Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University is committed to the welfare of students and staff at the university. The university has taken various steps to ensure this during the coronavirus pandemic. With a proven track record for online learning, RRU has moved all of the institution's current classes online. This includes all English for Academic Purposes and Pre-Masters programs. In addition, key student services are also available online including immigration advice, the writing centre, fitness classes and counselling support.

The university has also evaluated certain admission criteria, principally English language test scores, and is now accepting Duolingo as evidence of English language proficiency. Additionally, students are still able to apply for scholarships and financial aid with the opportunities available listed on the university website.

Royal Roads University provides personalized, practical education designed around equipping students with the understanding, skills, and experiences needed to achieve success in an increasingly competitive, fast-paced world. The university brings relevant, connected professional and research communities together to foster a quality, real-world ready education.

RRU is committed to cultivating a progressive and relevant approach to help students get the most out of their time at Royal Roads. Its Learning, Teaching and Research Model (LTRM) delivers a synthesis of practices, principles, values and attitudes that define the learning experience, supported by a cultural environment of challenge, curiosity and ingenuity.

As well as full-time programs taking place on-campus, RRU delivers an innovative blended learning model which is comprised of online studies underpinned by focused, residencies on-campus. All courses at the university are led by educators with real-world experience, and course materials are shaped through collaboration and continual dialogue with industry professionals.

The small cohort model adopted by the university means that learners have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from their peers, as well as make the most of small classes and working groups, including one-on-one time with professors.

The university offers a wider array of courses to suit students at every point in their lives. They include:

• Entirely campus based or online-focused cohort-based programs
• Educational and academic support for International students
• Courses with international learning opportunities
• English language or course-specific pathways to support international student success.

The university is sensitive to the unique circumstances, goals and requirements of each student, and as a result offers a number of learning options that support affirming educational experiences to align with different lifestyles. For professionals in part-time or full-time work, RRU offers courses that lead to valuable degree certification which fit neatly around personal and professional commitments.

For international students, the university supports different programs that ensure students are prepared for success, whatever stage they are at in the learning journey. The university currently offers four pathway, six undergraduate and four graduate programs on campus. Pathway programs are designed to assist international students by focusing on English language ability and other core academic capabilities, preparing students for undergraduate or graduate learning. These courses are offered by the International Study Centre (ISC), a vibrant, welcoming environment which aims to help international learners get used to living in Canada, experience Canadian culture, and explore the magnificent natural surroundings of the region. The courses offered by the International Study Centre include:

• Intensive English Program
• International Year Undergraduate Pathway Program
• Transfer Preparation Program
• Pre-Master's Program

Admission requirements at RRU will differ depending on the program and level for which students are applying. Students are strongly encouraged to check the entry requirements and documents needed to lodge an application for specific programs. The university also assesses applications as standard or flexible admissions, with the latter incorporating the recognition of prior learning a student may demonstrate.

In the event that students hold a secondary or post-secondary qualification obtained outside of Canada, country specific requirements are applied. International students can verify the admissibility of their qualifications by checking the RRU website.

All of the programs offered at the university are delivered in English, and as a result have English language requirements in order to secure a place on a course. Successful submission of evidence for direct entry onto a Royal Roads University course requires that students submit an official English language proficiency score. Students who have studied and graduated from an institution where the language of instruction is English may be exempt from submitting a proficiency score. The necessary scores vary depending on the program and/or degree with both TOEFL and IELTS test results accepted. Students will need to enquire and verify the necessary scores required for individual programs. For students whose first language is not English, the university offers specific ESL pathway or preparatory programs that can be undertaken to improve English proficiency to the required level.

A number of scholarships and funding opportunities are available to international students. Royal Roads University offers a variety of awards to its students across the course of each academic year. Notably Entrance and In-Course awards are granted four times a year and are valued at between CAD 500 and CAD 10,000. Students are able to apply for the entrance award before the commencement of their program and are also eligible for internal scholarships once studying at the university. Each award carries a specific application process and eligibility criteria, so applicants should check the relevant information before lodging an application. These awards can be a great way to get recognition for achievements, make new connections both inside and outside the university, and fund further study.

The Royal Roads University campus is characterized by its natural beauty and unique character. The centre of the university is the historic Hatley Castle, a Tudor-style mansion and an official National Heritage Site. The university is located on the picturesque shoreline of Vancouver Island, itself a pristine landscape of hiking and walking trails through rich forest landscapes, with the Olympic mountain range providing a scenic backdrop.

RRU is located just outside one of the most desirable cities in Canada, Victoria. The city is consistently voted a top destination in the country, with CNN recognizing Victoria and Vancouver Island as a top 20 destination in the world for 2020. Victoria offers an abundance of activities and attractions in a mild climate including whale watching, museums, kayaking, ziplining, and even a butterfly garden. There is also the opportunity to explore the islands rich cultural heritage and abundance of food and drink options. Vancouver Island holds the distinction of being name island of the year in North America 13 times.

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are accessible to all students throughout their studies. The award-winning Learning and Innovation Centre is the university's centrepiece, a sustainably constructed facility providing over five thousand square metres of quality learning environment, offering modern classrooms, breakout rooms, computer labs and meeting spaces to suit every learning and working style. The International Study Centre can be found in the Sherman Jen Building. It is a world-class facility containing 11 classrooms, as well as collaborative working and teaching spaces, faculty offices, labs, social spaces and food and drink options.