Royal Roads University

With the recent challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, RRU switched to delivering its classes online. As restrictions begin to ease, RRU is committed to keeping both its students and staff as safe as possible.

RRU is preparing for face-to-face classes to resume in Fall 2021. That also includes residencies, which will remain online until further notice. Other key services are also available online, including immigration advice, the writing centre, fitness classes and counselling support.

International students are permitted to enter Canada with a valid, approved travel permit. Those arriving in the country must quarantine for 14 days. There is lots of useful information about what international students should expect with regards to the quarantine process on the university's website.

English-language requirements have also been adjusted because of the pandemic. RRU is now accepting Duolingo as sufficient evidence of English proficiency.

The ethos of RRU is to provide personalized and practical education to help students achieve success in a globalized and fast-paced market. By bringing together relevant and connected professionals, RRU delivers programs which are up-to-date and can equip students with the skills they need to succeed.

It uses a Learning, Teaching and Research Model (LTRM) which mirrors the complex learning, performance and leadership challenges found in modern workplaces. RRU's programs are workplace oriented, teaching collaboration, team facilitation, project management and conflict management. All of which can be directly applied in the workplace.

Courses take place on campus, but there is also a blended learning model approach, which comprises online studies with focused residencies on-campus. Courses are shaped through collaboration and continual dialogue with industry professionals, with courses led by staff with real-world professional experience.

One of the other advantages of RRU is that it uses a group learning approach. Between 20-50 students work and stay together during their time on the program, forming a lifelong professional community.

RRU offers face-to-face on-campus programs where international students can study in Canada as well as gaining work experience with internships and post-graduation work opportunities. Blended programs also offer working professionals the opportunity to continue working in their home country while earning Canadian credentials online with short on-campus residencies.

There are several different program areas which students can apply to at RRU. These are:

• Business
• Communication & Culture
• Education & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Humanitarian Studies
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Leadership Studies
• Professional and Continuing Studies
• Tourism & Hospitality

Each school offers several different courses, including both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with multiple points of entry. Some courses are on-campus and some are blended, so students can study online and attend a short on-campus residency.

International students can also attend English and academic preparation courses, including English for Academic Purposes (EAP), University Academic Preparation (UAP) and Short-term English language program, as well as customizable options.

The English courses are designed for students who have been accepted on a course but currently do not meet the English language requirement. Program lengths are determined by the English language proficiency score that is submitted when the student applies to their program.

The EAP pathway is either one, two or three semesters, and is designed to help students improve their English language, academic and critical thinking skills. After this is complete, students can move into the four-year undergraduate programs with English and academic support, or the UAP program.

Entry requirements vary across the different courses and programs offered at RRU. There are also flexible admissions options, which recognize student's prior experience alongside or instead of academic qualifications.

International students who have qualifications that were obtained outside of Canada should check whether their current qualifications are accepted on the RRU website, as there are also country-specific requirements applied for most courses.

Courses at this university are delivered in English, so international students from a non-English speaking country will need to meet English proficiency scores. The required scores differ depending on the specific courses, with TOEFL and IELTS test scores accepted. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the university has also been accepting Duolingo as proof of English proficiency, too.

For students who do not meet the required English proficiency, the university runs an English for Academic Purposes program. Lasting between one and three semesters, this intensive program helps students develop their English language skills to the required level. Upon completion, students can then move into their chosen undergraduate program.

The university offers several different awards, scholarships and bursaries to help students fund the cost of tuition - including for international students.

Awarding financial help four times a year, entrance awards can be applied for before studies begin. There are also in-course awards for students who are already enrolled. There are generally four of these per year too, with deadlines throughout the year and awarding between CAD 500 - 10,000.

There is also Emergency Funding, which provides assistance for any unforeseen critical financial need, and Convocation Awards too. More information about each type of scholarship, bursary, and award, including eligibility criteria and how students can apply for each one, can be found on the Financial Aid section of the RRU website.

RRU will also provide information for external bursaries and schemes which applicants might find applicable.

Royal Roads University is housed on a campus which sprawls over 260 hectares of beautiful parkland. This gives students access to beautiful walking, hiking and biking trails. There are also fantastic views of the Strait de Juan de Luca and a gorgeous Japanese garden.

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are accessible to all students throughout their studies. This includes a well-resourced library, bookstore, writing centre, multi-faith spaces and campus learning spaces.

Its award-winning Learning and Innovation Centre is located at the heart of the campus, and offers modern classrooms, breakout rooms, computer labs and meeting spaces to suit every learning and working style.

The International Study Centre is a world-class facility containing 11 classrooms, as well as collaborative working and teaching spaces, faculty offices, labs, social spaces and dining options.

Other dining facilities can be found in the Habitat Cafe, which offers exceptional cuisine in a casual environment.

Students also receive a free membership to the Royal Roads Recreation Centre. The centre boasts a modern gym, including a basketball court, studio and weights room.