Welcome to the International Education Centre (IEC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga! We are dedicated to supporting our international students by offering a wide range of services, programs, and events designed to enhance your academic and personal experience. From immigration support and health services to global learning opportunities and intercultural events, the IEC is here to help you thrive in your new environment. Explore our resources and connect with our community to make the most of your time at UTM.
Tailored Supports for International Students:
Immigration Support
The International Education Centre (IEC) at UTM offers comprehensive immigration support to all international students from the moment they accept their offer. Our certified advisors are here to assist you with Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas (TRV), Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), Co-op Work Permits, and pathways to Permanent Residence. We are committed to guiding you through every step of your immigration journey to ensure a smooth and successful experience at UTM.
Click here to learn more about our support at each stage of your journey!
Transition Support
Did you know?
In collaboration with Service Canada, the IEC hosts SIN Clinics, where Services Canada representatives issue SIN cards to qualified students on campus.
- UHIP - International Student Health Insurance Plan
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)- 9 digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
- Pre & Post Arrival Support - What to bring to Canada, opening a bank account, phone plans and more
- Or anything else related to international student life
Transition Coaching Program
Adjusting to university life in your first year can certainly be a challenge, especially as we find ourselves in an academic year like no other.
With the support of the Transition Coaching Program, you can build the skills you need to meet and exceed your expectations, and help answer some incredibly important questions:
- How do I make goals for myself and stick to them?
- How do I better manage my time and get my work done?
- How do I manage my stress during the school year?
- How do I make new friends and get involved on campus?
- Who is here to support me on campus?
If you are you looking for notary services for:
- Passports, student visas, study permits
- Transcripts or other academic documents
- Individual Tax Number (ITN)
- Letters of invitation
IEC provides free notarization, commissioning and certification services for students for the following:
- Certified copies of original documents
- Affidavits of an oath or solemn declaration
- Certification of photographs and documents supporting identity
- Statutory declarations
Contact us by calling 905- 569-4716 or emailing international.utm@utoronto.ca to schedule an appointment for this service.
IMPORTANT
** Ensure that you bring the following to your appointment:
- Your original document - do not make or bring your own copies or send your original document with someone else.
- Sufficient personal identification, typically including a TCard plus a form of government-issued ID with a photo, such as a passport, driver's license or health card.
Note: All above IEC services are free for students. Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Student Affairs by calling 905-828-3872 to schedule an appointment for this type of service.
A notary public serves as a legal witness to the identified presenter's declaration of an original document's authenticity. If an original is not authentic, the notary aids in the prosecution of the presenter for making a false oath, attestation or solemn declaration.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) Information Session – As an international student, you will need to get a SIN if you plan on working for a Canadian employer or if you would like to access Canadian government programs and benefits. Join us on January 16, 2024 from 3 – 4pm for an information session led by Service Canada.
Social Insurance Number Clinic – Service Canada will be on campus on January 17, 2024 between 10am – 3pm issuing Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) to international students. No fee or registration required, just bring a valid passport and study permit. Clinic located in the Davis Building outside of the RAWC Gym.
Canada's Income Tax System
Canada's tax system is similar to that of many countries. Employers and other payers usually deduct taxes from the income they pay you, and people with business or rental income normally pay their taxes by installments.
Many of the benefits people enjoy in Canada are made possible through taxes. Canada's tax system pays for healthcare, education, roads, social security, and public safety.
Each year, you determine your tax obligation by completing an income tax and benefit return and sending it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). On the return, you list your income and deductions, calculate federal and provincial tax, and determine if you have a balance of tax owing for the year, or whether you are entitled to a refund of some or all of the tax that was deducted from your income during the year.
Under Canada's tax system, you have the right and the responsibility to determine your income tax status and make sure you pay your required amount of taxes for each year according to the law.
Why file?
To follow the law in Canada, if you owe taxes and don't file an income tax return, the Canadian Government can impose fines/ penalties or charge interest on unpaid taxes.
Filing taxes also determines your eligibility for government benefits, refunds, credits and to carry forward credits to reduce income tax owed in future years. Common credits international students are eligible for include: tuition tax credit, goods and services tax/ harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, or if you want to begin/ continue receiving the Canada child benefit (CCB) and other benefits from certain provincial related programs.
Who has to file?
You must file a tax return if you are a "resident of Canada" for tax purposes and you earn income and owe tax.
