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.
On this page:
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!
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 CLNx 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)
Understanding indigenous cultures and traditions with a trip to the 6 nations tourism (October)
Energize your sporty spirit with a trip to a Toronto Marlies hockey game! (October)
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:
https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home/utmieceventaggregator.htm
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 4 sessions in our summer schedule:
Dates for Summer 2024 English Language Conversation Circles:
- Dates:
- Wednesday May 22nd, 2024: 2pm - 3pm
- Wednesday May 29th, 2024: 2pm - 3pm
- Wednesday June 5th, 2024: 2pm - 3pm
- Wednesday June 12th, 2024: 2pm - 3pm
- Thursday July 11th, 2024: 12pm - 1pm
- Thursday July 18th, 2024: 12pm - 1pm
- Thursday July 25th, 2024: 12pm - 1pm
- Thursday August 1st, 2024: 12pm - 1pm
- Thursday August 8th, 2024: 12pm - 1pm
Location:
- MN5128 (unless stated otherwise in the event sign-up)
Please email us at international.utm@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
Are you a first year international student looking for an exclusive opportunity to learn how you can succeed academically and personally and get ALL the information about career planning and immigration expectations in ONE day?
Look no further!
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, in MN, the International Education Centre is inviting you to partake in THRIVE IN – Professional Development for International Students! This program is geared towards first- and second-year international students to give them awareness and familiarize them with the resources available to assist in their university experience.
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 2023 Schedule
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am — 10:00 am | Registration & Breakfast Location: MN Grand Hall (Lobby) | |
| 10:00 am — 10:15 am | Opening Remarks Location: MN 1210 | |
| 10:15 am — 10:30 am | Land Acknowledgments Facilitated by the IEC's Student Development Coordinator of Intercultural Programs, Rebeca who will guide you through the importance and origin or land acknowledgments. As well as their importance in campus life. | |
| 10:30 am —11:00 am | International Student Journey: From Study Permit to Post Graduation Work Permit Facilitated by the IEC's Assistant Director of International Student Supports, Cristina who will explain your immigration journey from where you are now, in your first year, to what you can expect over the next 4 years and more! | |
| 11:00 am - 12:30 pm | Navigating Canadian Academics (i) University Culture Facilitated by IEC's International Student Advisor, Sherice will walk you through the nuances of Canadian university culture. Topics include university resources such as: taking advantage of office hours, going to Teaching Assistant office hours to seek extra support and more!
(ii) In-class engagement Facilitated by IEC's Student Development Coordinator of Intercultural Programs, Rebeca who will walk you through the nuances of in-class participation. Topics include navigating in-class participation, power structures in the classroom, intercultural learning and more!
(iii) Academic Integrity Facilitated by the IEC's student staff, Nicole Lacambra and Motasem Almesri, will walk you through academic integrity expectations in Canada, as compared to various education systems around the world. Topics include sharing lecture notes, group assignments, using AI in the classroom and more! Location: MN 1210 | |
| 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Lunch Time Location: MN Grand Hall | |
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | A Taste of TCP Facilitated by IEC's International Student Advisor, Sherice and IEC student staff who will guide you through what you can expect from our Transition Coaching Program. Topics include maintaining healthy habits, setting actionable goals, community engagement and more! Location: MN 1210 | |
| 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Get Experience and Get Involved Facilitated by IEC's Employment Strategist, Lucy will walk you through all the necessary components of finding volunteer or work experience as a student. This includes where to look for job opportunities, how to market your pre-university skills, the benefits of earning CCR and more! These are especially important for those looking to stay in Canada after graduation. Location: MN 1210 | |
| 3:30 pm — 3:45 pm | Coffee Break The IEC has invited alumni from different industries to share lessons they learned along the way. Students will get a chance to ask their burning questions. Location: MN Grand Hall | |
| 3:45 pm — 4:30 pm | Student Experience Panel Learn about and ask questions of a panel of upper year students, student staff and recent graduates. They will be able to reflect on their student experience, how they overcame the challenges they faced and more! Location: MN 1210 | |
| 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Refreshments and Mingle Location: MN Grand Hall |
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/ |
One-on-One Support for International Students
The International Education Centre (IEC) at UTM offers personalized one-on-one support for international students throughout their academic journey. Students can receive individualized guidance from both professional staff members and successful upper-year student mentors. Professional advisors provide specialized assistance with immigration matters, transition support, and employment strategies, while peer mentors offer valuable insights on academic and social integration through programs like the International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) and the First Year Transition Coaching Program. This comprehensive approach ensures international students have access to expert advice and relatable peer experiences to help them thrive at UTM.
Learn more about these programs below:
The Transition Coaching Program at the International Education Centre (IEC) is designed to support first-year international students as they adjust to university life at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). This program helps students build essential skills to manage academic responsibilities, personal commitments, and the various demands of university life.
Key Features and Benefits:
Personalized Support: Students receive one-on-one appointments with the International Students Proactive Coach, a professional staff member at UTM, and a Proactive Coaching Assistant, an experienced upper-year student. These sessions focus on creating and achieving personal goals.
Skill Development: The program covers six key areas of transition development: Learning Course Material, Managing Your Time, Paying for College Expenses, Getting Help with School Work, Making New Friends, and Interacting with Faculty.
Continuous Feedback: Participants receive individualized and continuous feedback on their goal setting throughout the semester.
Flexible Resources: Access to asynchronous content and activities is available to help students develop necessary skills at their own pace.
Community Building: Opportunities to build relationships with other students and connect with various resources and services at UTM.
Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Recognition: Participation in the program is recognized with CCR Recognition.
Program Structure:
Initial Meeting: The first meeting with the International Students Proactive Coach involves reviewing insights from the Before College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) and developing an action plan.
Follow-Up Meetings: Over the academic year, students attend four thirty-minute appointments (two with the coach and two with a peer coach) to work on their action plan and transition skills.
Final Meeting: The final meeting focuses on ways to continue developing through UTM programs and staying engaged with IEC supports.
Participation Details:
Time Commitment: Each appointment lasts thirty minutes, scheduled two to six weeks apart.
Appointment Format: Appointments are primarily conducted via Zoom, with options for in-person or phone meetings.
Eligibility: The program is invitation-based, however all interested first-year international students are welcome to participate.
Registration will open June 2024!
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.
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
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.
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!