Frequently Asked Questions
What programs are offered at Coady Institute?
Can I take two certificate programs during one trip to Antigonish?
How much do programs cost?
What about travels costs?
Are there scholarships available?
Can I work part-time while I’m studying?
How do I apply for a Coady program?
What are the application deadlines?
How long will it take to process my application?
Who is a suitable reference?
I have difficulty with English. Can I still apply?
What if I have a disability?
I am a student studying development. Can I apply?
What are accommodations like?
If I do not want to stay in residence are there other options?
Does Coady have computers available to students? Is there Wifi available?
What is the food like?
Can I cook my own meals
How to I apply for a Canadian visa?
I was refused a visa from the Canadian High Commission. Should I reapply?
What programs are offered at Coady Institute?
The Coady Institute delivers on-campus, location-based and online distance courses. Campus programs include our internationally recognized 19-week Diploma in Development Leadership, as well as shorter certificate programs. We also offer, in conjunction with St. Francis Xavier University, a Master in Adult Education. For the most up-to-date information, visit http://coady.stfx.ca/education/.
Can I take two certificate programs during one trip to Antigonish?
Yes, in fact this has become very popular. You can combine one, two and three-week certificate programs in 6 - 7 weeks. For example, you could take Facilitation and Training Approaches for Community Change from September 23 to October 11, 2013 followed by Advocacy and Citizen Engagement from October 21 to November 8, 2013 Click here for more information.
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*Program costs are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Travel costs are the sole responsibility of the participant. You are also responsible for costs related to visas and personal spending money while you are living in Antigonish. The Coady Institute offers scholarships that can cover part of the costs of tuition, accommodation and meals, but these do not cover travel .
Are there scholarships available?
A number of scholarships are available to cover a portion of the cost of tuition, accommodations and meals. There are scholarship funds dedicated to the Community-Based Microfinance and the Livelihoods and Markets certificate programs. There are also scholarships available for Canadian First Nations people, and for persons with disabilities. For those interested in applying for scholarship, applicants are required to fill out an additional section within the application form. The Institute is not able to provide 100% scholarship nor can it cover international travel costs, personal allowances, or family living expenses. We recommend that participants seek funding in their home countries from local, regional or national organizations that support professional development. This may include your own organization or employer, community groups, church organizations, family members and friends. For example, some applicants may qualify for funding from organizations such as the National Council of Churches or World Council of Churches.
Can I work part-time while I am studying?
Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Participants are expected to read and work on assignments during some of their own time in the evenings and on weekends. The Institute recommends that participants make it clear to their employers that they will not be able to do regular work by email or telephone. Given the intensity of the program, it is also not practical for participants to engage in any part-time work while in Antigonish.
How do I apply for a Coady program?
You must fill out and submit an application form. Once you’ve submitted your application it will be reviewed by a selection committee and you will be notified of their decision.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications for the diploma program must be submitted by April 15th, which is five months in advance of the program start date. Applications for certificate programs should be submitted at least three months in advance of the course start date. Applications considered up to four weeks before the program start date, however, it is best to apply as early as possible. It may take eight weeks or longer to have a visa application processed. Some programs such as the the International Centre for Women's Leadership programs have specific application dates.
How long will it take to process my application?
Applicants will be informed when their complete application has arrived at the Coady Institute. We make every effort to process applications within three weeks of arrival. This may not always be possible but be assured that you will be contacted by email immediately after the selection committee has reviewed your file.
Those eligible to complete a reference are Directors of the applicant's employing organization or:
- Official of the employing or sponsoring organization
- Head of a recognized NGO
- School Principal/College Teacher
- Permanent Civil Servant
- Religious/Faith Leader
I have difficulty with English. Can I still apply?
Education programs are delivered in English, all participants must be able to learn and communicate English. Diploma applicants are required to provide proof of a English language proficiency of the equilivant to a TOEFL score of 550. Certificate participants are not required to show proof with an English test score, but should have a good command of the English language.
We will make every effort to assist with your special needs. For more information, visit http://sites.stfx.ca/accessible_learning/.
I am a student studying development. Can I apply?
Please review our admission requirements.
Accommodations are provided in standard student residences on the beautiful St. Francis Xavier University campus. Accommodations consist of a room with a single bed, desk, chair and closet space. Linens are provided and cleaned on a weekly basis. Rooms are centrally heated for the colder months, but are not air conditioned. Washroom and shower facilities are shared with other participants of the same sex. There are laundry facilities in the building, as well as a lounge with TV and games room.
Residences are a 5 to 10 minute walk from the dining hall and classroom block. We encourage all participants to stay in residence to build a community of learning with fellow participants from around the world.
If I do not want to stay in residence are there other options?
Participants are encouraged to stay in residence so informal learning can take place with other participants. Local hotels are available at market rates (approximately $80/night) for those who prefer a different level of accommodation to the standard university residences. You can indicate this preference on your special needs form and make arrangements directly with your hotel of choice.
Three local hotels have provided special rates for Coady Institute participants. Let them know you are coming to Coady when you book your room. An internationally recognized credit card will be required when making reservations.
Homeward Inn, Antigonish
www.homewardinnscanada.com
1-902-863-1552
Maritime Inn, Antigonish
www.maritimeinns.com
antadmin@maritimeinns.com
1-902-863-4001
Claymore Inn, Antigonish
www.claymoreinn.com
greenway.inn@ns.sympatico.ca
1-902-863-1050
Does Coady have computers available to students? Is there Wifi available?.jpg)
The Coady does have WiFi in both the residence and the classrooms. There are also many computer labs on campus that the Coady students can access. Most labs are open until 11pm each night. We have 10 computers available in the Marie Michael Library. All computer labs have printers for your use as well.
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What is the food like?
Meals are provided for all participants in Morrison Hall, the central dining hall for all StFX university students. A meal plan of 17 meals a week (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) is provided for in your “accommodation and meals” fee.
Morrison Hall serves primarily traditional Canadian fare. Efforts are made to accommodate the tastes and needs of foreign students. The cafeteria houses different stations each serving different meals (for instance the salad bar, pizza station, soup station and international station). The international station should have white rice available for all meals. If you have special needs regarding meals remember to indicate them on the special needs form you receive with your acceptance package.
Because there are no appropriate cooking facilities in university residences, participants are not able to cook their own meals.
How to I apply for a Canadian visa?
Find out where to apply for a Canadian visa at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp
I was refused a visa from the Canadian High Commission. Should I reapply?
We recommend you do not reapply immediately if you have been refused a visa. It is important to provide as much detailed information as you can when you apply and if you do not have significantly more information it is not worthwhile reapplying. It is your responsibility to provide all required documents with your visa application including proof that you will return to your country. We recommend you defer your acceptance for one year and then reapply with as much detailed information as possible.