Redeemer University College

Travelling from abroad to study at a Christian university in Canada is a huge transition and can sometimes seem daunting. It’s our goal to help make your transition as seamless as possible. We realize coming from another country requires a specialized approach during the application process, so we will provide you information about admission, cost and the student visa process. This information will aid you in that process and clear any obstacles you might encounter. We look forward to working with you!

Redeemer University admits international students for Fall semesters only. International applications will close on April 15 (of your entry term year), allowing the necessary time to navigate final admissions steps and study permit processing times ahead of a September start.

Application Process

1. Apply online! Start and submit your application online! It’s $150 CAD to apply. Please note: In most cases, international applicants will only be considered for fall term admission. To be considered for winter term admission, you may appeal this requirement with your admissions counsellor.
2. Send in your transcripts Request and submit up-to-date and official transcripts from your high school(s). Transcripts need to come to us directly from the guidance office (whether it be a hard copy by mail or a photocopy by email). Transcripts must be presented in English, and must be sent to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation. To be eligible for transfer credit, international transcripts (outside Canada) must be sent through a WES course-by-course evaluation.
3. Submit additional required documents See “Admission Requirements” section below.

Admission Requirements

The faculty, staff and students at Redeemer University constitute a Christian community called to encourage one another to lives of faithful obedience to Jesus Christ. An applicant must demonstrate a sincere interest in further discipleship in their personal Christian faith by submitting a statement of faith as part of the application.

Applicants from countries other than Canada and the United States will be considered for admission based on the following requirements:

• High school diploma (or equivalent)
• Minimum average of 70% (please note that this average is the equivalency to Ontario curriculum and determined by our Registrar’s office)
  • Alongside your transcript, we may also require any secondary school certification/examination results (e.g. CAPRE, WAEC, WASSCE, CXC, HKDSE, etc.)
  • Notarized transcripts may be used in some cases
  • For all OSAP-approved programs, OSAP requires that all foreign credentials used in an admissions decision (e.g. transcripts, WAEC scores, etc.) must be verified by a credential evaluation service, such as WES or the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) for students who enrol in an OSAP-approved program
  • If the foreign credential is not used as part of the admission decision, a verification is NOT required
• Required documents, where applicable:
  • From an International Baccalaureate (IB) School: minimum total score of 24 points in at least 3 Higher Level (HL) courses
    • If a partial IB program is completed, students must also provide a high school transcript showing the remainder of their grade 12 university preparation courses, and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • From a school in the British system: General Certificate of Education (GCE) of good standing in 5 subject areas, 2 of which must be at the A-level
• English language requirements:
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English, and have several options to demonstrate their proficiency: TOEFL test score of 86 (iBT) Academic IELTS test score of 6.5 CAEL test score of 70 PTE/PTE Online test score of 56 Duolingo English test score of 110
  • Exemptions:
    • Attended a secondary school (academic studies) in an English speaking country full-time for at least three years
    • Attended an accredited English medium university in full-time academic studies for at least one year
    • Resided in an English speaking country for at least four years immediately prior to applying to Redeemer

Additional Information

Student Study Permit Process

• Please note that a student study permit is required for all international students.
• Applications for study permits are managed and evaluated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Translation and Verification of Transcripts

All international students are required to provide official high school (and post-secondary) records, along with appropriate educational certificates/diplomas directly from the institution(s) attended.

To be eligible for transfer credit, international transcripts (outside Canada) must be sent through a WES course-by-course evaluation.

All final non-Canadian transcripts are required to undergo a foreign credential verification through organizations such as World Education Services (www.wes.org) or ICAS (www.icascanada.ca) for any student who enrols at Redeemer University.

Additional Program Requirements

If you know what program(s) you are interested in, make sure you read about the potential additional program requirements found on the program’s page.

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About Redeemer

Redeemer has been preparing students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling for more than 40 years. Redeemer students are being shaped by the Reformed Christian commitment to see faith woven through all aspects of learning and life.

