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Frequently Asked Questions

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Are you a current Stratford student? Find answers regarding transcripts, student number/account information and more by logging into eService or contacting Student Services.

About Distance Learning

• What is a distance learning course?

• Is distance education something new?

• What are the benefits of a Stratford distance learning course?

• What types of students enrol in Stratford's distance learning courses?

 

About our School

• Are you accredited?

• What are your admissions requirements?

• Do you provide any financial aid?

 

Enroling in a Course

• How do I enrol?

• How soon will I get my first set of books?

• Are there any educational requirements to enrol in a Stratford distance learning course?

• Are there any age requirements to enrol in a Stratford distance learning course?

• Is there a deadline for enrolment?

• Can I enrol in more than one course at a time?


Completing Your Studies

• How does taking a course with Stratford work?

• Can I change my program of study?

• How long do I have to complete my course?

• Will I be forced to study on a fixed schedule?

• How do I submit exams?

• What is a passing grade?

• How does the student log-in work?

• If I need help with my studies, how can I get it?

• Do I need a computer to complete my course?

• Can Stratford's courses really prepare me for a new career as a professional in my field of study?

• Would I be able to obtain credits for my course at a local college/university?


Tuition & Payment

• How much is the tuition?

• What does my tuition fee include?

• What methods of payment do you accept?

• Is a down payment required?

• Can I pay more than the minimum down payment?

• Do you have a payment plan?

• Do I get a discount if I pay all at once?

• Do Stratford students receive an incentive for referring individuals who then enrol?



About Distance Learning

What is a distance learning course?

Distance learning courses are also known as home study or correspondence courses. Rather than having to attend classes, you study independently at home, at a time and pace that is convenient to you. All of the educational materials needed to complete your course are provided. Qualified instructors are only an e-mail or toll-free call away if you need assistance, and you can also use online tools to take exams, get your grades and more. Since you are studying at your own pace, you can complete a course in as little as six months, or if you prefer, take up to two years to complete your program.

Is distance education something new?

Continuing education through distance learning programs has existed for more than 100 years. Many educational institutions are realizing the benefits of correspondence courses and offering home study programs as a viable alternative to the conventional classroom setting.

What are the benefits of a Stratford distance learning course?

An increasing number of people are looking to home study courses as a practical way to:
• Upgrade existing skills
•
Learn more about a new career field
• Increase self-esteem and confidence


What types of students enrol in Stratford's distance learning courses?

Many of our students are serious, career-minded individuals who have come to realize the true value of marketable skills in today’s increasingly demanding work force. Many of our students have families and demanding schedules – both of which conflict with the rigid scheduling of classes in conventional school settings. For these students, a distance learning course offers a logical way in which to further their education. In fact, many of our students enrol in our home study courses based on the recommendation of other students and graduates.



About Our School


Are you accredited?

No, Stratford does not currently claim any academic accreditation, nor have we ever done so. Stratford offers introductory courses designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of a subject. Completion of a Stratford program does not fulfill legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships.


What are your admission requirements?

Stratford has an open entrance policy. We believe that any adult who feels that he or she has the potential and capability to benefit from their selected program should be given the opportunity to continue their education. However, as a general rule, students should have a minimum of eight years of formal schooling.

Do you provide any financial aid?

Although we do not generally participate in student loan programs, Stratford does offer monthly payment plans. In general, individuals can enrol and get their first module with a down payment of $20 or less.


Enroling in a Course

How do I enrol?
There are three ways to enrol:
1. Online - Using our secure website
2. Phone - Speak with a Stratford representative 1-800-254-4070
3. Mail – Complete your enrolment form and mail it in with your down payment


How soon will I get my first set of books?

Stratford can ship your first set of course materials within 24-48 hours of processing your enrolment. It can take up to 7-10 days for your materials to arrive.


Are there any educational requirements to enrol in a Stratford distance learning course?

Stratford’s courses are designed to benefit everybody, regardless of your educational background. All we require is a desire to learn and a willingness to succeed.


Are there any age requirements to enrol in a Stratford distance learning course?
Persons under the age of 18 must obtain the written signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to enrol in a Stratford course. If you would like more information, please contact our Admissions Department at 1-800-363-0058.


