Frequently Asked Questions

About Coady programs

What programs are offered at Coady Institute?

Programs include our internationally recognized 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 a list of Coady Programs click here.

For more information on Master of Adult Education click here: http://sites.stfx.ca/adult_education_graduate_studies/

Can I take more than one certificate program during one trip to Antigonish?

Groups of certificates are offered during May & June. You can apply for one program from each grouping. This provides an opportunity to maximize your learning opportunity.

How much do programs cost?

The cost of Coady programs varies due to length of course and location. Fees are indicated on each program page.

Does it cost to apply to a program?

There is no cost involved in applying for a Coady program. Please note that Coady Institute does not accept third party applications. Individuals need to submit their application via Coady’s website and should use caution when approached by those offering services to complete the application and admissions process.

Does it help if I use an agent to facilitate my application?

No. We DO NOT accept applications from any agent or company that charges a fee for preparing your application to Coady Institute. If anyone asks you for money and promises you a place in our classroom, you should know that they have not been authorized to do so.

What about travel costs?

You are responsible for your travel costs. You are also responsible for costs related to visas and personal expenses while you are living in Antigonish. Coady Institute does offer a limited number of travel awards to cover travel for successful diploma applicants who have obtained their visa. More information will be provided in the acceptance package.

Are bursaries available?

The Coady Institute offers a range of full and partial scholarships.

Thanks to the generous financial support of Global Affairs Canada, as well as a number of individual and institutional donors, the Coady Institute is able to offer partial scholarships to most candidates accepted into the Institute’s training programs.

The Institute is rarely able to provide 100% bursary. When completing the application form applicants will be asked if they wish to be considered for a bursary. Once a candidate is accepted into a Coady program, s/he will be informed of the level of bursary support offered as well as the balance of costs for which the candidate is responsible.

Are tuition fees refundable?

For on campus June 2024 certificates: If you are unable to participate in the certificate course, tuition fees paid will be refunded as follows;

Withdrawal prior to June 17, 2024, reimbursement will be the tuition fee paid minus $200.00 administrative fee;
Withdrawal after June 17, 2024, tuition fee is non-refundable.

For the 2024 Diploma Program: If you are unable to participate in the Diploma program, tuition fees paid, will be refunded as indicated below;

Withdrawal prior to May 1, 2024, due to not securing your visa, reimbursement will be the tuition fee paid minus $250.00 administrative fee;
Withdrawal after May 1, 2024, tuition fee is non-refundable.

For online courses: If you are unable to participate in the online program as planned tuition fees will be refunded as indicated below:

Withdrawal prior to the start date you will be refunded 75% of the tuition fee paid to cover administrative fee;
Withdrawal during the first week of the course, the refund is 50%
Withdrawal after the first week, the tuition fee is non-refundable.

I have a question that is not answered here.

If you still have questions about Coady programs, please contact us.

Applying for Coady programs

What are your admission requirements?

Relevant years of experience and education in community development work;
Member of a civil society, government or private sector organization working to create positive social change;
Ability to contribute in a participatory learning classroom experience;
Potential to improve and expand the impact of your work as the result of attending a Coady program;
Commitment to apply Coady learning in your organization and/or community;
Commitment to contribute to on-going learning within Coady alumni networks;
All instruction at Coady Institute is conducted in English. Proof of English language skills is required.

For more information about admission requirements for programs at the Women’s Centre, please visit our Women’s Leadership page.

For more information about admission requirements for youth programs, please visit our Youth Leadership page.
How will successful participants be determined?

Please refer to our admission requirements information for acceptance criteria, please visit our Admissions page.

I have difficulty with English. Can I still apply?

Applicants to the Diploma in Development may be required to submit a written acknowledgement of ability to function within an English learning environment. The following are acceptable documents:

TOEFL test score of at least 550
Certificate from another accredited English language institute
A letter of recommendation attesting to your English language ability from an instructor in a recognized institution where English was your language of study

Candidates who are citizens of countries where English is the language of instruction are not required to provide this documentation.

