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 25% 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) program through a mixture of provincial aid, a line of credit and scholarships. In response to the fluctuating Canadian dollar, UWS has a DC Canadian Exchange Rate Scholarship in which UWS provides Canadian students enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic program a maximum of a 20% discount on tuition (international grant + Canadian Scholarship) when they maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in the doctor of chiropractic program. This UWS scholarship is automatically provided to those who qualify with no application required. The DC Canadian Exchange Rate 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
University of Western States has partnered with Flywire in order to streamline the process of international payments. Flywire allows you to pay securely from any country and any bank, generally in your home currency.
By making a payment through Flywire you can:
- Track your payments from start to finish
- Save on bank fees and exchange rates
- Contact their multilingual customer support team with any questions, day or night.
To get started, visit Flywire to begin the payment process. Read more details and Flywire FAQs here.
Preceptorships and Exams
- 12th quarter chiropractic preceptorships can be done in Canada. Learn more about the preceptor program.
- UWS students consistently score high on the Canadian Board Exams. UWS Canadian Board Exams | Upcoming CEB Board Exam Information | Eligibility
Crossing the Border
When crossing for the 1st time, doctor of chiropractic students need to bring the following:
- Copy of your I-20 application
- Your original bank 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
- Please check with the DSO before you plan to cross to ensure there haven’t been any changes.
After starting the DC program:
- Issued I-20 with current signature (within the last 10-12 months)
- Passport with I-94 card or stamp with F-1 and D/S written inside
Licensure in Canada
Chiropractic, like medicine and dentistry, is a self-regulating profession. 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 program prerequisites
- Graduation from an accredited chiropractic institution
- Passing national and provincial board examinations
The UWS doctor of chiropractic program is designed to offer students education sufficient for licensure in all U.S. states, Canadian provinces and other foreign jurisdictions. Our graduates practice successfully across the country and internationally.
Here are a few websites you may find insightful regarding licensure and chiropractic in general:
Activities and Events
Provincial Board Speakers
Each year the UWS Canadian club brings speakers from the provincial chiropractic associations to campus to speak about licensure requirements, how to become a member of the provincial board while in school and how best to prepare for practice back home.
Recent speakers have included:
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 Student
Alumni Profiles
UWS is the second oldest chiropractic college in the world and that means that 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 now and when you enroll at UWS, join the conversation.
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
- Dr. Ali Masoumi – BSc, DC, MSc(SportsMed), RCCSS(C)
- Dr. Glenn Cashman – DC, MSc, FRCCSS(C)
