Early admissions is open from November 1 - January 31 each year. Click to begin the application process.
Regular admissions is open from February 1 till late March.
How can I study as an international student at KATI?
Apply to KATI
Once accepted, you will require a Provincial Attestation Letter from KATI to apply for a study permit. You can contact our Registrar at admin@kutenaiarttherapy.com for further information.
Apply for a study permit with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
There are many considerations in deciding to come to Nelson to study at Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. Nelson, BC is a small mountain community on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake with a population of just over 11,000. We experience all four seasons with typically beautiful falls, snowy winters, sometimes rainy springs and hot summers. It’s a little off the beaten path with the closest international airports in Cranbrook (3 hour drive) and Kelowna ( 4 hour drive). It’s a seven-hour drive from Calgary, AB and an eight-hour drive from Vancouver, BC
Housing
KATI maintains a short-term and long-term accommodations list for students who are moving to Nelson to attend the diploma program on campus.
The short-term list can provide a temporary place to stay while searching for a longer-term option.
Facebook has two private groups called "Nelson, BC, Canada - Homes and Rooms for Rent " and “Nelson BC Rents”. You can either post your own ad describing what type of rental you are looking for or search through posts from landlords who have a place for rent.
Tenancy Rights in BC - Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
Housing costs in Nelson
Vacancy rate is just under 1%
1 bedroom apartment or suite - $1200-$1600 per month (average)
1 bedroom rental in a shared house - $800-$1000 per month
Living costs in Nelson
Average cost of groceries for 1 person $400-$650 per month
Transportation costs – West Kootenay Transit – 1 month student bus pass - $45 or 1 semester - $125
Health insurance - $75 for BC MSP (BC Medical Services Plan)
Monthly utilities (incl. hydro, wifi, cell phone) - $150-$300 per month
Health Insurance
The BC government Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in BC for 6 months or longer. The BC MSP is an important part of benefitting from the health care available to all BC residents. If you are not enrolled, you will have to pay for medical expenses independently.
In BC, public health insurance is called the Medical Service Plan (MSP).
MSP gives you easier access to the BC medical system. Doctor visits, emergency visits and advice on medical issues are free.
Before your benefits begin, you are required to complete a waiting period consisting of the balance of the month in which your BC residence is established plus two months.
You should apply for MSP coverage immediately after arriving in BC—don't wait until the end of your waiting period—to allow time for your application to be processed.
You will be billed directly by the Health Insurance BC (HIBC) for the monthly premium.
Your BC MSP will expire on same day as your study permit. If you extend your study permit or obtain work permit, you must extend your MSP coverage as well.
BC MSP does not cover: dental care, prescription drugs, eye exams and corrective lens, or travel
Apply for temporary medical insurance during the 3-month waiting period for your BC MSP to be active. One option is GuardMe.
Extended health-care coverage
Extended health-care coverage generally covers some of the costs of dental work, prescription drugs, eye care, and other treatments. It is recommended that you consider having extended health coverage.
You may prefer to pay for these health-care costs if and when needed, obtain these services in your home country, or choose a private insurance company with an extended coverage plan that meets your needs.
Working in Canada as an international student
As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study.
Find more information about working in Canada as an international student here.
Here is a list of links for further information about studying in BC as an international student:
Information on studying in Canada as an international student
Information on studying in BC
Information about the Provincial Attestation Letter
Information about Working in Canada as an International Student
Information about Employment Standards and Workplace Safety
Post-Graduation Work Permit – KATI grads are not currently eligible for a PGWP
Information about Daily Life in British Columbia
Information about Indigenous Peoples in B.C.