Equity, Diversity and Indigenous Student Support on Canadian Campuses

Inclusion is built into the campus structure

Canadian universities place a strong, visible emphasis on creating welcoming, inclusive campuses, and they organise that commitment into dedicated offices and centres you can use. For an international student arriving in a new environment, knowing these exist — and that they are there for you — can make settling in much easier.

You will commonly find an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) office, an accessibility or accommodations office, multicultural and international student centres, and Indigenous student services. Each focuses on a different aspect of belonging, and most of their programs are open to students from all backgrounds.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) offices

An EDI office (titles vary — equity office, office of inclusion, diversity and inclusion office) works to make the campus respectful and accessible for everyone. In practice that can mean running awareness and inclusion programming, providing a point of contact if you experience or witness discrimination or harassment, and helping connect students with the right support.

If something happens that makes you feel unwelcome or unsafe on the basis of who you are, the EDI office — alongside the student union and campus security — is one of the places you can turn. Check your institution's official EDI page for its specific role, programs and how to make contact.

Multicultural and faith-neutral student centres

Many campuses host multicultural centres, international student centres and student-life spaces designed to bring people from different backgrounds together. These run cultural celebrations, conversation programs and social events that help newcomers build community and learn about one another respectfully.

Campuses commonly also provide quiet rooms, reflection or multi-purpose spaces, and student-association spaces that any student may use. This guide describes these only as practical, neutral campus facilities and services. For details of what your campus offers and how to book or join, consult its official student-life pages.

• Multicultural and international student centres for events and programming
• Quiet, reflection or multi-purpose rooms available to students
• Cultural and student associations you can join through the student union
• Newcomer-focused social events run by international student services

Indigenous student services

Most Canadian universities have dedicated Indigenous student services — centres, lounges and advisors supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. These spaces offer academic and personal support, community, and cultural programming, and they are an important part of campus life in Canada.

Many of these centres also welcome non-Indigenous students to respectful, open events and learning opportunities, which can help international students understand the country they are now studying in. Look for your institution's Indigenous student centre or Indigenous initiatives office on its official site to learn what is offered and which programs are open to all.

Accessibility and accommodations

If you have a disability, a chronic health condition, or a learning difference, your university's accessibility (or accommodations) office can arrange supports such as note-taking help, exam accommodations, or assistive technology. Registering is voluntary and confidential, and the office will explain what documentation it needs.

This is non-personal, structural information about the services available — it does not collect or expose any individual's health details. If you may benefit from accommodations, contact the office early, ideally before the term starts, so supports are in place when classes begin.

• Contact the accessibility office early — ideally before the term begins
• Ask what documentation is needed to register for accommodations
• Common supports include exam accommodations, note-taking and assistive tech
• Registration is confidential and voluntary