International Student Applications Now Open!
Self-Paced Professional Pilot's Course for International Students
Welcome to Mitchinson Flight Centre (MFC), one of the longest-running flight training institutions in North America. We are very pleased that you will be learning to fly with us!
We have trained many international students and offer very unique training opportunities for our students which include:
- Owned and operated by current major airline pilots who all trained at MFC
- All licenses comply with ICAO standards
- We fly 7 days a week with extended booking slots during the summer
- Operate out of a Control Zone
- Training area just 10 minutes flying time away
- Excellent weather for great flying conditions
Mitchinson Flight Centre is International Student Program (ISP) designated, a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) and proud to be part of the globally renowned EduCanada brand! For more information on what this means, check out their websites here and here.
Step By Step Admission Process
This process outlines the steps for the MFC Self-Paced, Professional Pilot’s Course.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE PROFESSIONAL PILOT’S COURSE
Step 1: Complete a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medical Exam
Book a medical with a Transport Canada approved physician in your country. A list of Transport Canada approved doctors in your country is available on the Transport Canada website.
When applying for the Aviation Medical Certificate, please indicate that you are applying for a Category 1 Medical Certificate. A Category 1 Aviation Medical Certificate is mandatory for the Commercial Pilot License program.
We require confirmation of your Category 1 Aviation Medical Certificate before issuing an acceptance letter.
Step 2: Foreign Academic Credentials and English Proficiency
Foreign Academic Credentials
A minimum of Grade 12, or equivalent, is required to commence training. Credentials can be validated by a High School Diploma and transcript sent to us. These documents must be submitted and accepted prior to the Letter of Acceptance being issued.
English Proficiency
It is important to note that Transport Canada requires a mandatory Aviation-Language (English) Proficiency Test. We require proof of completion to issue a Letter of Acceptance. It is recommended that a special effort be made into making sure that this requirement can be fulfilled before making the time and monetary commitment.
Assistance with English Language Proficiency can be obtained through the following programs:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Minimum of 4
- Test of Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Minimum of 70
Once you arrive in Saskatoon and commence your training, you will be required to undergo a Transport Canada English language demonstration prior to your first solo flight.
Step 3: Supporting Documents
Statement of Intent
We require a maximum two page essay that must include:
- Why you are choosing aviation as a profession
- Why you wish to study in Canada
- Goals you hope to achieve with MFC
- Steps to achieve those goal (i.e. what is required in your training)
- Career plans after graduation
Resume
We require a resume outlining your work and education history along with three references.
Virtual Interview
Once we receive all the required paperwork, we will schedule an interview with you via email. The interview will be conducted via Zoom, or other virtual means, and will provide an opportunity for our staff to get to know you and vice versa. We will understand your training intentions and work with you to establish training goals.
Acceptance Letter
Once the assessment is complete, MFC requires a $1000.00 non-refundable
administration processing fee prior to issuing the Letter of Acceptance (required to
obtain a Study Permit.) If your student permit application is rejected by the Government
of Canada, we will refund $750.00 on receipt of your Refusal Letter. The remaining
$250.00 will be retained as an administrative fee. Confirmation will be sent to you via
email for each transaction.
Study Permit
The Study Permit application process with Immigration Canada (CIC) time can vary by country. Prospective students should start well in advance of the intended start date. Please note, there may be delays if you do not send all of the required documents with the application form. You must also prove that you have financial support for:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
Click here for the Study in Canada application
Click here for the Study in Canada Help Guide
Click here for Canadian Consulates and Embassies
Students with Existing Aviation Credentials
For students who already have aviation experience up to and including a ATP license, Transport Canada has outlined a conversion process. You can contact Transport Canada via phone toll-free at 1-800-305-2059; live agents are available 7am-7pm EST.
Step 4: Start your Training
After your Study Permit is approved, your training schedule and flight schedule will be confirmed. We ask that you stay in contact with us on the status of your Study Permit. Once you receive confirmation, send us a copy and we will provide a welcome package that includes everything you need to know about our school, living, and training in Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Tuition Costs
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE PROFESSIONAL PILOT’S COURSE
Mitchinson Flight Centre Location
MFC is conveniently located at the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (CYXE) approximately 7 kilometres from downtown Saskatoon.
Transportation to MFC
MFC is easily accessible by vehicle from any location in the city. The City of Saskatoon also offers bus service with stops located near MFC on Route 11 – Airport and City Centre. Additionally, there are taxi and ride share options.
Step 5: Saskatoon Shines
Saskatoon offers a variety of tourist attractions and extra-curricular activities in addition to your flight training as well as support services to assist in making Saskatoon home for your training period or longer.
Accommodations
Each student is required to secure their own accommodations. There are numerous rental properties available in Saskatoon. Common resources are Kijiji and Saskatoon Rentals.
Accommodation may also be researched through the classified advertisement section of the local newspaper; The Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
The Government of Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORL) provides services to renters (tenants) and landlords including rights and responsibilities applicable to both parties. An information package is available for tenants.
Health Services
International Students temporarily residing in Saskatchewan may apply for a Saskatchewan Health Services card to be eligible for health benefits. Application may include the student’s spouse/partner and all dependents under age 18.
Saskatoon is located within the Saskatoon Health Region, part of the provincial Saskatchewan Health Authority. The health region serves the Greater Saskatoon Area offering numerous services:
- Medical clinics
- Hospitals
- List of doctors accepting new patients
- Patient advocate services
- Health line (email and telephone 811)
- Programs and services including mental health services
To be eligible for a Saskatchewan Health Card, you must:
- Have a valid study permit
- Be registered full-time in a designated education institution
- Have a Saskatchewan residence
- Provide proof of identification (eg. passport)
Further information is available on eligibility and application process is available through Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Additional health care coverage may be purchased through private health care insurance plan providers such as Blue Cross and Group Medical Services. Plan coverage can include dental care, vision care, prescription drug benefits, and practitioner services such as physiotherapy.
Counselling Services
MFC understands living and studying away from home can be stressful. We are committed to making your experience with us as enjoyable, successful, and stress free as possible. All of our staff are available and happy to assist you in managing any concerns that arise while training with us. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Division, provides information to assist individuals in regards to mental health.
Community Connections
In conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Open Door Society and the City of Saskatoon provides numerous services to new Saskatoon residents including:
- Job application assistance
- Resume preparation
- Interview preparation
- Stress management
- Financial management
Extra-Curricular Activities
The City of Saskatoon has a myriad of activities available across the city from public parks and recreation centres to organized competitive and recreational sports.