Even if you do not owe tax, you may optionally file a tax return if: you want to claim a refund of taxes, you want to apply for social benefits, or you want to carry-forward certain tax credits.
Residency Status
Are you a resident of Canada? You become a resident of Canada for income tax purposes when you establish significant residential ties in Canada (this is different than 'residency' status for immigration purposes). You usually establish these ties on the date you arrive in Canada.
Residential ties may include:
- a home in Canada;
- attending university full-time in Canada;
- a spouse or common-law partner or dependents who move to Canada to live with you;
- personal property, such as a car or furniture;
- economic ties in Canada, such as a Canadian bank account or credit card;
- social ties in Canada.
Unsure about whether you are a resident for tax purposes? Visit this website for more details.
Taxable Income
All amounts received by virtue of employment, carrying on a business, or received as a return on an investment are taxable income. Income that is subject to tax includes amounts earned from any country while you are a resident in Canada (world-wide income!).
Non-taxable income includes: scholarships and bursaries, Canada Child Benefit, lottery winnings and money/ gifts from your parents or family members.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to file a tax return. Your SIN is a nine-digit identification number that is unique, personal and confidential. The CRA uses your SIN to identify you for income tax and benefit purposes. You must give it to anyone who prepares information slips (such as T3, T4, or T5 slips) for you. Each time you do not give it when you are supposed to, you may have to pay a $100 penalty.
If you do not already have a SIN, you can apply for one at the nearest Service Canada office. You will need to take your passport and study permit with you. More information can be found on this website.
If you are ineligible for a SIN, you can apply for an Individual Tax Number (ITN). It usually takes the CRA 4 - 6 weeks to process an ITN so apply early. The application form can be found on this website.
How to file
Electronic filing can be used if you are a "resident of Canada for tax purposes", have a SIN starting with 9, and the CRA has your date of birth on record. See this website for more information on filing electronically.
If you can't file electronically, you can still use the software, then print and send your return to:
Sudbury Tax Centre
1050 Notre Dame Avenue
Sudbury, ON, P3A 5C2
Other ways to file:
- UTMSU offers free tax clinics for students
- Hire an accountant or a tax lawyer
- Community Organizations and Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Filing Due Date
Generally, your income tax return has to be filed on or before April 30 of each year. If you owe tax and you file your tax return late, the CRA will charge you a late-filing penalty and interest on any unpaid amounts. If you don't owe tax, you can file late and you can file for the past three years.
Important correspondence from the CRA will come 4 - 6 weeks after filing your taxes, so ensure that your mailing address is correct/ accurate. Don't know where you'll be moving in the summer months? Ask a trusted friend or family member with a permanent address if you can use their mailing address temporarily.
Helpful Links & Resources
CRA: Protect yourself against fraud
Call the CRA toll free at 1-800-959-8281
Tax Scams
Be aware of scams! They increase around tax time.
The CRA will not do the following:
- send you an email with a link and ask you to share personal or financial information;
- ask for personal information of any kind by email or text message;
- leave personal information in a voicemail.
Health Insurance
Did you know?
Your UHIP cards are emailed to your UofT email addresses at the beginning of the academic year. Make sure to activate your UofT email!
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for certain international students to ensure you have basic health care coverage while studying in Ontario.
As an international student or exchange student, you are automatically enrolled in UHIP and the coverage charge will be listed on ACORN (your student account). UHIP coverage may also be extended to your eligible dependent family member(s). The UHIP insurer is Cowan Insurance Group.
Important Note: You must update your UTORmail on ACORN in order to receive communication from Cowan Insurance Group regarding your account.
More information about your health coverage while in Canada can be found below:
As a University of Toronto Mississauga student, you are required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies at UTM. The sections below will provide you with details on the health coverage options available to students:
University Health Insurance Plan
UHIP coverage is mandatory for international students. You can register at Cowan Group to obtain their UHIP cards.
Your UHIP card was automatically emailed to you, print your card and carry it with you. Alternatively, you can access your UHIP card by following the steps below.
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for certain international students to ensure you have basic health care coverage while studying in Ontario.
As an international student or exchange student, you are automatically enrolled in UHIP and the coverage charge will be listed on ACORN (your student account). UHIP coverage may also be extended to your eligible dependent family member(s). The UHIP insurer is Cowan Insurance Group.
