FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- International Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Recruitment Office
Room 102
A. E. McKenzie Building
270 - 18th Street
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6A9
Phone: (204) 727-9649
Fax: (204) 725-2143
email: letain@brandonu.ca
International Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend Brandon University?
Currently, there are approximately 3000 students enrolled at Brandon University.
If I decide to live off campus, is there public transportation that will get me to the University?
Yes. Brandon University has an agreement with the City of Brandon of a $15 fee, which is included in your student fees, for a U-Pass. This allows all BU students full city bus service from September to August annually. Just show your Student ID card when you board the bus.
What is the average size of first year classes?
On average , class sizes in the first year vary from 50 to 200 students. One of BU’s strengths is that 60% of our classes have fewer than 20 students and only 1.5% of classes have more than 100 students. (Larger classes typically occur in first-year courses.)
Is there an Orientation session for new International students to learn the ropes?
Yes. Orientation is an annual event that takes place before first-term classes begin. It is designed both for new students and for students who have put their studies on hold and are now returning. The orientation agenda will be available on the web and a brochure will be mailed to newly admitted students during the summer months.
What is a pre-professional program?
Pre-professional programs are simply a set of selected Arts and Science courses that will enable students to qualify for entry into a professional program, for example, medicine, social work, journalism, or dentistry. The courses you will take and the length of time you spend at Brandon University will vary, depending on the professional program you are planning to enter.
Students are encouraged to consult an academic advisor before course registration. Most professional program requirements referenced by Brandon University are for programs offered by the University of Manitoba. Programs at other universities may have different requirements.
Do I need to bring a computer to BU?
BU students receive a user ID that enables them to access the network at one of over 200 computer terminals located throughout the campus. The computers are available at no cost, with unlimited access to the Internet and the latest processing programs to complete your assignments. The Library also has additional computers dedicated to searching for journal articles and other resources for student projects.
How do I get a parking space?
Contact the Residence Office and request an application for parking. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Is it true that BU has a high drop out rate because there is no minimum average for admission?
No. While admission to Brandon University does not require a minimum high school average, Manitoba students must have a high school diploma to gain acceptance directly following high school. In our experience, there can be many reasons why a student’s high school performance may not be reflective of his or her true potential. We feel that all students should have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary institution if this will assist them in attaining their goals in life. Brandon University’s graduation standards are as high or higher than any university in the country.
Given its small size, is Brandon University still a quality university?
We think Brandon University is a high quality university, in part because it is a smaller institution.Like all universities, Brandon University is a fully recognized degree granting institution. We take a great deal of pride in keeping class sizes small so that students have the maximum opportunity to interact with their professors and lab instructors.
In my recruiting travels over the past five years, I have noticed a striking increase in the number of students expressing a desire to attend a smaller university. Students want to get the most out of their education dollar. This means having access to professors and needed services, not spending hours in endless line-ups. Most of all, it means being treated as an individual.
I plan to attend BU first then transfer to a professional program at the University of Manitoba. Will the University of Manitoba consider my Brandon University marks?
You would be eligible to transfer from Brandon University to the University of Manitoba into a professional program. I recommend that you seek the advice of an academic advisor and check the required prerequisite courses in the current Brandon University calendar.
Does the University of Manitoba take U of M students over BU students for acceptance into professional programs?
No. The selection process for professional programs at the University of Manitoba is based on one or more of the following: grade point average, interview score, and entrance exam. Selection is not based on which Manitoba university you attended.
I plan on walking to class or taking a bus during the winter months. What are the bus connections like in the city?
There are two bus connections that link to the campus every half hour. Brandon University has an agreement with the City of Brandon of a $15 fee, which is included in your student fees, for a U-Pass. This allows all BU students full city bus service from September to August annually. Just show your Student ID card when you board the bus.
Application Questions
What is the application fee to Brandon University?
The application fee is a non-refundable $127.00 for International students.
What is the process for becoming a student at Brandon University?
Does Brandon University have an application deadline?
Yes, International students applying to BU have applications deadlines. Some faculties also have an application deadline or limit the number of students they accept in first year. Check with the Admissions Office or click on Deadlines for more information.
Can I apply on-line?
Yes. International students may apply on-line; however you will need to send your application fee by cheque or money order to receive your “notification of admission”. Another option is for students to print a copy of the application form and mail it along with the application fee.
