In short
Assumption University, a historic Catholic institution federated with the University of Windsor, offers faith-centered graduate programs in a diverse and affordable Canadian city. International students will find specific English proficiency requirements and can benefit from various scholarships and bursaries.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1904
- Students
- 2,448
- International students
- 200
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–9k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Windsor, Canada
Assumption University is a Roman Catholic university in Windsor, Ontario, founded in 1857 by the Basilian Fathers. One of Canada's oldest Catholic institutions, it is federated with the University of Windsor, combining faith-centred education with access to a comprehensive university's resources. The university's motto — 'Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge' — defines its mission to develop students academically, ethically, and spiritually. The university's flagship programme is the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies, which draws students from across Canada and beyond. Assumption also hosts the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict, advancing research on faith and societal challenges. Campus Ministry provides a vibrant spiritual community through liturgy, retreats, and service initiatives. Located in Windsor's diverse urban environment, Assumption University benefits from proximity to the Canada-US border and close relationships with the Diocese of Windsor, the Vatican, and the broader Basilian academic network.
Why study here
- Study at one of Canada's oldest and most respected Catholic institutions, founded in 1857.
- Pursue the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies alongside the broader resources of the University of Windsor.
- Engage with scholarly work on religion and conflict through the Jarislowsky Chair.
- Benefit from an active Campus Ministry that integrates faith, community service, and academic life.
- Live and study in Windsor, a diverse and affordable Canadian city on the US border.
Student life
Student life at Assumption University is shaped by its close-knit Catholic community. Campus Ministry organises retreats, the annual Red Mass, and the Christian Culture Series culminating in the prestigious Gold Medal Award. Students are welcomed into a community that values dialogue, spiritual growth, and ethical engagement. The federation with the University of Windsor means Assumption students can also access the wider student union, recreational facilities, and extracurricular activities of the larger institution. Windsor's multicultural character adds further richness to the student experience.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CAD 8,000–12,000 per year (approximately EUR 6,000–9,000) for international graduate students, depending on programme.
HomeDomestic graduate tuition approximately CAD 6,000–8,000 per year.
LivingEstimated CAD 1,200–1,600 per month in Windsor, covering rent, food, and personal expenses. Windsor is one of Canada's more affordable cities.
Assumption University is a federated institution; some fees are shared with the University of Windsor. Check the Assumption website for current fee schedules.
Admissions
Graduate Diploma entryUndergraduate degree from a recognised university; relevant background in theology, philosophy, or religious studies preferred.
Academic transcriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Personal statementStatement of purpose outlining motivation for Catholic Studies and relevant experience.
IELTS6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT88+
University scholarships
Graduate Diploma ScholarshipsVaries; merit-based awards for Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies
Basilian Fathers BursaryVaries; financial assistance for students of limited means
Accreditation
Assumption University is a federated university associated with the University of Windsor, which is accredited under the Ontario Universities Act. Programmes are governed by Ontario's quality assurance framework (OCQAS/OUCQA).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated fees for international graduate students at Assumption University?
+
International graduate students can expect fees to be approximately CAD 8,000–12,000 per year, which is roughly EUR 6,000–9,000. These fees can vary depending on the specific program of study.
What is the cost of living for students in Windsor, Ontario?
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The estimated monthly cost of living in Windsor is CAD 1,200–1,600. This estimate covers essential expenses such as rent, food, and personal items, and reflects Windsor's status as an affordable Canadian city.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS with a score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT with a score of 88 or higher.
What academic qualifications are needed for the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies?
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To be considered for the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies, applicants need an undergraduate degree from a recognized university. A relevant background in theology, philosophy, or religious studies is preferred.
What kind of student life can I expect at Assumption University?
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Student life is centered around a close-knit Catholic community with active Campus Ministry organizing spiritual and service initiatives. As Assumption is federated with the University of Windsor, students also have access to the broader campus life, facilities, and extracurricular activities of the larger institution.
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