Receive a world-class education in the capital of Canada.
Background image detail by SPAO alum Vivian Torrs
International students enrolled in our college diploma pay no additional fees.
We’re here to help as much as we can. Which is why all international students will receive assistance and information at their request, such as:
Housing
SPAO can provide suggestions for homestay arrangements or links to one or more organizations to assist with finding appropriate housing if the institution does not provide housing itself. SPAO cannot guarantee housing, and it is up to the student to secure their stay in Ottawa.
Health Insurance
We can find a mechanism to provide health insurance for International Students, or information on where such insurance can be obtained.
Academic Counselling
Academic, career and peer counselling supports or links to such supports in the community.
Community
Links to cultural or religious community organizations.
Social Benefits
Well being and other social service supports, or links to such supports in the community.
International Support
A current list of contacts at the nearest embassy or consulate representing the student’s country of citizenship
Orientation
Orientation to SPAO and/or welcome services to Ottawa for International Students.
A different kind of school — for a different kind of artist.
SPAO’s unique space is filled with a community of diverse and passionate creatives. SPAO students and staff work together on community projects and events, engage in exciting conversations over coffee breaks as well as keep one another motivated when things get tough. It’s a place where your ideas will come to life and where life-long friendships are formed.
HOW TO APPLY
Image by international student Yu-sheng Chiu
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We have a straightforward application that is designed to help us get to know you better. We want to learn about your goals and what you want to achieve.
Click here to complete the application form. We look forward to getting to know you!
Please note: When you submit your application to the Photographic Arts and Production Diploma, you may be asked to provide proof of a high school diploma or provide an equivalent post-secondary credential or pass a wonderlic SLE test with a cut score of 18. Equivalent documents include include a GED, post-secondary College diploma or University degree, and more.
For more information, please contact admin@spao.ca
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After you’ve completed the application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview with the Creative Director and a senior team member. You will use this interview opportunity to speak about your passion and the goals you hope to accomplish while at SPAO.
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If you are accepted into the college diploma program, we will contact you to go over the student contract, including what the school year will bring, and more administrative issues. When you sign the contract you also pay a $500 deposit to secure your place in the program, just like every student.
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Now that you’re in, SPAO will send you an official acceptance letter as a DLI (Designated Learning Institute.) You will then need to use the acceptance letter to complete a Canadian Study Permit.
Click here to learn more and apply for your Canadian Study Permit.
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International Students require health insurance coverage for their entire length of their stay in Canada and proof must be provided to SPAO before student orientation. Health Insurance for students and visitors to Canada can be purchased through a number of companies such as: The Blue Cross, or Arbetov Insurance, among many, many others.
SPAO is a Private Career College. As per the IRCC website, students are ineligible for a post-graduation work permit if they have completed a course or program of study at a private career college. Thus, students who attend SPAO’s college diploma program are not eligible for a PGWP.
QUICK LINKS
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS + PRODUCTION DIPLOMA
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS