Support Services
To promote academic, personal, and professional success, International Business University (IBU) provides a wide range of student support services. Enrolled students have access to resources such as academic guidance, accessibility accommodations, mental health counseling, and a lively campus community.
Health and Wellness Support
Your health matters. If you are experiencing a medical issue and do not have a family doctor in Canada, IBU’s Student Support Service team will connect you with a local walk-in medical clinic near our Toronto or Ottawa campus. We can also provide referrals for vision care, dental care, pharmacy services, and counselling providers in the neighbourhood.
Walk-In Medical Care & Emergency Hospital Contacts Near Campus
Not sure where to go for non-emergency care? Contact your Student Support Team, and they will direct you to the nearest walk-in clinic. Staff can also help you locate pharmacies, optometrists, and dental clinics near campus.
For medical emergencies, go directly to one of the hospitals near campus:
For medical emergencies, go directly to one of the hospitals near campus:
Toronto Campus (655 Bay Street):
- Toronto General Hospital
- 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto
- 416-340-4800
- Women’s College Hospital
- 76 Grenville Street, Toronto
- 416-323-6400
Ottawa Campus:
- The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus
- 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa
- 613-737-8899
- The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus
- 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
- 613-761-2020
Mental Health Counselling - Free for IBU Students
IBU is committed to making mental health support accessible, stigma-free, and available when you need it. Through two dedicated partnerships, enrolled students receive free, unlimited access to professional counselling services – at no extra cost
GuardMe Student Support Program (Unlimited & Free)
IBU has partnered with GuardMe to offer the GuardMe Student Support Program (GMSSP) to all enrolled students. This program provides real-time access to registered counsellors through the TELUS Health Student Support app. Key features include:
- Unlimited sessions – no cap on how many times you can connect
- Available 24/7 via the TELUS Health Student Support mobile app
- Completely free – covered by IBU as part of your enrolment, with no additional fees added to IBU’s fee structure
- Confidential support for anxiety, stress, academic pressure, homesickness, and more
Counselling and Enrolment Support
Starting university can be overwhelming – new courses, a new city, a new community, and sometimes just a lot happening in life at once. At IBU, you are never alone.
What Your Student Support Officer Can Help With
- Navigating a personal crisis or difficult life situation
- Referrals to mental health, wellness, and community resources
- Understanding your program requirements and academic options
- Connecting you with the right IBU staff member or service
- Support for international students adjusting to life in Canada
Contact your Student Support Officer directly through the JIRA ticketing service on the IBU student portal.
Accessibility and Academic Accommodations
IBU is committed to equitable access to education for all students. Through our AccessAbility Services, students with diagnosed disabilities can receive Academic Accommodation Plans that are shared with faculty and staff to make sure a fair learning environment.
Types of Academic Accommodations Available
- Extended test time:Â Additional time allocated for exams and assessments
- Note-taking support:Â Assignment of a peer note-taker for lectures
- Accessible course materials:Â Digital formats compatible with screen readers and accessibility tools, available through the Learning Management System (LMS)
- Physical accessibility:Â IBU’s campus is wheelchair-accessible throughout
- Other accommodations:Â Assessed on a case-by-case basis through AccessAbility Services
How to Request an Academic Accommodation
- Obtain documentation of your disability from a qualified healthcare professional.
- Contact AccessAbility Services through the Student Support Team through JIRA.
- Meet with an AccessAbility advisor to review your documentation and discuss your needs.
- Receive your Academic Accommodation Plan, which you can share directly with your professors.
AODA and Ontario Human Rights Code Compliance
IBU upholds and affirms both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). All course materials meet AODA standards and are developed and available in digital form in the LMS for use with accessibility tools. If you believe you require accommodations to succeed in your studies, please do not hesitate to reach out – IBU is committed to ensuring that every student is treated fairly and equitably.
Campus Life and Student Community
IBU offers more than just outstanding academic programs – it offers a community. There are large common areas that support group study and discussion, while a diverse calendar of extra-curricular activities brings students, faculty, and industry partners together throughout the year.
Getting Involved on Campus
- Use the student lounge to meet classmates, collaborate on projects, and decompress between classes.
- Attend seminars, conferences, and workshops hosted by faculty, business leaders, and public policy experts.
- Volunteer to participate in a university governance committee and help shape the IBU student experience
- Start or join a student interest group – request official recognition through Enrolment Services
- Participate in or volunteer for orientation activities each semester
Digital Library Access
IBU’s library is fully digital, giving you access to academic journals, databases, and research resources from anywhere in the world. Log in through your student portal or contact your academic advisor if you need assistance accessing the library.
Academic Advising and Support
At IBU, every student is paired with a dedicated academic advisor who supports their progress throughout their studies.
Your advisor can help with:
- Course selection and program planning
- Graduation requirements
- Study strategies and academic performance
- One-on-one academic support
- Career and post-graduation planning
Booking a session:
Schedule meetings anytime through the IBU student portal (Academic Advising section) or by email – there’s no limit, so use this support whenever you need it.
Medical and Dental Plan for IBU Students
IBU students are eligible for the GuardMe Student Medical and Dental Plan, which provides coverage for a wide range of health and dental expenses not covered under provincial health insurance. This plan is created specifically for students and offers straightforward access to benefits from the first day of your enrolment. For full details on what is covered, visit the GuardMe student insurance portal or contact Student Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mental health counselling really free for IBU students?
Yes. IBU has partnered with GuardMe and Reflections Mental Health Group to provide all enrolled students with free and unlimited counselling. IBU does not add any additional mental health fees to its fee structure.
How do I request extra time for exams?
Contact AccessAbility Services through Student Support team as early as possible – ideally at the start of your semester. You will need documentation from a qualified healthcare professional. Once your Academic Accommodation Plan is in place, extended test time will be arranged automatically for all applicable assessments.
What do I do in a mental health emergency?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent mental health support, the TELUS Health Student Support app offers 24/7 on-demand access to a registered counsellor. You can also call the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto at 416-408-4357 at any time.
Can international students access IBU support services?
Absolutely. All IBU student support services are available to both domestic and international students. IBU’s Student Support team has experience supporting students from around the world and can assist with cultural adjustment, health system navigation, housing referrals, and more
Is the IBU library available online?
Yes. IBU’s library is entirely digital. You can access academic databases and research resources through your student portal from any device, anywhere in the world. Contact your academic advisor if you need help accessing any resource.
How do I contact the Student Support Team?
You can reach the Student Support Team through JIRA, or in person at the Toronto campus (655 Bay Street, Suite 200) or Ottawa campus (979 Bank Street, Suite 206).