BA (Hons)

Communications and Digital Media Studies

Learn more about studying Communications and Digital Media Studies as an international student.

Image reflecting the subject area of Communications & Media, relating to the program.
Ontario Tech University university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    33,155CAD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Program overview

What Ontario Tech University says about their program:

Is social media changing the world for better or worse? How do smartphones shape the way we think and behave? Can popular culture create and challenge stereotypes? Why are ads so effective at persuading people to buy?

In a time in which communications and digital media is ubiquitous, Communication and Digital Media Studies is a cutting-edge program designed to provide you with a strong foundation in scholarly, civic, and professional knowledge and skills pertaining to the roles, practices and impacts of communication and digital media in society.

You will learn about the fast-changing communication environment in which we live, explore the social and cultural impacts of many media and technology, and hone professionally relevant communication skills. You will develop specialized knowledge about how a range of media forms like TV shows, films, video games, wearables, smartphones, tablets, blogs, social networking platforms and search engines are changing the world. You will become a strong communicator who is able to present your ideas in a variety of forms such as research essays, case studies, journals, blogs, digital stories, mini-TED Talks, debates and videos.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs must have obtained a secondary school diploma. This diploma must be eligible to access further academic studies in the country where it has been obtained.

Postgraduate academic requirements

Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.

English proficiency

  • Cambridge English - Advanced

    Minimum score of 180 with no band lower than 170.

  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)

    Minimum score of 70 with no sub-score below 60.

  • Duolingo English Test (DET)

    Minimum score of 110 (Education and Nursing programs require a total score of 120).

  • IELTS

    Overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score less than 6.0 (Education and Nursing programs require an overall score of 7.0).

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

    Minimum score of 58

  • TOEFL

    Internet-based test (iBT) with a total score of 83 (Education and Nursing programs require a total score of 87), and minimum scaled scores of Listening: 20; Reading: 20; Speaking: 19; and Writing: 20. TOEFL iBT Home Edition results are also considered acceptable. Paper-delivered test results will be reviewed on an individual basis.

English proficiency waivers

The English language test requirement can be waived by one of the following criteria:

  • Your first language is English; OR
  • You have completed at least three years of formal, full-time study (no less than three courses per semester) at a secondary or post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English. Note

    The minimum three-year requirement does not include time enrolled in an English as a Second Language program.

Documents required

  • Application form
  • Two letters of recommendation (please note

    some programs require three letters of recommendation)

  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • One unofficial transcript of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript
  • One- to two-page statement of academic intent
  • Photocopy of your degree parchment(s)
  • If your documents are issued in a language other than English, you must also provide notarized literal English translations.
  • Any required program-specific documentation
Illustration of academic elements  representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Scholarships at Ontario Tech University

  • International Merit Awards

    Official page

    Ontario Tech University International Merit Awards are for international secondary school students entering an undergraduate program on a study permit. The award is valued at CAD 20,000 over four years for applicants meeting the published GPA threshold, although the current cycle page notes the award is closed for 2026-2027.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Fee information

  • Undegraduate tuition

    from CAD$29,195 to CAD$39,808 per year

  • Postgraduate tuition

    from CAD$20,124 to CAD$30,408 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Ontario Tech University?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect Canada-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in Canadian Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,821Range: $1,300 to $2,634
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,599Range: $1,047 to $2,218
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$211Range: $118 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$85Range: $60 to $125
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$60Range: $34 to $100
Monthly public transport pass$103Range: $72 to $156
Monthly grocery basket$350Range: $250 to $500
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $3 to $8
Cinema or cultural event ticket$16Range: $13 to $22
Gym membership$58Range: $25 to $100

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Ontario Tech University

Many international students will require a visa to study in Canada, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.