Scheduled Semester Breaks

Many open-enrolment programs have a designated semester break. Some Continuing Studies programs, Certificate programs, Diploma programs, and Post-Degree Diploma (PDD) programs do not have scheduled breaks. Here is the list of programs with scheduled breaks.  If you are uncertain whether your program qualifies for a scheduled break, please consult your International Student Coordinator.

What is a scheduled break?

For students in a Regular Studies program:

A scheduled semester break means a student can take 0-2 classes (less than 9 credits) or remain a full-time student (9 credits or more) during the break.

A scheduled break must be taken within a 12-month period, either in the Fall (September to December), Spring (January to April) or Summer (May to August) Semesters.

The student must remain enrolled as a full-time student in the semester preceding and the semester following the break. Students on Academic Suspension are not eligible for a scheduled break.

Example of Scheduled Break

According to IRCC regulations, students are permitted to work full-time between academic semesters.  Specifically, students are eligible to engage in full-time employment starting from the last day following the final exams, as indicated in the important dates calendar.

For students in a Continuing Studies program:

A scheduled semester break is defined as a break from full-time studies. During a scheduled break, this means a student can study part time, full time, or take the semester off. Please review this list to see whether your program has a scheduled break. Students eligible for a scheduled break must remain enrolled as a full-time student in the semester preceding and the semester following the break.

Langara College designates scheduled breaks during the following periods:

Commitment Fees during Scheduled Breaks

International students are not required to pay the commitment fee of $1,500 if they are not studying during their scheduled break. If your commitment fee is already charged and you have either a) not activated your registration or b) you have dropped all registered and waitlisted courses before the 100% refund deadline, then please email international@langara.ca to request to transfer your commitment fee to a future semester. Please include your Student ID number, your full name and the names of the semesters you are transferring your fees from and to.

We are only able to move your commitment fee from one semester to another providing that they are not over three semesters apart. If you have been placed on Academic Suspension, we will not be able to transfer your commitment fee until you are eligible to return to the College. Please contact us once your appeal for early re-admission has been approved, or your 3-semester stand-out period has or is about to be completed.

If you would like to request a refund/withdrawal of your commitment fee out of your student account, you will need to complete a student appeal request digital form along with a letter of explanation and if necessary, supporting documentation.”

Students who are studying during their scheduled break are required to pay the $1,500 commitment fee and activate their registration.

For students in Regular Studies program, Langara defines full-time studies as nine academic credits* or more including pre-requisite classes that are pass (S) or fail (U). International students registered in a co-op placement or a work-term are considered full-time. Students in their last semester can be part-time students.

A student who is enrolled in less than nine credit hours is considered part-time. During a designated scheduled break, studying part-time is permitted.

* N and W grades do not count towards academic credit. A grade of S, F, or U does not carry academic credit but does contribute to full-time status. There is information on grades and notations online.

Work during Scheduled Breaks

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations, students are eligible to work full-time hours during designated scheduled breaks. Learn more on the IRCC website.

Scheduled Break Form

Langara College is required to report to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the enrolment status of all international students. Only students who are eligible for a scheduled break and have completed the following form prior to the regular semester withdrawal deadline in the academic semester they are wanting their break, will be reported to IRCC as on an “Academic Break”.

Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements of a scheduled break, do not complete this form, or complete this form after the regular semester withdrawal deadline will be reported as either part-time, or not registered.