Information for students

Are any programs returning to on-campus delivery in September 2021?

Several programs that are usually held on campus will be returning to on-campus, in-person delivery in September 2021.

Schools and program offices will communicate with students directly about delivery format and start dates. Please watch your email for communications from your program office.

Please note, residencies associated with blended programs (programs with both on-campus and online courses within the program schedule) will continue online until January 2022.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Services.

Updated June 23, 2021 4:10 p.m.

What's happening with on-campus residencies?

Please watch your email for communications from your program office. Residencies associated with blended programs (programs with both on-campus and online courses within the program schedule) will continue online until January 2022. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Services.

Updated June 23, 2021 4:10 p.m.

My research may be affected by restrictions due to the pandemic. What can I do?

As long as Canada has measures in place for physical/social distancing and staying at home, all forms of data gathering for research and projects that involve physical/social interaction (such as focus groups and face-to-face interviews) and other forms of in-person research should not proceed. Instead, student researchers should use other data gathering methods, such as phone and online surveys, email and others.

In rare cases a request for exemption from research may be considered. Royal Roads is here to support students affected by the pandemic. You can find more information about student research, including a form for exemption requests.

Updated Sept. 8, 2020 1:41 p.m.

How can I get help from the Writing Centre?

Support from the Writing Centre is available online.

Updated: Aug. 18, 2020 at 11:45 a.m.

May I come to campus and use the library? How do I access library services?

The RRU library building is closed until further notice. We are still responding to phone calls and emails. Request reference help online.

You can renew books online.

Email the library if you experience any difficulties renewing materials.

We are accepting book returns through the book return slot located inside the first set of doors at the front of the library.

As long as Canada Post is still delivering, we will continue providing access to our print collection to students within Canada through our document delivery service.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:45 a.m.

Is team coaching available?

Team coaches continue to offer team coaching to programs that are transitioning from on-campus to online classes. Visit TeamsWork for more information and resources.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:46 a.m.

Is the bookstore open?

The bookstore is open for online sales and is responding to phone and email requests.

In-person pickup can be arranged. Call 250.391.2600 ext. 4263 to set up a time.

Updated Aug. 18, 2020 11:48 a.m.

What do I do if I get sick?

Find out what to do if you're feeling ill or experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms.

Last updated: Jan.13, 2021 12:01 p.m.

Are counselling services and learning strategist services available?

Counsellors and learning strategists are available by phone, Skype and email.

Visit Counselling and learning strategy to book an appointment with a counsellor.

Updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:50 a.m.

Are accessibility services available?

Yes, accessibility advisors will continue to offer student support.

Visit Accessibility Services to find information and resources or book an appointment.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:50 a.m.

How is Royal Roads supporting wellness in the transition to online learning?

Royal Roads University counsellors continue to visit on-campus cohorts that have transitioned to online learning. Read blog posts with the key content of these lessons, including tools for self-care.

Contact Counselling Services to speak to a professional, confidential counsellor.

Updated Aug. 18, 2020 11:52 a.m.

Is the Recreation Centre open?

Yes, as of October 5, 2020, the Recreation Centre facility is open, although services have been modified. They will also continue to offer free, online classes.

Find additional Recreation Centre information.

Last updated: Oct. 2, 2020 at 2:03 p.m.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19 vaccinations in B.C.?

Information about B.C.’s vaccination process can found on the Immunize BC website.

Specific information for people who are visiting B.C. from out of the province or country, including international students, can be found on this page of the ImmunizeBC website.

Will my tuition be reduced since my face-to-face program moved online?

The provincial government has provided direction that there are to be no tuition refunds, where students complete their course of studies and are eligible to receive a grade for their course work.

This means refunds will not be provided for courses that continue in an alternate format.

Royal Roads has been delivering quality learning online for more than two decades, and was one of the first universities in Canada to do so. Our learning environments are designed to offer students — wherever they are — the richest learning experience possible.

Email Student Accounts with any questions about tuition payments. If you're struggling financially we may be able to help. Email Financial Aid.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:58 a.m.

How can I make my tuition payment electronically?