International students paying by wire transfer must pay an additional $15.00 (Cdn.) over and above the required application fee to cover the cost of the wire transfer charge bringing the total to $142.00 (Cdn.).
Does Brandon University restrict the number of students admitted from out of the country?
No.
I am attending another Canadian university and would like to transfer to BU. What do I need to do?
It could take several weeks to assess a transcript for possible credit transfer from another accredited post-secondary institution. The time required for transcript assessment will vary, depending on the time of year, the courses taken, and the institution you are attending. You are encouraged to apply early and to submit an interim transcript of your marks as soon as they are available. This process will give the Admissions Office an opportunity to assess your credits before it becomes time to register for classes. For a list of courses that have been evaluated from various post-secondary institutions, please go to the online Transfer Database.
Program Questions
What undergraduate programs does BU offer?
Brandon University offers courses that will lead students to undergraduate degrees in Arts, Science, Music, Education, Physical Education Studies, Business Administration, Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and First Nations & Aboriginal Counselling.
What graduate programs does BU offer?
BU offers courses that lead to Masters degrees in Education, Music, and Rural Development.
What co-op opportunities are available at Brandon University?
BU offers the Geography degree (Geomatics concentration) and the Environmental Science degree as co-op. Students in both programs can have a work-term placement (typically over summer) and receive course credits.
The Geography and the Environmental Science degrees are the only BU programs registered for co-op.
Does Brandon University offer correspondence courses?
Brandon University does not offer correspondence courses.
I heard that students must submit a “Criminal Records” and “Child Abuse Registry” check when applying to BU. Is that true?
You will be required to supply the two documents only if you are planning to apply to the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Education or the First Nations & Aboriginal Counselling program. When the Admissions Office receives your application form, they will in turn send you the two documents to be submitted. It is strongly recommended that students apply as early as possible, as it will take time for each agency to complete the required documents. (The Faculty of Education and the School of Health Studies, Bachelor of Nursing will require students to submit these documents prior to any practicums.).
Scholarship Questions
What do I have to do in order to be considered for entrance scholarships and bursaries?
Students studying in Canada on a student authorization are not eligible for any student loans or scholarships offered by the government or by Brandon University.
Students may become eligible in senior years for scholarships that are awarded on the basis of outstanding performance in their university studies.
International students who have studied full-time at a post-secondary institution for six months of the last twelve months may be eligible to apply for an off-campus work permit. They must hold a valid study permit and have an acceptable (2.0 or greater) grade point average. Once granted a work permit, students may work up to twenty hours per week during regular university sessions and full-time during regularly scheduled breaks.
Please contact the Office of International Activities for further details on the work permit.
Accommodation Questions
Is there a residence on campus?
Yes.Brandon University has three residence halls on campus to accommodate single students. We have a men’s residence (Darrach Hall), a women’s residence (Flora Cowan), and a co-ed residence (McMaster Hall).
How do students gain admission to residence?
Students must fill out a residence application form, indicating which residence hall they wish to live in, and submit it along with the application fee. Early application is advised. Follow the Residence link for more information.
Can you describe the residence meal plan?
The Residence Dining Program is a “declining balance system”. Residence students deposit a pre-determined amount of money in a food account at the beginning of each term. Students use their residence identification card as a type of debit card to pay for meals and snacks.
How long will it take to walk from my residence room to class?
You will be able to walk from your residence room to anywhere on campus in a matter of a few minutes.
What furniture comes with a residence room?
Each residence room comes with a bed, desk, chair, dresser, bookshelf, lamp, blanket, sheets, pillow and pillowcase. Students are encouraged to bring a warm comforter.
Are single or double rooms available in residence?
Both. Single and double rooms are available to students planning to live in residence. First year students will be placed in a double room, but are welcome to apply for a single room in their second year. You are encouraged to check with the Residence Office on room availability.
What other features are available to students living in residence?
Each residence has a study room, television lounges, laundry rooms, and cable outlets. McMaster Hall and Flora Cowan rooms have Internet access. McMaster Hall has a fitness room and Darrach Hall has a fitness room with a sauna.
The Internet package and cable package are reasonably priced and are in addition to the monthly room and board cost.
I plan to bring a car to university. Are there parking spaces for residence students?