Mission

Preparing students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling.

Vision

Minds renewed.
Lives transformed.
World redeemed.

Values:

The values of Redeemer University are the core markers that guide how we learn and work together, flowing out of and driving us toward fulfilling the mission. As expectations borne out through behaviour, the following six values help foster a life-giving culture as a Christian academic community.

Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Truth

Jesus Christ is the image of the living God and is revealed to us in his inspired, infallible, authoritative word and in creation. Transformed by his Spirit, we uncover and illuminate his truth in all areas of life.

John 14:6
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Learning

We seek to understand God’s world through a holistic and interdisciplinary exploration of all that God has made. Unceasing academic inquiry is matched by a commitment to ongoing professional development of faculty and staff.

Psalm 19:1-2
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Community

When we walk in the light with a shared purpose we have a deep fellowship with one another. From classrooms to dorms, departments to teams we invest in growing relationships with God and each other as we live, learn, work and worship together.

1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Excellence

Motivated for God’s glory, we are dedicated to continuous improvement to achieve and maintain high professional standards and innovative practices that enhance the student experience across the institution.

Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Grace

We are deeply united in faith yet are made up of individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. All of our interactions aspire to be characterized by grace, demonstrating kindness, hospitality and respect for one another.

Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Courage

We pursue faithfulness through the Christian life in every field of human endeavour with joy and conviction, seeking the courage to live out God’s good design with boldness and humility, both publicly and privately.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Central to Redeemer’s mission are the following objectives:

• To advance knowledge through excellence in teaching and in scholarship;
• To be an academic community in which faculty, staff, and students can develop intellectually, socially and spiritually;
• To equip students for lives of leadership and service under the Lordship of Jesus Christ;
• To reach out through academic service to society;
• And in all these things to glorify God.

What do we offer?

Our academic programs in the fine arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences, as well as in business and teacher education, are taught in the context of a commitment to a comprehensive vision of Christ’s lordship and redemptive work. We seek to give expression to this commitment in all the programs and support services of the university.

Small classes and a low student-faculty ratio allow students to be mentored by faculty. Experiential and cooperative education programs enrich the educational experience, while off-campus programs allow students to experience different cultures. Professional and dedicated staff encourage student development in a variety of co-curricular programs.

Institutional Purpose

The overall purpose of the institution is to equip students to fulfil their callings in the Kingdom of God by providing them with a post-secondary education that is grounded in Scripture. Such a Christian education will enable students:

• to discern the biblical basis of a Christian worldview,
• to translate this worldview into a systematic framework for academic work,
• to acquire an understanding of the profoundly religious nature of cultural formation,
• to acquire an historical awareness of the conflicting spiritual roots of contemporary culture, and
• to apply and develop these insights in the various liberal arts and science and in an area of disciplinary specialization.

Such an education will help strengthen students’ commitment to the Christian faith and better prepare them to exercise their God-given talents and abilities in the full range of life’s callings and vocations. Students will be enabled to understand the times in which they are living and the direction in which their society is headed and to strive for the furtherance of the Lordship of Christ in a life of service to God and their neighbour.

The framework for this Scripturally-directed program of education is delineated in the Statement of Basis and Principles, which is part of the charter of Redeemer University. It is given expression in a number of Educational Guidelines, and a fuller expression of the identity and purpose of Redeemer University can be found in the booklet The Cross and our Calling.

