Frequently Asked Questions
What programs are offered at Coady Institute?
What are your online distance courses?
Can I take two certificate programs during one trip to Antigonish?
How much do 2012 programs cost?
What about travels costs?
Are there scholarships available?
Is there other funding 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?
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
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/.
What are your online distance courses?
We current offer a Certificate in Community-Based Microfinance. The plan is to launch additional courses in the future.
Can I take two certificate programs during one trip to Antigonish?
Yes, in fact this has become very popular. You can combine two 3-week certificate courses within a seven-week period. For example, you could take Facilitation and Training Approaches for Community Change from Sept. 27th to Oct. 15th, 2011 followed by Advocacy and Citizen Engagement from Oct. 25th to November 12th. Click here for more information.
How much do 2012 programs cost?
| Program | Tuition |
Accommodation |
Total |
| Diploma | 10,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| One-week certificate | 1,150 | 350 | 1,500 |
| Two-week certificate | 1,800 | 700 | 2,500 |
| Three-week certificate | 2,350 | 1,150 | 3,500 |
| Online certificate | 1,600 | n/a | 1,600 |
*Program costs are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Travel costs, whether one-way or return, 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 much of the costs of tuition, accommodation and meals, but these do not cover travel.
Are there scholarships available?
We have generous scholarships that cover most of the cost of tuition, and sometimes subsidize the costs of accommodations and meals. The exact amount is limited and is determined by the funds available in a given year. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, be sure to complete that section on the application form.
There are special scholarship funds dedicated to the Community-Based Microfinance and the Livelihoods and Markets certificate programs. This support, as in other programs, does not cover the cost of travel to or from Antigonish. There are also special scholarships available for Canadian First Nations people, and for persons with disabilities.
Is there other funding available?
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, you might 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?
The Coady Institute programs are intensive, experientially oriented professional development programs. 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 time in the evenings and on weekends. The Institute therefore recommends that participants make it clear to their employers that they will not be able to do regular work by email or telephone when they are studying in Canada. 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 an application form, which can be found on the website at http://www.coady.stfx.ca/education/apply/. Then send the complete application package (which must include a signed application form, complete signed references, annual report and organizational chart) to:
| By mail: |
Coady International Institute |
| By Courier: | 51 West Street Antigonish, NS Canada B2G 2W5 |
| By email: | coadyadmit@stfx.ca |
| By fax: | +1 902 867 3907 |
What are the application deadlines?
Applications for the diploma program must be submitted by March 1st, which is five months in advance of the start date. Applications for certificate programs should be submitted at least three months in advance of the course start date. It can take eight weeks to have a visa application processed, so it is very important to apply as early as possible.
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. All applicants will be contacted by email and informed of the decision of the selection committee.
I have difficulty with English. Can I still apply?
Coady Institute educational programs are delivered in English, so you must be able to learn and communicate in the English language. Diploma applicants must show proof of a minimum equivalent 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 language.
We will make every effort to assist you with your special needs. For more information, visit http://sites.stfx.ca/accessible_learning/.
I am a student studying development. Can I apply?
Each application is considered on an individual basis. Because we look for a combination of experience and education, applicants should meet these minimum requirements:
- Diploma programs: At least five years of relevant professional experience related to community-based development
- Certificate programs: At least two years of relevant experience;
- Mid- to senior level position with an organization working in development;
- University degree (preferred) and/or other relevant education;
- Competence in English.
Back to top
Accommodations are provided in standard student residences on the beautiful St. Francis Xavier University campus. Accommodation consists 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. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available in the building. A lounge with TV and games room is available in the residence building.
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.
The Coady Institute has a five-year plan to renovate and build new residences. Until then, 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.
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?
The Coady does have WiFi in both the residence and the classrooms. There are also many computer labs on campus that the Coady students have access to. Most labs are open until 11pm each night. We have 8 computers available in the Marie Michael Library that is part of the Coady Insittute which is open until 9pm Monday to Friday and open on Sundays. All computer labs have printers for your use as well.
Back to top
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.
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. We recommend you defer your acceptance for one year and then reapply with as much detailed information as possible.