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Do I have to be working full-time in order to be considered for a Coady program? Can I be part-time or a volunteer?

You do not have to be working full-time. However, if you are not working full-time with an organization it is important that you clearly outline your experience and how you intend to use the learning/experience from our program to strengthen your leadership knowledge and skills in order to enhance your abilities to lead and act at the community, national and global levels. This is necessary in order for the selection committee to determine if you qualify for the program.

I’m a student – can I apply to the program?

If you have the necessary experience noted above, and have gone back to complete a relevant degree or course of study, you may be eligible. Please also refer to the qualification requirements for the program. A recent graduate may be selected based on experience and other proven commitments and abilities.

What if I am a person with a disability?

We will make every effort to assist with your special needs. For more information about the StFX Campus, visit https://www.mystfx.ca/accessible-learning/

How do I apply for a Coady program?

You must complete and submit an application form. References will be required.

What are the application deadlines?

Please refer to the program description page to see the application deadline. Applications will close at 4:00pm AST (GMT -4) on that day.

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications for all education programs are reviewed on an on-going basis. There are limited spaces available in each program; 22 seats in each certificate program and 44 in our diploma program. We receive a large volume of applications for all our education programs. During higher volume times it will take longer for a decision to be made by the selection committee. You can expect to receive a response within a month after the application deadline.

Who is a suitable reference?

Those eligible to complete a reference are directors of the applicant’s employing organization or:

Official of the employing or sponsoring organization
Head of a recognized NGO
School Principal/College Teacher
Permanent Civil Servant
Religious/Faith Leader

What information do you ask for from my reference contacts?

References are asked to provide information about your professional background, experience and their honest assessment of your leadership skill and potential. They are asked how you and your organization may benefit from this program, and whether you have the capacity to undertake and fully contribute to the program.

When does a referee need to submit their reference

Once an application is submitted an automatic email is sent to each referee notifying them that they have been selected to provide a reference. Once the reference is submitted the applicant will receive a confirmation email. The applicant should know that their application is not complete until we have receive both references, and your references must be received before the course deadline. The deadline for your references is the SAME time as the deadline for the application.The Selection Committee will review only those applications with two completed references received by the course deadline.

What happens if I need to change my referee’s email address?

If you need to change your referee’s email address send us the new email address at coadyadmit@stfx.ca

What happens if I need to change my referee?

If you need to change your referee’s name email coadyadmit@stfx.ca and provide us with the information below so we can update our system:

Program you are applying to
Name of reference you wish to change
Name of new reference
Email of new reference
Professional relationship to new reference

How do I apply for a Canadian visa?

Once you have been accepted into a Coady program, you will be sent electronic documentation confirming your acceptance. It is your responsibility to apply for a Canadian visa and all other visas you require to come to Canada. Do not assume that you will receive a visa because you are accepted to a Coady program. Refer to the visa office website for up-to-date information and instructions. Include all required documentation in your application package. We sometimes receive requests from candidates accepted to our programs to contact the visa office on their behalf. We are not able to do this. The decision to issue a Canadian visa is made by the local visa office. We are not in a position to influence the decision made by a Canadian visa officer.

Find out where to apply for a Canadian visa here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp

Find out general information about applying for a Canadian visa here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp

Find answers to more questions here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/index-featured-int.asp

I was refused a visa from the Canadian High Commission. Should I reapply?

This depends on the reason you were not issued a visa. Please contact the visa office for clarification.

I have a question that is not answered here.

If you still have questions about applying for Coady programs, please contact us.

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Your on-line application

Can I save my application?

Yes. At the beginning of your application there is a blue button, “Save My Incomplete Application”. You can save and return to your application as many times as needed, but you will only receive ONE email with the link back to this application. Please save this email.

How do I return to an unfinished application?

When you saved your incomplete application, we sent you an email. That email should have arrived within minutes of you saving the application. Please find that email. It is from donotreply@stfx.ca. That email contains a link back to your unfinished application.

What if I did not receive an email with a link to my incomplete application?

