Thompson Rivers University

Dear student,

Greetings from Thompson Rivers University. This is our 4th update for new international students regarding the Fall 2020 semester. In this email, we would like to provide answers to frequently asked questions as well as more details on our upcoming Town Hall Forums.


Fall 2020 Courses Delivery

1. TRU has announced that most of the Fall 2020 courses will be delivered in virtual formats, could you please explain what a virtual class would be like?

Due to COVID-19, Fall 2020 on-campus courses are being offered in virtual formats: each course will be led by a faculty member who will support the group of students to work through the course together and complete it at the same time. The class may have a blend of interactive activities, recorded and live lectures, group work, etc. Students will move through classes as a cohort and will have common deadlines. Assessments may reflect current events. The professor both develops and teaches the course, and can adjust the content and pace as required during the semester. To be able to access virtually delivered courses, you are expected to have access to broadband Internet and a computer.

2. How does TRU schedule the courses so students will not be challenged by time zone differences?

TRU’s academic advising team will assist you with Fall course planning. Your physical location and time zone will be considered whenever possible. Much of the course content (ie. course outlines, PPT, recorded videos, etc.) will be accessible 24/7. Starting in late June, you will be able to access your myTRU account to see the courses you are registered for. You can also connect with the admissions team to adjust your course schedule to best fit your schedule. TRU's Virtual Learning Success 101 workshop will assist students to adapt to the new ways of learning. More details will be provided at the upcoming Town Hall.

3. Why should I choose to enroll for the Fall 2020 semester?

TRU is fully committed to helping you start your journey at TRU, even though it will start virtually. You will have full access to student services, including advising, digital library, writing centre, clubs, and more. As a public, accredited institution, you can expect high quality, accessible courses using various technology. This experience will provide you with new skills to take forward into your career and a new way of learning and working. Starting your studies from home can keep you safe and save on expenses, while still contributing to your Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Click here to learn more.

4. How can I register for the Fall 2020 courses? Can I register for courses prior to receiving my study permit?

Your designated academic advisor will assist you in registering for your courses. We require that you take a minimum of 9 credits to maintain full-time student status. Your course registration records will be accessible later this Summer though your myTRU account. Please watch for communications from the academic advising team. It is recommended by IRCC that international students should start their studies only after receiving their study permit confirmation.

A study permit isn’t necessary if you want to study a program remotely. It is required, however, if you plan to enter Canada at some point to complete program requirements, or to be eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). If you are considering beginning your studies prior to study permit approval, we recommend you speak to one of our Immigration Advisors to have a clear understanding of the implications.

Admissions and Registrations

5. I am currently admitted to the Fall 2020 semester, should I be considering deferring to Winter 2021?

We recommend new students consider participating in virtual delivery courses for Fall 2020, rather than deferring. In the coming weeks, and throughout the summer, we will introduce you to different ways you can be successful in virtual delivery, along with the benefits and critical skills gained from virtual learning. While we know the current environment is not perfect, we believe this is your best option during this challenging time. At this time, deferral requests are on hold with our Admissions team until August.

6. How will TRU support me if I cannot meet various deadlines due to COVID-19?

There are many different deadlines associated with fall registration. We recognize the challenges for you and we will make deadlines as flexible as possible, including payment, transcript, and visa confirmation dates. We are willing to assist you in any way we can to move forward with your admission and registration processes. We do, however, suggest that all students act as soon as you can.

Travel and Immigration

7. I have paid full fees for my housing at TRU residences for Fall 2020. In case I will study virtually, what will happen to the housing fees paid?

If you have paid your TRU residences fees and cannot travel to Canada due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, TRU residences will assist you to defer your residence applications to the next available semester, or provide a refund.

8. Will I be able to travel to Canada during the Fall 2020 semester (anytime between September and December) if travel restrictions are lifted by then? What should I know before traveling?

The Canadian government will determine whether travel restrictions will be lifted based on the evolution of the pandemic. Many provinces, including BC, have launched economic restart plans. Please follow the Canadian government’s announcements closely. Students who received their study permit before March 18th can travel to Canada. Students who received study permits after March 18th will need to wait for further notice. In any case, students need to be prepared for self-isolation after arrival. TRU will work with those individuals who can travel to Canada to ensure safety measures are in place.


COVID-19 Relief

9. Who is eligible for the COVID-19 relief package announced by TRU?

To assist new international students, TRU is providing a limited number of COVID-19 relief packages. To be eligible, all following conditions must apply. The student must:
a) have applied or been accepted to a Bachelor's Degree or a Post Baccalaureate Diploma program at TRU as of June 3, 2020
b) be a new student who has not previously registered to TRU courses
c) have a valid study permit to enroll in Fall 2020
d) be enrolled in full-time study (9 credits or more) in Fall 2020

A tuition credit of CAD $1,000 will be credited to the student’s account in late September. Upon successful completion of the fall semester courses, with a term GPA of 3.33 (B+ average) or better, another CAD $1,000 will be credited to the student’s account in late January 2021. The COVID-19 relief package will not be given to students who have been awarded any other type of TRU awards, scholarships or bursaries.

Have more questions? Submit them through this form or ask them in one of our upcoming Town Hall Forum.


Upcoming Town Hall Forums

Town Hall Forum #3: Next Steps for Fall 2020

  • June 8, 9:00 am Pacific Time | www.bit.ly/trutownhall3
  • Learn more about Fall 2020 updates, and a preview of what alternate learning looks like, followed by a Q&A session with panelists from International Student Recruitment, Admissions, and Student Services.

Town Hall Forum #4: Meet your Faculty

  • June 15 and June 16, 8:00 am Pacific Time onwards (Various) | TBA
  • Meet with your faculty and academic advisors and learn more about updates relevant to your program. Stay tuned for details.

We are here to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall.

Thank you,

TRU World
Thompson Rivers University


Missed the previous updates? 
Update #1Update #2 & Update #3