Statement of Basis and Principles

Our supreme standard is the Bible. These Scriptures, both Old Testament and New, reveal some basic principles relevant to education, which we affirm:

• Scripture: The Scriptures are the written and inspired Word of God, the infallible and authoritative rule of faith for the direction of the whole of life.
• Creation: God created and structured the universe in all its many ways by His Word. The meaning of creation is focused in man, God’s image-bearer, with whom He established a special covenant relationship in Jesus Christ.
• Sin: Man’s disobedience, which brought God’s curse upon all mankind, alienated man from his Creator, himself, his fellow man and the rest of the creation; distorted his view of the meaning and purpose of life; and misdirected human culture and learning.
• Redemption: Christ, the Word of God incarnate, is the only Redeemer, the Renewer of our whole life. He restores man and the rest of the creation to God and calls man back to his God-appointed task in the world.
• Human life: Man is by nature a religious being. All of human life, including educational work, must be understood as a response to the one true God. Consequently, man serves either the Lord or a god of his own making.
• Knowledge: True knowledge of God, ourselves, and the rest of the creation is made possible only by means of a true faith in Jesus Christ, in whom are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. True knowledge is attained only when the Holy Spirit enlightens people’s hearts by the integrating Word of God and sets them in the truth. However, by God’s gracious providence after the fall, those who reject the Word of God do provide many valuable insights into the structure of reality.
• Teaching and Learning: In the context of their scholarship, the instructors at Redeemer University are called to lead students toward a deeper understanding of God’s world and its history and to help them reach a cultural maturity grounded in biblical faith. In order to carry out this calling, the instructors and students should endeavour to discover God’s laws and the structures of the creation so that the students may effectively take up their specific responsibilities and vocations in a way that will further the coming of the Lord’s Kingdom. We believe that this Statement of Basis and Principles is wholly in harmony not only with Scripture but also with the historic creeds of the Reformation.

(This statement in its original form is a founding document adopted by the institution’s membership in 1981. All references to “man” are intended to be gender inclusive.)

Educational Guidelines

In all courses students:

• should receive instruction which meets high academic standards, both in the level of understanding which is demanded and in the range of material covered
• must attain a good understanding of the basic themes of biblical revelation, especially the all-embracing scope of creation, fall, and redemption
• should learn the rudiments of a philosophical frame work which is shaped by a biblical worldview and gives some perspective on the interrelatedness of academic disciplines
• should gain a basic understanding of the main historical movements of the West, with particular sensitivity to the variety of competing religious worldviews which have gone into the making of contemporary North American and, specifically, Canadian society
• develop a sensitivity to the foundational questions in their fields, and be able to relate them positively to a Christian philosophy and worldview
• acquire some critical familiarity with the main competing schools and trends in their disciplines, both past and present

Students should develop a well-informed and critical awareness of the main features of contemporary Canadian society, and be able to relate their academic studies to a future vocation of Christian service in our society.

Identity

The Cross and Our Calling was originally written in 2003 as a way to give fuller expression to Redeemer’s religious identity and founding vision as a Reformed Christian institution seeking to serve the broader Christian community. This document builds on the other supporting and official documents of the university such as the Statement of Basis and Principles, the Educational Guidelines.

Read a PDF copy, or request a hard copy by contacting the Communications Office.

Governance

Redeemer University is controlled by an independent membership-based society. The membership elects a Board that governs and controls the university and its property, revenues, expenditures, business and all other affairs. Matters involving academic standards, admissions and other academic regulations are assigned to the Senate. The President and the administrative staff are responsible for the implementation of policy and the direction of the university’s affairs.

• Charter
• Bylaws
• Meeting Schedule 2025-2026

See also:

• 2025 Annual General Meeting Booklet
• 2024-2025 Financial Statements
• 2023-2024 Financial Statements
• 2022-2023 Financial Statements
• 2021-2022 Financial Statements
• 2020-2021 Financial Statements
• 2019-2020 Financial Statements
• 2018-2019 Financial Statements

History

History helps us make sense of today’s headlines, from conflict in the Middle East to the challenges facing the Christian church in Western society. But history also helps us step outside our own time and learn from another, as we immerse ourselves in ancient Rome, medieval England or the totalitarian struggles of the early twentieth century. Redeemer’s History program studies the past from a perspective rooted in unchanging biblical truth and ancient Christian wisdom.

