ([email protected]) or visit the Student Financial Services website.
• For additional information on campus life and student services support, please contact Serena Conlon ([email protected])
• If you are not sure about who to reach out to, please email our Vancouver campus ([email protected]) so we can better assist you.