Important Note: You must update your UTORmail on ACORN in order to receive communication from Cowan Insurance Group regarding your account.
Printing Your UHIP Card:
Create A Cowan Personal Account
Here’s how to register for Cowan’s Member Access:
- Once you have received Cowan’s email: visit www.cowangroup.ca and select “My Account” from the menu bar on the top-right. Select “Group Benefits Member Access” and click on “I’m a new user”
- In order to register, ensure you enter your UTORmail (not your personal email address) and re-enter it a second time to confirm. NOTE: your UTORmail will be your Username going forward. Enter your Last Name, First Name, Date of Birth and Member ID Number as displayed on the benefits card that Cowan emailed you.
- Click on “Next Step”. Cowan will send you an email with a link to complete the registration process. Once you get the email, click on the link to finish your registration. The link will expire in 24 hours. If you are unable to complete the registration during the 24-hour timeframe, please complete the above steps 1-4 again and another email will be sent to you. You will receive an email with a temporary password. Make sure you update your password after you log into the portal the first time.
Get Your UHIP Card Online
- Check your UTORmail. You may have already received a link to retrieve your UHIP coverage card by email when you were enrolled in the plan. If you did not receive your UHIP coverage card by email, you will need to complete the online registration process.
- Once you are logged in, select “My ePackage” on the home page, select “e-Card” and finally “print your card” for your UHIP coverage card.
- Your UHIP number is U (followed by your ten-digit student number) or UT (followed by your nine-digit student number)
Learn more about UHIP:
Supplemental Insurance
You automatically receive medical and dental insurance coverage through your student association, namely the:
- University of Toronto Mississauga Students' Union (UTMSU) for full-time undergraduate and professional faculty students
- Association of Part-time University Students (APUS) for part-time undergraduate students
- University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union (GSU) for graduate students
Learn more about supplemental plans:
- UTMSU Health and Dental Plan [card available from the Information Booth in the Student Centre] [view plan booklet]
- APUS Health and Dental Plan [download card] [view plan booklet]
- GSU Health and Dental Plan [download card] [view plan booklet]
Guard Me International Insurance
Students participating in the Summer Academic Culture, and English Program (ACE@UTM) receive health coverage through Guard Me International Insurance - not UHIP.
Visit Guard Me International Insurance for more information regarding coverage.
Programs & Events
The International Education Centre (IEC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga recognizes the unique needs and experiences of our international students. We are committed to creating tailored programs and events that cater to their diverse backgrounds and support their transition to life in Canada. From the International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) that pairs new students with upper-year mentors, to Canada-eh?, an immersive series exploring Canadian culture, our offerings are designed to foster a sense of community, facilitate cultural exchange, and provide a supportive environment for international students to thrive.
Click here to see all programs and events offered by the IEC!
Below are Programs & Events designed to support international students:
Log in to Folio to register for upcoming sessions and trips
Are you new to Canada or have not had the chance to explore the country but want to learn more, such as about Canada’s peoples and places, food and culture, holidays and landmarks, seasons and weather as well as meet peers and go on fun trips to explore your new home away for home?
Then this program is for YOU!
Join us for exciting trips filled with learning and fun as we explore Canada from all aspects.
Students participating in at least 3 series will be eligible for Co-Curricular Record notation.
Some experiences to look forward to:
Trip to Niagara Falls - September 21, 2024 SOLD OUT
9:30 AM: Departure from UTM
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Falls area and engage in a fun scavenger hunt activity (Optional)
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Free Time: Explore Niagara Falls, enjoy local attractions, and have lunch
4:30 PM: Meet for Check-in and Departure
Energize your sporty spirit with a trip to a Toronto FC soccer game! -October 2, 2024
5:30 PM – Arrival and Registration at SSHub
6:00 PM – Departure from UTM
- Group departs together using public transportation
7:10 PM – 9:30 PM – Toronto FC Match at BMO Field - Arrive and settle at BMO Field to enjoy the game.
9:30 PM – 11:00 PM – Return journey to UTM
Join other peers to do winter clothes shopping and explore the Christmas market (November)
Food tasting: Snack on Canadian foods and chat about the cuisine with fellow peers (November)
Ignite your cultural curiosity with a visit to the Aga Khan Museum! (January)
Fuel your sense of wonder with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (March)
& Lots more.
