University of Western States offers a world-class, integrated health care education and provides an evidence-informed approach to health and wellness. Our graduates deliver high-quality health care based on science, the professional’s skill and knowledge, and the preferences and experiences of the patient or client. It is for these reasons and many more that students come from all over the globe to receive a UWS education that will set them up for future success in practice and in life.
Our largest international, on-campus populations are our neighbors to the north. Typically Canadians make up around 35% of the entire UWS student population. Not only do our Canadian students feel at home while studying here, but they can also be assured there will be a rich network of alumni in their province should they decide to practice at home.
Resources for UWS Canadian Students
Finances and Aid
Most of our Canadian students pay for the doctor of chiropractic (DC) and doctor of naturopathic (NMD) programs through a mixture of provincial aid, a line of credit and scholarships.
DC Canadian Scholarship
UWS has a DC Canadian Scholarship in which UWS generally provides Canadian students enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic program a tuition reduction of about 20% (international grant + DC Canadian Scholarship) when they maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in the doctor of chiropractic program. This UWS scholarship is automatically provided to those who qualify with no application required. The DC Canadian Scholarship is subject to modification based on quarterly reviews by the university.
Learn more about being an international student at UWS, including the F-1 Visa process, banking, insurance, employment, taxes, provincial aid and CIBC credit lines.
UWS tuition and fees
UWS has partnered with Flywire and PayMyTuition in order to streamline the process of international payments. Read more details about these services here.
Preceptorships and Exams
- DC – 12th quarter chiropractic preceptorships can be done in Canada. Learn more about the preceptor program.
- DC – UWS chiropractic students consistently score high on the Canadian Chiropractic Board Exams. Upcoming CCEB Board Exam Information | Eligibility
Crossing the Border
When crossing for the 1st time, doctor of chiropractic and doctor of naturopathic medicine students need to bring the following:
- Copy of your I-20 application
- Your original bank letter, provincial aid letter and/or line of credit award letter
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Proof of Canadian citizenship/passport
- Your original letter of acceptance and of any scholarships awarded
- A copy of a letter from the DSO regarding your admission and issued I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
After starting the DC or NMD program:
- Unexpired passport
- Issued I-20 with current signature (within the last 10-12 months)
- Printed I-94 record showing F-1 visa status and D/S. After crossing the border for the first time before starting the program, students can visit this link, click on “get most recent I-94” and print the page.
Licensure in Canada
Chiropractic and naturopathic, like medicine and dentistry, are self-regulating professions. Each U.S. state and Canadian province has unique requirements for licensure as well as scope-of-practice regulations. An early understanding of these requirements will be invaluable to you as you prepare for your future career.
Licensure requirements include:
- Chiropractic and naturopathic program prerequisites
- Graduation from an accredited chiropractic or naturopathic institution
- Passing national and provincial board examinations
The UWS doctor of chiropractic and doctor of naturopathic programs are designed to offer students education sufficient for licensure in all U.S. states, Canadian provinces and other foreign jurisdictions.
Here are a few websites you may find insightful regarding licensure and chiropractic in general:
Student Profiles
UWS is dedicated to helping all of our students Take the Lead – click on a student photo below to learn a little more about how our network of Canadians Take the Lead in the classroom, in patient and client care, and more!
Doctor of Chiropractic Alum
Alumni Profiles
UWS has been the leader in integrating health and science since 1904, beginning as the second oldest chiropractic educational program in the world. That means we have a huge group of Canadian alumni that you can connect with during the program and after graduation. Our alumni are a great resource for questions about licensure and scope of practice in a particular province, Canadian Board Exam tips, locating associate positions and more.
Take a look at our student/alumni Switchboard and UWS alumni-finder-map now and start connecting.
Noteworthy Canadian Alumni from UWS:
- Dr. David Peeace – Chair at Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative
- Dr. Jen Forbes – Canadian UWS alum of the DC and MSESS program and UWS Board Member
