I live in a different part of the world. Are your courses relevant for areas outside of Canada?
Yes, all of our courses are designed to be completed wherever you live in the world and during any season. The information taught is universal.

Can I send proof of completing programs that include SketchUp and horticulture to act as my prerequisites for the Ecological Landscape Design course?
No, we do not accept other educational programs as equivalent prerequisites for the Ecological Landscape Design course.

Can I take more than one course at a time? What is the maximum number of courses per semester?
Yes, students can take multiple courses in a semester. We recommend allowing 6-12 hours per week per course, with a maximum of three (3) courses per semester.

How much time per week should I commit to my course?
Generally, we recommend 6-12 hours per week. The specific suggestions for each course are listed on the individual Course Overview pages.

Is the college supportive of accelerated pacing and early submission of assignments?
Yes, students can work ahead on reading and assignments, but instructor feedback and grading are only provided according to the course schedule.

Is it a problem if a lesson cannot be completed in the specified week?
Students must complete each topic before moving onto the next. If you will be unavailable during a week, discuss it with your instructor and they will guide you in how to work ahead or catch-up.

I didn't get to finish all my assignments, can I defer to another semester?
We can't accommodate deferrals, but do offer a Course Retake option within 1 (one) year of the original enrolment. The Policy is available here: Course Retake Policy.

I need a transcript for my employer or educational institution.
We do not provide transcripts but can provide a Certificate of completion; continuing education credit information is also available. Per our Policies there is a $25 fee for duplicate certificates. If you enroled through an educational partner, please contact them directly.

Do you have any courses that run for less than 14 weeks? Short courses?
Yes. We currently offer one short course - Adapting Landscapes to a Changing Climate. It is a self paced course.

I've finished my course. Now what?
If you successfully completed all of the course work, your digital certificate will be issued within weeks. If you were unsuccessful, you will still have access to the course resources for your continued learning.

How do I change my status from Student to Diploma?
After you're logged in, click on Profile in the top right corner, then click View Profile. Find Membership Status and click Change, then select one of the Diploma options.

Is there a payment plan available for the Diploma program?
Yes, we offer 8-month and 12-month payment plans. Both allow up to two (2) years to complete the Diploma.

How much time do I have to complete the diploma?
Students have two (2) years to complete the Diploma. However, course credits never expire. Students taking courses beyond the 2-year limit will be subject to the regular student rate.

Do I need a computer to complete my course?
Yes. A computer running a current version of Chrome or Firefox is required. The Moodle app is available for phones and tablets but has limited functionality, and IT support is not provided for mobile devices.

How is your online approach different from other self-paced studies?
Our courses combine flexible scheduling with firm deadlines to support student success. The interactive online classroom includes discussion forums that encourage engagement while allowing you to learn at your own pace.

How long is each course?
Courses are offered on a semester basis and each semester runs for 14 weeks.

Are students required to participate in live sessions?
No. Students do not have to participate in live sessions. All lessons are completed on the student's own time.

How do you handle hands-on activities in an online course?
Some courses include activities requiring access to soil. If seasonal conditions limit this, you may complete an alternative assignment or take the course at another time of year.

How do I enrol?
You must first create a student account: Register.
Once your account is created, you will be logged in. Save your username and password, then enrol in your preferred course and semester. At checkout, choose Pay Online or Invoice Me if you wish to pay by e-transfer.

Do you accept late enrolments?
Yes, we have a late enrolment window that closes two weeks after the semester starts.

I am registered, but I can't get into my course. Is there a problem?
If you registered after the course start date, please allow up to 24 hours for our systems to update. You will receive an email when your course is accessible to you.

How do I access the online classroom?
Your course enrolment confirmation email will have instructions on how to access the online classroom. You won't see your course listed in the online campus until the course start date.

Can I access the online resources even after I finish the course?
Yes, you will continue to have access to the course resources once the course ends.

I got a 403 error when trying to access my course resources.
This is a general access error, usually caused when your login times out. Please close all tabs, restart your browser and login at gaiacollege.ca to access the online campus.

Can I use RESPs at Gaia College?
Yes, Gaia College is a Government of Canada Certified Educational Institution for RESP eligibility. Visit the Government of Canada: Certified Educational Institutions list or contact them at 1-800-267-3100.

What payment options do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Cheque, or Money Orders, and E-transfers. Payments made by Cheque, Money Order or E-transfer must be drawn on Canadian funds and will be verified before access to your course is granted.

Do you have any sponsorship, grants, or bursaries?
We are proud to offer the Heide Hermary Memorial Bursary. There are also funding options available on our website: Funding Opportunities. If your funder requires proof of enrolment please contact info@gaiacollege.ca.

How do I register for a course if my employer will be paying?
Create an account, enrol in your course and select Invoice Me on the payment page. Then contact info@gaiacollege.ca to arrange payment by your employer.

Do you have International Student funding or visas available?
No, we do not. Our courses are online, and available worldwide and may be completed from your home

Are your courses eligible for student loans?
No, we are not able to accept student loans.

I changed my mind, can I get a refund?
Our refund policy is available under Policies.

Are your courses tax deductible? Do you issue a T2202?
We issue a T2202 for tuition paid directly to Gaia College.

When do you send out T2220s?
T2202s are available in February the year after your course enrolment from your student profile. You will receive an email when it is available. If you require it to be mailed please email info@gaiacollege.ca