Is there a deadline for enrolment?

You can enrol in a Stratford distance learning course at any time.


Can I enrol in more than one course at a time?

Stratford strongly recommends you only complete one course at a time, but you can do a maximum of two programs at once. If you wish to learn more about enroling in more than one program, you will need to speak with one of Stratford’s admissions specialists by calling 1-800-254-4070.


Completing Your Studies


How does taking a course with Stratford work?

1. Enrol and make the minimum down payment
2. Your first module is shipped and/or available digitally in eService.
3. Study & complete your exams
4. Once you pass your exams in a particular module, your next set of course materials becomes available.
5. Once you successfully pass all of your exams and complete all of your tuition payments, you will receive your personalized career diploma.


Can I change my program of study?

It is usually possible to transfer from one program to another within the first 60 days of your enrolment by contacting Student Services, provided certain criteria are met. However, students remain responsible for the cost of materials already used, and other conditions may apply.


How long do I have to complete my course?

Most of our courses are designed to be completed within one year. Some students are able to finish their studies in as little as six months, while other students take up to two years to complete their course. Stratford expects that you will finish your course within two years.


Will I be forced to study on a fixed schedule?

No. Stratford realizes that all students are unique – each with different responsibilities, interests, and goals. Students are encouraged to work at their own individual pace in order to get the maximum benefit from their course. You may progress through your course as quickly or slowly as your schedule permits.


How do I submit exams?

You can submit your exams using our online student log-in or by sending them in the mail. Online submissions are graded immediately.


What is a passing grade?
Grading Scale
   90-100  =A
     80-89 =B
     75-79  =C
     70-74  =D
     Below 70  =I (Incomplete)


How does the student log-in work?

When you enrol, you will receive your unique student number. You can use this number to register for eService, Stratford's online student center, which allows you to access online content, submit exams, review grades, contact instructors, make tuition payments and more.


If I need help with my studies, how can I get it?

Stratford’s instructors are available by toll-free phone or e-mail when you have a question.


Do I need a computer to complete my course?

Stratford now offers a lot of online course materials, so a computer and Internet access is required in some instances. However, many programs also offer the opportunity to have your course materials shipped to you.

Can Stratford's courses really prepare me for a new career as a professional in my field of study?

Stratford's programs are designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation about a particular career field that could be applied in the workforce. Stratford does not promise employment as a direct result of completing one of its programs. Programs are intended to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training and are not intended as a substitute for provincial licensing or certification requirements, which may include an apprenticeship or additional training, depending on the governing laws of the province in which you reside or work.


Would I be able to obtain credits for my course at a local college/university?

Every college and university has its own admissions policy regarding the granting of credits. You would have to contact the school that you are interested in applying to for that information.


Tuition & Payment


How much is the tuition?

Each course has a specific tuition rate that will be applied when you enrol.

What does my tuition fee include?

As a student with Stratford, your tuition fee includes everything you will need to successfully graduate including:

•Textbooks

•Study guides

•Learning aids

•Exams

•Instructional services

•Online content and tools

•Free shipping and handling

•Toll-free phone number to contact instructors

•Personalized career diploma


What methods of payment do you accept?

Stratford accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, & American Express), check by phone, personal check, and money order. There is a $30 fee for returned payments.


Is a down payment required?

Yes. There is a required minimum down payment for each course. The down payment amount varies depending on the course you choose, but is generally $10 or $20.

Can I pay more than the minimum down payment?

Yes. You can make as large a down payment as you like.


Do you have a payment plan?

Yes! A minimum down payment is required to participate in this plan. We can charge your credit card or debit your bank account each month, or you can send your monthly payment in the mail.


Do I get a discount if I pay all at once?

If you pay all at once, no interest will be added to your tuition. If you choose monthly payments, interest charges are accrued.


Do Stratford students receive an incentive for referring individuals who then enrol?

You will receive a $50.00 check or tuition credit for each friend you referred who enrols and is in good standing for a period of at least 90 days. You must be a Stratford student or graduate to participate.