Our newly created “Admission Insights” articles aim to bring greater attention to international universities as viable options for students. While we’ve traditionally focused on US colleges, it’s also become clear that tremendous opportunities exist beyond our own borders that are worth a closer look. Here, through a series of interviews with admission officers, we provide key details about their schools and links where you may find more information.
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1. Please share a brief overview of Brock University.
Brock University is one of Canada’s top post-secondary institutions. Located in the historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a young and modern university in a safe, community-minded city with beautiful natural surroundings. Brock University offers an academic experience that’s second to none. Our degree programs are designed with your future in mind. We focus on your career with co-op and service learning options that provide maximum exposure to your chosen field of study.
I chose to study at Brock because of its location and community. Brock is one hour away from Toronto, half an hour from Buffalo, NY, and only 15 minutes from Niagara Falls. By offering the seminar system, where lectures are complemented by an hour of lab or small classroom seminars each week (around 10-20 students), I enjoyed the opportunities smaller class sizes offered to learn more, dig deeper into course materials, and get to know my professors better. This more personalized experience enabled me to get connected within my program and the community, which led to research assistant opportunities, then eventually studying for my Masters at Brock under the supervision of one of my previous undergraduate professors.
2. What is typically your percentage of enrolled international students?
Brock has a student population of 19,000 in an environment that is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to offer world-class opportunities. International students from all over the world currently make up 13.7% of the university’s enrollment.
3. Are there any special requirements for international students versus domestic? If yes, please share them. e.g. In the US, we require a TOEFL score or equivalent.
Yes, we require English proficiency tests from students whose first language is not English. Specifically, for IELTS, an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is required, and for TOEFL, students must have an overall score of 88, with minimum 21 on speaking and 21 on writing.
Academic credential requirements by country can be found here: https://brocku.ca/admissions/international/requirements-by-country/
4. What resources are available at your school to help support international students?
Brock has a team dedicated to international student success. We strive to ensure that every student is supported and engaged throughout their application and admission processes and beyond. From immigration consulting to the Global Peer mentorship program, there is extensive comprehensive support available to international students.
More information on our International Student Support is available here: https://issuu.com/brockuniversity/
5. Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships for international students?
International Applicants to Brock are automatically considered for the Brock Scholars Awards and are eligible to apply for International Student Awards using One App, once they have applied to Brock. Students can also apply to be an International Student Ambassador. Selected students will have their tuition fees cut from the international rate to the domestic rate—a reduction (or value) up to $28,000 CAD for Fall and Winter terms.
6. For US universities, there is great emphasis on Extracurricular Activities as part of an applicant’s overall credentials. Of what relevance are these in your admission requirements, and are these encouraged for student participation once enrolled?
Our application process is a streamlined process. This means that our admissions team focuses on and emphasizes the fulfillment of academic admission and credential requirements.
We believe that the Brock experience is not just about what students are learning in the classroom, it is about everything they do while they are here! Among other experiences, we offer many clubs, intramural and community opportunities for students to make the most of their time at Brock by engaging in experiences beyond the classroom. For athletically inclined students, Brock boasts an excellent competitive athletic program.
7. What would you say is unique or stands out about your university among others?
We believe that Brock’s beautiful, safe, and affordable location in Niagara combines the best of Canada with an incredible academic and community experience. It is the only university in Canada in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, at the center of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula on the Niagara Escarpment.
Brock is proudly ranked the top comprehensive university for mental health services and third overall for student satisfaction in all of Canada (MacLean’s Magazine 2019 University Ranking).
Brock offers career-driven degrees, such as Game Design, Public Health and Sport Management, along with co-op work terms, internships and experiential opportunities that prepare students for their future careers.
You can learn more about what sets Brock apart and why students choose Brock here: https://brocku.ca/international/future/why-brock/
8. Have you found that graduates are well prepared for the international workplace upon completing their degree?
More than 40 of our degree programs offer co-op, providing students with 12-20 months of paid work experience. This offers students many excellent opportunities to gain valuable work experience while studying. As a result, Brock graduates enjoy one of the highest employment rates in Canada, with 96.5% finding work after receiving their degree.
*For more information, be sure to visit our Brock University Profile