Yes. On the residence application form students can indicate if they would like a serviced parking spot. The cost for a parking space varies according to whether it is serviced or non-serviced and whether payment is made on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. See the Residence Parking web page.
Where is a good place to begin looking for a place to rent in Brandon?
I recommend buying a copy of the Brandon Sun Newspaper for the most complete and up-to-date listing of rental properties. I encourage you to look early to ensure you get a choice location appropriate for your situation.
What is the rental market like in Brandon?
The rental market in Brandon is thriving, and students are able to find a place somewhere in the city that meets their budget.
Finance Questions
How much is tuition for one year of full time study?
Tuition will vary depending on which program/faculty offers the course and whether you are attending day or evening classes. For more information on tuition, please visit the Financial & Registration Services website.
When do I pay for my tuition?
Tuition fees for Regular Session, Fall/Winter classes may be paid in two parts; each payment is due the first day of each term. Student fees are all due at the start of the regular session.
How do I buy my textbooks?
The registration form is in triplicate. When you complete the registration form for the classes you wish to attend, the bottom copy is yours and should be retained as a record of the classes for which you have registered. This copy is also your “book list”. Take your copy of the registration form to the Bookstore and look for the course numbers that correspond to the numbers on the shelves for the various textbooks. The staff in the Bookstore can also provide assistance.
Are there used textbooks for sale?
There are used textbooks for sale by individuals no longer taking a particular class. I recommend that you check in the Bookstore first before buying used textbooks, to ensure that you know what you are buying and that the text is still current. You can save a lot of money buying used textbooks. Lists of used textbooks for sale can be found on the many bulletin boards located throughout campus.
Student Services Questions
Are there services on campus to help students succeed at BU?
Yes. Brandon University offers a wide variety of services to assist students.. Most of the services on campus are available at Student Services in the A. E. McKenzie Building, conveniently located in the middle of the campus. Some of the services include: Academic Advising Services, Counselling Services, The Writing Centre, The Math Centre, and the Learning Skills and Tutorial Service. There is also the Office of International Activities who are willing to help and answer all questions.
Are there advisors on campus to help me select the right courses?
Yes. There are a number of academic advisors on campus that will help students select courses for first year. Advisors will also help you select the courses needed to qualify for a professional program such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and so on. Please visit Student Services to find the advisor that can help you.
Does BU have services for students with disabilities?
Yes. The Services for Students with Disabilities program ensures that students with learning, emotional, and physical disabilities have equal access to university programs. Students with disabilities should contact the Disabilities Coordinator in Student Services.
Student Activity Questions
What is the Brandon University Students’ Union?
The Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) is the official body of the students at Brandon University. The Students’ Union makes a number of services readily available to you. BUSU provides student representation on the Board of Governors, the Senate, and on each Faculty Council.
BUSU also provides a number of services such as the Peer Support Centre, SUDS Lounge, Data Centre (free use of typewriters and computers), Campus Bookstore, The Quill (student newspaper), Brandon University Student Radio, On-campus retail business, and the BUSU games room.
BUSU also provides funding for the official campus newspaper (The Quill), the BUSU handbook, scholarships, tutorial services, student clubs, and orientation events (Frosh Week). BUSU also provides on campus photocopying, student bus passes, and sponsorship of a wide variety of community special events.
Is there a student lounge on campus?
There is a student lounge on campus, called SUDS, located in the Knowles-Douglas building.
Is there a campus recreation program on campus?
Yes. Campus Recreation provides a number of activities for students such as swimming, aqua fitness, skating, racquetball, aerobics, working out on the hydra gym, kickboxing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey, to name a few.
What services does BU have in place to ensure the campus is a safe place to live and study?
The campus is well lit in the evenings, including parking lots. There are security guards patrolling the campus regularly.
What varsity sports are offered at Brandon University?
Brandon University currently has men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball teams. See Brandon University Bobcats.
What recreational facilities are available within the city of Brandon?
Brandon offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are too numerous to mention here. Check out the City of Brandon website for more information.
Is there a club for International students?
BU has the International Students’ Organization (ISO). For a yearly C$2.00 membership fee, all students, international and Canadian, can attend weekly movie nights, where two new release movies are shown and pizza and pop are provided. Members also attend hockey games and basketball games, take field trips to local attractions and host potluck dinners and Food Fairs. For more information on the ISO, please see their website or contact the Office of International Activities.