FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Southern Ontario College? Why should I choose SOC? How much will it cost to study at SOC? What is SOC's refund Policy? How can I apply? Do I need a Study Permit (Student Visa)? How long does it take to get a Study Permit? When can I start my course? Who will meet me at the airport when I arrive in Canada? How will my parents know that I have safely arrived in Canada? How many students will be in my class? What countries will my classmates be from? Where will I live? How do I get to and from school each day? If I stay in Homestay are my meals included? How long will I study at SOC? How can I apply to university in Canada? Can you guarantee me, with 100% certainty, admission to university? What if my Study Permit expires while I am in Canada? What if I become ill? Who can my parents contact in Canada? How can my parents follow my progress in Canada? Is Canada expensive? Are Canadian people friendly?

1. Where is Southern Ontario College (SOC)? SOC is located in the City of Hamilton, the third largest city in the province of Ontario. Hamilton is 1 hour from the City of Toronto and 1 hour from Niagara Falls. Hamilton, home to world-class McMaster University, is safe, quiet and friendly. To learn more about Hamilton go here.

2. Why should I choose SOC? SOC is your link to university entrance in Canada. Founded in 1980, SOC is a provincial-government registered preparatory high school of the highest quality. SOC is highly respected because of our graduates' ability to achieve university placement. Student success is SOC success.

3. How much will it cost to study at SOC? Hamilton has the lowest cost of living of all major cities in Canada and our tuition fees are up to 35% lower than other schools.

4. What is SOC's Refund Policy? All fees are non-refundable if the Study Permit (student visa) is issued by Canadian Immigration. If the Study Permit is refused, all fees are refundable excluding the application fee.

5. How can I apply? Please visit Application Procedure for complete details.

6. Do I need a Study Permit (Student Visa)? A "Study Permit" also known as a Student Visa. It is the legal document most students require to allow them to study in Canada. Read more about a Study Permit, how to apply, work opportunities for foreign students and other important information at the Canadian Government website here.

7. How long does it take to get a Study Permit? The length of time depends on the country in which you applying from (anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks usually). Contact the Canadian High Commission nearest you. When you apply for your Study Permit, there is no guarantee of acceptance. You should not take any final steps, such as purchasing plane tickets until your Study Permit is approved.

8. When can I start my course? SOC operates under a three-semester model. Academic courses begin throughout the year. Intensive English Classes begin on every Monday year round. Contact the school's Admissions Department for further details.

9. Who will meet me at the airport when I arrive in Canada? A representative from the school will meet you at the airport upon your arrival in Canada. You will arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport which is a 45 minute drive to Hamilton. You will be taken directly to your homestay and introduced to the family. Your own parents will be called and advised of your safe arrival.

10. How will my parents know that I have safely arrived in Canada? SOC provides airport pick-up to students. Parents are called by telephone once the student has arrived in Canada.

11. How many students will be in my class? The average class size at SOC is 10-15 students. Small classes provide the opportunity for a better learning environment with more individual attention.

12. What countries will my classmates be from? Students come from around the world to study at SOC. Students from more than 30 different countries have graduated from SOC.

13. Where will I live? Students studying at SOC live with Canadian families in what is known as "homestay". Our homestay program is a safe, caring and non-business environment allowing you to focus on the pursuit of academic excellence. See our "homestay" section for more details.

14. How do I get to and from school each day? Many homestay's are located within walking distance from school. If you live further away from the school you will use a city bus. Hamilton's bus service is convenient, safe and comfortable and students may purchase a monthly bus pass which allows for unlimited travel.

15. If I stay in a Homestay are my meals included? Your host family will provide you with all meals including snacks.

16. How long will I study at SOC? Upon arrival at the College, students are consulted and counseled on their educational goals. Once students have provided us with their educational documents for the last 3 years, equivalent credits will be granted and the length of the study period is determined.

17. How can I apply to university in Canada? SOC's University Placement Cousellor will assist you with university applications and procedures. In addition, assistance is provided when applying for scholarships and bursaries. For further details see our "Student Services" section.

18. Can you guarantee me admission to university? No school can guarantee 100% admission to university. However SOC consistently maintains a 90% + university placement rate.

19. What if my Study Permit expires while I am in Canada? Our "Visa Services" department located in the main office will assist you if you need to extend your Study Permit while in Canada.

20. What if I become sick? We highly recommend you purchase health insurance coverage while you are in Canada. Nearby medical clinics and hospitals are available with no appointment necessary. The hospital or clinic will always ask for your Health Insurance card or request a cash payment. Costs of medication are often reimbursed under your health insurance coverage.

21. Who can my parents contact in Canada? Parents can contact the school at any time Monday to Friday during school hours. After hours parents should contact the homestay family directly.

22. How can my parent's follow my progress in Canada? SOC provides outstanding support service. Parents are provided with updated progress reports via e-mail. As well, parents are encouraged to contact the school by telephone or email for the most current and up to date progress report on their child.

23. Is Canada expensive? Canada is chosen year after year as one of the best countries in the world in which to live. Most Canadians enjoy a high standard of living yet food and housing prices are considerably lower than those in the United States and Europe. For more information on costs of living in Canada visit studycanada.ca.

24. Are Canadian people friendly? Yes, Canada is one of the friendliest and welcoming nations in the world. Canadian people love to meet people from other countries and enjoy learning about other cultures. Canada is a land of opportunity and abounds with economic prosperity, world-famous health care and clean air / environment.