Register and learn about these events on the IEC calendar:
For all questions and feedback regarding Canada, Eh? please contact us at international.utm@utoronto.ca
Practice your English conversation skills in an informal and social group setting with other language learners as well as native English speakers.
These peer-led circles will give you the opportunity to learn with and among people from around the world while practicing your language skills in a fun, relaxed, and creative environment.
This is also a recognized program on the Co-Curricular Record if participants attend a minimum of 3 sessions in our schedule:
Dates for Fall 2024 English Language Conversation Circles please register below:
Wednesday October 23, 2024: 1pm - 2pm
Wednesday November 6, 2024: 1pm - 2pm
Wednesday November 20, 2024: 1pm - 2pm
Location:
- Location: Student Hub Room 2223
Please email us at international.utm@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
Are you an international student, permanent resident, new immigrant, or exchange student looking to make connections with upper-year students on campus and meet new people from around the world?
The International Student Mentorship (ISMP) program is for you! With ISMP, you will be paired up with an upper-year mentor that will support you as you transition into Canada and UTM. Connect with upper-year students, meet other mentees, and build a network that will help you make the most out of your experience!
Benefits of joining this program:
- Expand your network and meet new people from around the world with similar interests;
- Benefit from the support and experiences of upper-year domestic and international students and learn how to get involved on campus;
- Have support in regards to culture, language, and life at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and the City of Mississauga;
- Both mentors and incoming students will receive Co-Curricular Record (CCR) credit and a certificate of completion for participation in the program.
How does the International Student Mentorship Program work?
- Students are connected with an upper-year mentor and receive one-on-one guidance.
- Mentors and mentees communicate over the course of 8 weeks asking questions and providing information.
- The IEC organizes a variety of events for mentees and mentors to participate in such as socials and a panel.
- Completion of a minimum number of activities will earn CCR notation and a certificate of completion.
For questions or concerns, please email us at international.utm@utoronto.ca.
*Please note: you will need an active uTORid to complete your registration. For information on how to activate your uTORid, click here.
Are you a first or second-year international student eager to excel academically, explore career paths, and understand your immigration journey?
Join us for THRIVE-IN – A Comprehensive Development Conference for International Students on October 5, 2024, at the Kaneff Centre!
In just ONE day:
- Learn how to navigate and succeed in the Canadian academic system
- Participate in workshops that will equip you with the academic, professional and personal skills that will help you succeed in your undergraduate career
- Meet recent alumni and learn about their undergraduate journeys
- Network with UTM alumni, current upper year students, and peers
- Get CCR and Certificate of Completion
As a result of participating in THRIVE-IN, students will:
- Learn how to navigate the Canadian academic system
- Learn more about essential resources available for them to succeed throughout their undergraduate and achieve their goals
- Learn how to plan for their career and academic goals
THRIVE 2024 Schedule
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 am — 10:15 am | Registration & Breakfast Location: Kaneff Rotunda | |
| 10:15 am — 10:45 am | Opening Remarks, Icebreakers and Introductions Location: Kaneff | |
| 10:45 am — 11:15 am | Academic Integration and Understanding UTM's Academic Standards Get a comprehensive overview of UTM’s academic standards, grading systems, and expectations. Explore university lingo, in-class engagement, and academic integrity, with interactive sessions and case studies. | |
| 11:15 am —11:25 am | Accessibility and Wellness Overview Discover the resources and support available through the Accessibility and Wellness Department, including wellness programs and mental health support | |
| 11:25 am - 11:55 am | Finding Community and Managing Independence Learn strategies for making connections on campus, managing your time effectively, and handling finances. Engage in a speed-friending activity and participate in workshops on time management and budgeting. | |
| 11:55 am - 12:30 pm | Lunch & Networking Location: Kaneff Rotunda | |
| 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm | Career Planning and LinkedIn Photo Shoot Gain insights into career planning, internships, and co-op opportunities. Participate in resume writing tips, mock interviews, and get a professional LinkedIn photo taken. | |
| 1:15 pm - 1:55 pm | Immigration and Visa Advice Receive essential information on visa requirements, work permits, and legal rights. Engage in a Q&A session with immigration advisors and discuss future immigration perspectives. | |
| 1:55 pm — 2:10 pm | Closing Remarks, Certificates, and Feedback Wrap up final remarks, receive your certificate of participation, and provide feedback on the conference. | |
| 2:10 pm — 2:30 pm | LinkedIn Photo Shoot Capture your professional image with a LinkedIn photo shoot to enhance your career profile. | |
Register here!