Pay electronically by credit card using MyAdmin, through online banking, or with PayMyTuition for international payments.

Find additional payment information.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 12:06 p.m.

I'm unable to pay my invoice by the due date. Will I receive a late fee? (NEW)

Late payment fees for invoices due prior to December 31, 2020 have been suspended temporarily.

Effective January 1, 2021, overdue student accounts will be assessed a late fee per occurrence. Current rates will apply.

Last updated: Dec. 11, 2020 1:45 p.m.

I need extra time to pay my invoice. Can I get an extension? (NEW)

Tuition and fees must be paid prior to each course start date.

Students with approved student loan funding may request a 30-day penalty-free deferral of tuition and fees. Deferrals may be granted up to 60 days in the case of approved research scholarship recipients.

Proof of funding showing disbursement dates and amounts must be submitted using the tuition and fees deferral request form. A deferral request must be submitted for each affected invoice prior to the invoice due date.

Last updated: Dec. 11, 2020 1:52 p.m.

I'm unable to pay my invoice in full. Are there payment plans available? (NEW)

Tuition and fees must be paid prior to each course start date to start the course. If you would like to pay your invoice in smaller increments, you may do so as advanced payments prior to the course start date.

Email Financial Aid if you're experiencing temporary financial challenges.

For major project/thesis courses that exceed 8 credits and are greater than six months in duration, the Royal Roads offers a major project thesis course payment option.

Last updated: Dec. 11, 2020 1:59 p.m.

I need to withdraw from my course. Am I eligible for a refund?

Courses that have not started are eligible for a 100-per cent tuition refund.

Courses up to 15 per cent completed at the time of withdrawal are also eligible for a 100- per cent refund.

If the course is more than 15 per cent complete at the time of withdrawal, you're not eligible for a refund. Read our tuition refund policy.

Last updated: May 14, 2020 12:45 p.m.

Are student support services available?

Student support services are available online and include the following:

• Learning resources (such as the library, bookstore, Writing Centre, computer support, team coaching and more)
• Counselling and learning strategy services
• Financial Aid and Awards
• Indigenous student services
• International student support
• Accessibility services
• Career development

Staff will respond to emails and may hold conversations in secure online settings like Zoom, Collaborate Ultra or BlueJeans.

Last updated: Aug, 18 2020 12:28 p.m.

Are Indigenous student supports available?

Yes, Indigenous Student Services continues to provide support to students.

Visit Indigenous student services for more information and resources.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 12:28 p.m.

I paid fees for an on-campus residency that is now online. Will they be refunded?

Yes, special function fees and residency fees for on-campus residencies that have been cancelled or rescheduled will be reversed, if have already been invoiced.

Credits will remain on your student account to be applied to future invoices or you can email Student Accounts to request a refund.

Last updated: May 14, 2020 12:48 p.m.

I have paid my tuition deposit and need to defer. What happens to my tuition deposit?

The tuition deposit will be automatically transferred to the new program. You're not required to pay a new tuition deposit.

Last updated: May 14, 2020 1:05 p.m.

What’s happening with study abroad programs and international internships?

Study abroad programs have been temporarily suspended.

We continue to work to provide options for program completion, including remote internships around the world.

Students are encouraged to connect with their program office for more information.

Last Updated: May 8, 2020 11:39 a.m.

Is internship, practicum or career development planning available?

Yes, career learning and development advisors will continue to offer student support.

Visit Career Development for more information and resources.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 12:14 p.m.

How can I help fellow students who may face stigma or discrimination associated with COVID-19?

When people associate COVID-19 with a specific group, ethnic community or nationality, stigma and discrimination can occur. Stigma affects us all. It creates fear or anger towards people instead of the virus.

These are some steps you can take to reduce stigma:

• Show support, kindness and empathy to those who have, or are tested for, COVID-19.
• Take care of your mental and physical health.
• Protect yourself and those around you.
• Choose your words carefully.
• Learn the facts about COVID-19.

Royal Roads University stands in solidarity with the Canadian Human Rights Commission against racism connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has no borders. Royal Roads supports equity and inclusion for all. Racist behaviour will not be tolerated on our campus or in our online spaces, in keeping with our existing policies.