History is a Bachelor of Arts degree program. It is offered as an honours major, a major and as a minor.

Right from the start, small class sizes allow for meaningful class discussion, led by professors who are actively researching in the field and excited to include students in their work.

First-year courses lay a broad foundation in the origins and development of major world civilizations, culminating in the world wars and increasing global interconnectedness of the twentieth century. Upper-level courses tackle specific topics in European, Middle Eastern, North American, African or Chinese history, as well as themes like law and totalitarian regimes. Our program prepares students to pursue professional careers as teachers, lawyers, public servants and more, as well as to contribute to their communities as informed citizens and church members.

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Tuition & Costs

Below is a listing of the fees that are required for the 2025-2026 academic year. It does not include books (estimated at $300 to $600 per term) or personal items. A detailed breakdown of fees for the academic year can also be found in the Academic Calendar.

Tuition

For Professional Studies costs, please visit the Professional Studies Tuition & Fees page.

Materials Fee

Students enrolled in courses that use the supplies and equipment of Redeemer’s lab, studio and production spaces are assessed per course.

Student Fees

*The Redeemer Student Fee covers the following areas: Student Life, Athletics & Intramurals and Library services.

Private Music Lesson Tuition

Music lessons are to be approved by, and arranged with, the Music Department. Additional tuition for private lessons will be assessed per term for the 2025-26 academic year as follows:

*Only available to students after their first term and with the signed permission of the Chair of the Music Department.

Co-operative Education Program Fees

Food and Housing

*For on-campus residences (price varies depending on the residence).

**Mandatory for 1st and 2nd year students living in residence. Additional meal plans are available for commuter students. See more info here.

***Optional for students in 3rd + years who choose not to be on a Residence Meal Plan (unless students are living in a Residence Meal Plan dorm). See more info here.

**** 3rd and 4th year students aren’t required to be on a meal plan (unless living in a Resident Meal Plan dorm), may select a Flex meal plan For full details, see pages 23-26 of the Academic Calendar.

Housing Options

On-campus housing is not available to Bachelor of Education post-graduate students. For more information about housing, go here.

Deposits and Other Fees

On your statement, you will see different deposits and/or fees listed. Information on each one is listed below:

For full details on tuition and fees, see pages 23-26 of the Academic Calendar.

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Student Awards

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Purpose of Student Senate

What does Student Senate do?

The Student Senate represents the student body. With this in mind, the Student Senate seeks to ensure that all members of the Redeemer University community remain responsive to student needs and interests. The Student Senate also seeks to stimulate school spirit and participation within the student body by facilitating student events, and supporting student-run clubs. Senate also works to ensure that any student concerns are heard and that appropriate action is taken.

Why is it important to have a Student Senate?

The Student Senate provides a passageway between the administration and the students of Redeemer University. Additionally, Student Senate is important for the building of community through clubs and events, and it is important for the protection and growth of that community through its representation of student concerns.

What is the purpose of the Student Senate Office?

The Student Senate office is a place where students came come with any questions or concerns they might have. Each senator spends a few hours a week in the office, ensuring there is always someone in the office to hear these students. The office is also there for club leaders if they need any forms for reimbursement or funding, or if students have fees to pay for clubs or events. Student Senators also use the office for completing their Student Senate-related projects.

What are the different roles within Student Senate?

Student Senate’s roles are outlined on our Senate website.

What committees are a part of Student Senate? How can I be a part of one?

There are 3 committees that are a part of Student Senate. The Student Affairs Committee discusses student issues and problems at Redeemer, in order to effectively address them and take action. The Activities Committee is responsible for planning events, such as the Harvest Hoedown, Redeemer’s Got Talent, and the annual Spring Banquet, among many others. The Spiritual Events Committee runs spiritual events aside from chapel and Rooted Worship, including worship nights, testimony nights, and the Spiritual Retreat. If you are interested in joining any of these committees, send an email to the committee chair, whose contact information is on our Senate website!