Are you an upper-year international student looking for an exclusive opportunity to develop professional and personal skills and get ALL the information about career planning and immigration in ONE day?
Look no further!
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, in MN, the International Education Centre is inviting you to partake in THRIVE-OUT: Professional Development Conference for International Students! This program is tailored for upper-year and graduating international students to provide you with all the essential skills and information you require to plan your next steps
In just ONE day:
- Receive all the important information about your next steps in terms of immigration and career planning and getting your PR
- Participate in workshops that will equip you with professional skills that can be added to your resumes
- Meet recent alumni and learn about their career journeys
- Network with staff, alumni, and peers
- Get CCR
As a result of participating in THRIVE-OUT, students will:
- Learn about the immigration essentials of staying in Canada after graduation and eventually getting their PR
- Learn more about essential resources available for them to prepare for future careers and achieve their goals
THRIVE-OUT 2024 Schedule
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Part I: Key Information | ||
| 9:00 am — 9:30 am | Registration & Breakfast Location: MN Grand Hall (Lobby) | |
| 9:30 am — 9:40 am | Opening Remarks Location: MN 1270 | |
| 9:40 am — 10:30 am | International Student Journey: From Study Permit to Permanent Resident including Q&A Facilitated by the IEC’s International Students Immigration Advisor, Mindy will talk you through the process of obtaining your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)and the necessary criteria to eventually apply for your Permanent Residency permit (PR). Location: MN1270 | |
| 10:30 am —10:40 am | Coffee Break | |
| Part II: Transitioning Out of Undergraduate | ||
| 10:40 – 11:30 am | Adulting 101: Leaving or Living in Canada Facilitated by the IEC’s International Student Transition Coach, Sherice will walk you through the logistics of deciding to either stay or leave Canada after graduation. This session will cover navigating the housing crisis, health insurance and other essential information. | |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | Adulting 101: Money Matters… Your Financial Future Facilitated by a finance professional who works with UofT from TD bank, they will walk you through everything related to your finances. This includes investing as an international student, your RRSP, your RESP, budgeting, pension, and more! | |
| 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm | Connect and Reflect Facilitated by the IEC's Supervisor, Intercultural Fluency and International Student Development, Rebeca will guide you through a reflection and celebration of your journey at UTM. Location: MN 1270 | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Lunch and LinkedIn pictures Free and catered lunch and refreshments. Location: MN Grand Hall | |
| Part III: Career Development and Networking | ||
| 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm | Career Know-Hows for International Students Facilitated by the IEC’s Employment Strategist, Lucy will walk you through all the necessary components of finding the perfect job. This includes enhancing your network skills, job negotiation, navigating the Canadian job market, and more! For those thinking of leaving Canada, Lucy will also go over the importance of developing a global network and having Canadian work experience. Location: MN1270 | |
| 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Breaking Barriers Panel with Employers A panel of employers will be moderated by the IEC’s employment strategist, Lucy. This panel will answer your most pressing questions about the traits and skills they look for in potential hires. They will also discuss the advantages of hiring international students and the challenges they have seen their international employees and colleagues face and more! | |
| 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm | Alumni Career Speed-Networking Facilitated by the IEC’s Student Development Coordinator, Zarina, you will get the chance to meet invited alumni and employers from different industries to share lessons they learned along the way as well as answer your burning questions in a round of speed-networking. Location: MN Grand Hall | |
Meet Our 2024 Alumni Guests:
| Adwet Sharma Adwet (He/Him) currently works as a Senior Program Manager of Government Affairs at Edelman Global Advisory, a leading international public affairs firm which helps clients navigate evolving geopolitics, build trust, and achieve business success. Find out more about Adwet at www.linkedin.com/in/adwet-sharma/ |
| Anil Wasif [UTM Class of 2017 | HBA in Economics, Master of Public Policy] Anil (He/Him) currently works as a Manager of Research at Infrastructure Ontario and is the Co-Founder and Director of Strategy at BacharLorai, a social impact agency empowering Bangladeshis worldwide, through community building, policy research and signature initiatives. Find out more about Anil at www.linkedin.com/in/anilwasif |