Learn more about reducing stigma.

Updated Aug. 26, 2020 1:03 p.m.

Can I come to Canada if I'm enrolled in a program that is less than six months under current travel restrictions? (NEW)

Yes, you can travel to Canada to study in a short program at Royal Roads if you have been approved for a study permit. Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not require a study permit for short-term studies (six months or less), you will require a study permit if you plan to travel to Canada at this time.

Visit the IRCC website to learn how to apply for a study permit.

Updated Dec. 24, 2020 9:38 a.m.

Is international student support available?

Yes, Student Engagement will continue to provide services for international students. Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors will still assist with questions related to international study permits.

Find international student guidelines or book an appointment online.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:20 p.m.

I'm an international student. Do changes during COVID-19 impact my work eligibility?

Students who were previously eligible to work (as noted on their study permit) continue to be eligible to work while all classes have moved online.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for more information.

Last updated: Sept. 16, 2020 3:17 p.m.

Do I need to apply for a study permit to start an online program?

If you've been accepted to Royal Roads and received a letter of acceptance, you should apply for a study permit online as soon as possible, even if you cannot provide some supporting documents (i.e., biometrics) due to closures.

You can begin classes online outside of Canada, even if your study permit has not been processed yet. You will need a valid study permit when classes resume on campus.

Visit the IRCC website for detailed information about study permit applications during COVID-19.

Last updated: March 9, 2021 9:13 a.m.

With my classes online am I still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit?

On February 12, 2021 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced that if your on-campus courses have been moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, you may still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

The IRCC also removed the requirement to complete at least 50 per cent of studies inside Canada to maintain PGWP eligibility; however, students must continue to meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.

Visit immigration & residency for information related to permits, visas or other immigration matters. Find drop-in times or book an appointment.

For updated information from IRCC read the following:

• Travel restriction measures: COVID-19 program delivery
• How COVID-19 is affecting IRCC services

Last updated: Feb. 16, 2021 2:10 p.m.

Are you still accepting applications from students outside of Canada?

Yes, we are still processing applications at this time and proceeding with programs as scheduled. Most programs are being offered online.

Visit program pages for application deadlines or find information about transfer agreements.

We recommend that you submit your complete application and supporting documents to Royal Roads at least six to eight months before the program start date. This will ensure you have enough time to apply for a study permit if you're admitted, since IRCC is experiencing service disruptions due to COVID-19.

Check IRCC processing times for your application to help you plan, keeping in mind that processing times may vary due to COVID-19.

Last updated: Nov.17, 2020 4:46 p.m.

Is help available for students facing financial hardship because of COVID-19?

Students financially struggling because of the economic effects of COVID-19 can apply for emergency support through the Emergency Bursary Program.

This funding includes the support of $140,000 from the provincial government for domestic students who are residents of BC.

Both federal and provincial governments also offer various financial and career supports for students. Read more on Royal Roads' Career Development site.

Updated May 11, 2020 at 11:31 a.m.

Are financial aid services still available?

Yes, Financial Aid advisors continues to offer student support.

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information and resources, or book an appointment.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 12:30 p.m.

Will there be a Convocation ceremony?

Royal Roads University celebrated more than 1,000 spring and fall graduates at its first Virtual Convocation ceremony Nov. 6, 2020.

In accordance with public health guidelines, face-to-face celebrations are postponed until it is safe to gather.

For the latest updates, visit the Spring 2021 Convocation page.

Last updated: May 11, 2021 1:45 p.m.

Can I come to campus to do some work?

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to work from home.

There is some space available at the Learning and Innovation Centre (LIC) to work. You can pre-book a breakout space or spot in the computer lab. Use the Royal Roads online booking function, or if you need assistance you can email Scheduling.

The hours of operation for these spaces are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last updated: Oct. 2, 2020 at 2:06 p.m.

What can I expect when I come to campus?

If you are visiting campus, please familiarize yourself with our COVID-19 protocols by watching this video.

Last updated Feb. 16, 2021 2:19 p.m.