Any immediate questions?

Email the President who oversees Redeemer’s Student Senate at pres.senate@redeemer.ca

Clubs

What different clubs are at Redeemer?

Different clubs can be found on our clubs page, along with club leader contact information.

Where can I find out about Senate run events around campus?

For events run by clubs or Student Senate, the first place to check is the Student Senate group on the Redeemer App. We also send out student body emails regularly, keeping students updated as to what we are doing. There are often posters around the school for each event, so keep an eye out for those as well!

How does Student Senate decide club funding?

Club leaders pitch a budget to Student Senate. Senate will consider the club size, how many students it reaches, as well as the cost of the supplies or services that the club will need. After all things are considered, Senate will determine an appropriate amount for clubs to receive. Additional funds can be requested, and a decision will be made based on the legitimacy of the request.

Student/Learning Resources

What is the CELC Office? What resources do they provide?

CELC Contact: celc@redeemer.ca.

CELC is the Centre for Experiential Learning and Careers. CELC provides opportunities for co-op, internships and works on connecting Redeemer students and alumni to employers in their field. CELC also provides tools for resume building.

How do I book a tutor?

You can book a tutor through this link, and more information about tutoring at Redeemer can be found on the Redeemer App, under student services and learning services.

What are the counselling services at Redeemer? How can I access these resources?

Redeemer offers many types of counselling, which are as follows:

Pastoral Counselling: Have one-time conversations on any matter with our chaplain

Personal Counselling: Through the Counselling Assistance Plan for Students, there is no-cost counselling available from a qualified, Master’s degree level Christian Counsellor. Students may choose whether to meet on-campus or at the office of the counsellor. CAPS is an anonymous, confidential, professional service offered through the Shalem Network.

Vocational Counselling: Guidance with questions about vocation, life future, career testing, choosing a major, etc. Through Redeemer’s Centre for Experiential Learning and Careers.

Personal Respect Advisors: Employees of Redeemer who are available for contact in cases of suspected discrimination and/or harassment. Their information is posted around the academic building.

For all other health and mental health services, check out this page on the Redeemer App.

General Resources

What are the different Redeemer websites?

Redeemer App: This is the main hub for all Redeemer information. Here you can check out different groups, be notified of upcoming events fill out forms, and find lots of up-to-date information. Explore!

Self Service: Self Service can be used to pay fees, manage and reload your OneCard, view final grades, and view financial information for on campus employment.

Discovery: On Discovery, you can find all the information for each class that you are taking. Professors will often post the syllabus, lectures, assignments, grades, zoom links, and many other useful resources here.

What makes a student eligible for financial aid?

Incoming first-entry students are automatically considered for entrance scholarships at admission and are renewable each year. Redeemer Bursaries are awards that are based on financial need. Each award may have different criteria for eligibility. Find out more about these on the scholarship and bursary website.

How can I book the soccer dome, squash court, or the rec centre?

For inquiries on how to book the dome, contact the Athletic Centre desk at 905-648-2139 x4275 or by emailing athletics@redeemer.ca. Follow this link to book the squash courts. To book the rec centre, email recreational@redeemer.ca.

What churches are in the Redeemer area? How can I get a ride to church?

There is a list of local churches found on Redeemer’s Website. Many churches offer rides to Redeemer students, and information can be found on the church website, or by reaching out to the church!

Food Services

How is pricing for food at the market determined?

Since Redeemer is a small school, it’s more expensive to stock the market because not everything is bought in bulk. Redeemer actually makes no money on the food that is sold from the market, or meals offered at communal. Thus, the prices in the market accurately reflect the costs that Redeemer pays to stock the market.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here?

Student Senate would like to hear your concerns, questions or suggestions regarding any aspect of Student Life at Redeemer. Please consider filling out this form HERE to get in contact with us.

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