| Thaisa T. Sant'Ana [UTM Class of 2023 valedictorian | HBSc Biotechnology Specialist] Thaisa (She/Her) is currently working as a Research Analyst at KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. At KITE, Thaisa created educational infographics on sex and gender topics in traumatic brain injury and worked on a research project on community integration after traumatic brain injuries. Find out more about Thaisa at www.linkedin.com/in/thaisa-tylinski-santana/ |
| Tasya Nathanael [UTM Class of 2023 valedictorian | HBSc Biotechnology Specialist ] Tasya (They/Them) currently works as the Student Services Hub Welcome Desk Coordinator at UTM. Previously, they has worked as the Programs Assistant for Academic Initiatives at the Centre for Community Partnerships at UofT St. George. Find out more about Tasya at www.linkedin.com/in/tasya-n-31128122b/ |
| Joshua Dingani Mvunga [UTM Class of 2022 | HBSc in Neuroscience] Joshua (He/They) currently works as a Community, Health and Education Associate for the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and the Tay Cohort Study. Prior to their current role, they were a research analyst at CAMH for a pan-Canadian implementation study aimed at providing youth with education and employment support. |
| Ahad Syed [UTM Class of 2019 | Bachelors of Commerce, Accounting Specialist] Ahad (He/Him) is a Zimbabwean UTM alum who currently works at the Office of the Dean at UTM as the Program & Curriculum Assistant. He has previously worked as a Pathways Associate at PWC Canada and as a Curriculum Support Officer at UTM. Find out more about Ahad at www.linkedin.com/in/ahadsyed7 |
| Jesica Kuruvilla [UTM Class of 2021 | BBA in Management Specialist] Jesica (She/Her) is currently working as the Program Coordinator for the Department of Management at UTM after completing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration. She has worked in Academic HR and has supported student groups and faculty in her roles. Find out more about Jesica at www.linkedin.com/in/jesicakuruvilla/ |
Outbound Exchange
Participating in the UTM Exchange program offers international students a unique opportunity to study at one of over 140 partner institutions in more than 40 countries, all while earning credits towards their degree. This experience not only broadens their academic horizons but also significantly enhances their professional prospects. Students develop valuable skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and global awareness by immersing themselves in different cultures and educational systems. These competencies are highly sought after by employers in today's interconnected world, making the UTM Exchange program a powerful stepping stone for future career success.
Click here to learn more about all the global learning opportunities available to you!
UTM Abroad
The UTM Abroad program offers international students transformative academic and co-curricular experiences that foster global awareness and personal growth. Through the Academic Experiences, students can deepen their learning by connecting course content with first-hand international exposure, whether in-person or virtually. The Co-Curricular Experiences allow students to explore topics of interest, engage in community initiatives, and develop a global mindset. By participating in UTM Abroad, international students not only enhance their academic journey but also cultivate invaluable skills such as cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and global perspectives – competencies highly valued by employers in today's interconnected world. These immersive opportunities provide a platform for personal and professional development, equipping students with the tools to thrive in diverse environments.
Click here to learn more about all the global learning opportunities available to you!
Career Development
Looking for work can be challenging during the best of times. Both the UTM Career Centre and the International Education Centre are here to support.
Thinking about your career early allows you to learn how best to navigate the job market and increases your chance of obtaining an interview and landing a job. By starting early, you can reduce stress and ease your transition into the work culture in Canada.
Here are the steps we advise you to follow to get the most out of your UTM experience:
Did you know?
The IEC and Career Centre work together to provide international student-specific support!
The International Student Training Employment Program (ISTEP) is a structured program that will help students navigate the job search process here in Canada 'step-by-step', starting from answering all your immigration questions, building your resume, building your cover letter, practicing networking, and then ending with the potential meet with employers who are eager for international talent. Join us in navigating a 6-week program that will train you for finding a job in Canada after graduation!
Students will receive the following upon the completion of the program:
- Certificate of Participation
- CCR Recognition
- One-on-one job search coaching appointment with an Employment Strategist
- Opportunity to meet with employers
* To receive CCR recognition, participants MUST complete all of the following requirements
- Attendance of 5 sessions (one session is optional)
- Attend a networking event with the employers during the final ISTEP session
- Attend one-on-one job search coaching appointment
- Final reflection survey
Register through CLNx, or email lucy.yi@utoronto.ca for more information.