Please check your junk/spam folder. If the email is not there please contact us and send us a request to have the link resent.

Can I go back and make a change to my application after it is completed?

No. After you have submitted your completed application, you cannot return to your application form to make any more changes.

I see an error message about invalid email format.

You can enter only one email address into an email field. Please do not try to type or copy and paste more than one. To ensure you are entering the correct email you must enter the email again in the following field and the two must be identical.

Can I create a second application with a different email address?

Please do NOT create a second application using a different email address. We contact you using your email address, and if you provide more than one, we need to find and combine both of your applications, which can slow your application.

How do I know that my references have submitted their reference forms?

When each of your references successfully submits a recommendation form, you will also receive an email confirmation that it has been received. You are encouraged to ensure that your references are able to submit this form well before the application closing date. It is your responsibility to ensure that these are submitted. If you are in doubt whether the referral has been submitted, please contact your references directly.

What if I have some other technical problem?

The Coady application form has been online for several years and thousands of people from more than 100 countries have successfully submitted applications. When people have a problem, we suggest that they try using a different browser (Firefox or Chrome for example, instead of Internet Explorer) or even try using a different computer. Sometimes clearing the cache in the browser or restarting the computer solves the problem. If this does not help, please contact us.

I have a question that is not answered here.

If you still have questions about your online application, please contact us.

While at Coady Institute

What will be the class, weekday and weekend hours?

Class sessions typically run Monday to Friday from 8:30 am (08:30) to 5:00 pm (17:00). However, there may be some special evening sessions, assignments, as well as weekend trips and activities.

These are rigorous and highly sought-after programs. Participants should be aware that there will be little time to conduct regular work activities during this period and come prepared to be fully committed to the program.

If you would like to visit friends or family or sight-see on your own outside of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, we suggest that you plan for time after the end of the program. The Coady Institute will not be responsible for organizing any personal travel.

Can I work part-time while I am studying?

It is not practical for you to work part-time while in Antigonish. Besides the full class time Monday to Friday, you are expected to read and work on assignments during some of your own time in the evenings and on weekends.

What are accommodations like?

Accommodations are provided in standard student residences on the beautiful St. Francis Xavier University campus. 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.

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 $120/night) for those who prefer a different level of accommodation. Three local hotels are listed below. 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
1-902-863-1050

Does Coady have computers available to students? Is WiFi available?

We have three computers and a multi-function printer available in the Marie Michael Library. There are also computer labs on campus that Coady students can access. All computer labs have printers for your use.

All buildings on campus, including the residences, are equipped with wireless internet. Your room will also have a computer jack. If you choose to bring your own computer and would rather use a jack than wireless we advise you to bring your own network cable. You should also bring a plug adapter that fits a North American outlet. Most outlets fit both a grounded and ungrounded plug (WA-5 and #3). Voltage is 110 but computers automatically adapt to this voltage (with the right plug) as do most phone chargers and camera chargers. However, hair dryers and other personal appliances should not be used if designed for 220 voltage – voltage transformers can be purchased but these are quite costly.

You are responsible for your own computer. On-campus technical support does not support personal laptop issues and are unable to provide troubleshooting advice for personal laptops. Therefore, any issues that you may have with your laptop such as viruses or connectivity are your personal responsibility.

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 19 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 has white rice available for all meals. If you are accepted to a Coady program, you will be linked to an online form to let us know if you have special dietary needs or food allergies.

Can a family member or friend visit?

Family members and friends cannot stay in residence in order to ensure the privacy of other participants and to optimize the learning opportunity. Unfortunately we cannot offer visa letters for family members or arrange external accommodation or travel.

Can family members accompany me while I am at Coady?

Participants attending educational programs at the Coady Institute may wish to bring their spouses / partners and dependent children with them to Antigonish during their study program.

In such cases, the participants are wholly responsible for all costs associated with accompanying family members, including visa and travel, meals and accommodation, health insurance and child care. Please click here for more information on accompanying family members.

I have a question that is not answered here.

If you still have questions about your stay at Coady Institute, please contact us.