Study in Canada
Planning to study at Canadian Universities?
Canada has many reasons to be counted among the best international study destinations. It offers a wide variety of course options ranging from undergraduate diplomas to master’s degrees. Research is a key component of Canadian universities and it plays a great role at the forefront of technology.
It is a peaceful and safe country and is considered among the best countries to live in. Three Canadian cities viz. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary fall under the top 10 “Most Liveable Cities” in the world.
It is also one of the most industrialized countries of the world and has been consistently ranking amongst the most stable economies. A small population in a vast, resource rich, technically advanced country means that there is always a need for skilled professionals and employability rates are high.
Canada for International Students
Canada is a popular destination for thousands of international students. The most popular provinces to study in Canada especially for international students are British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, as these are home to many of the top universities. International students in Canada enjoy the same freedom and social benefits as those offered to Canadian citizens. Canada has a hassle-free visa application process, possibility of paid internships and umpteen on-campus as well as off-campus job opportunities. Students can get a post study work visa up to 3 years and can apply for permanent residence if required.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada has some of the world’s top universities and according to QS World Ranking, 7 Canadian universities are in the top 200 in the world. The Canadian degrees are valued worldwide, and the cost of education in Canada is less as compared to many other global study destinations. It has world-class research opportunities and practical oriented 1-year PG as well as 2-year UG Diplomas. Scholarships are available for international students in Canada at undergraduate, graduate and post graduate level as well. It is a very accommodating country and encourages multicultural diversity. So, one can be rest assured if planning to get admission in Canada for higher studies overseas.
Universities & Courses
High Ranked Universities
- University of Waterloo
- University of Victoria
- University of Guelph
- Dalhousie University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Popular Courses
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronics/Electrical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Health Administration
Cost of Education in Canada
The expenses incurred for studying in Canada can comprise of tuition fees, living costs, insurance, etc. The universities set their own fees depending on the location, citizenship and level of study. The average tuition fees for undergraduate diploma or degree ranges from CA$14,000 to CA$ 26,000 per year. The cost of study in Canada for postgraduate diploma or degree ranges from CA$ 14,000 to CA$ 22,000 per year. The average cost of living in Canada varies from CA$10,000 -15,000 per year.
Canada Scholarships
Scholarships in Canada are quite competitive as they are very limited in number as compared to scholarships offered by other countries like USA, UK or Australia. The eligibility for scholarships for international students aspiring to study in Canada is judged on the basis of outstanding academic grades and exceptional English Proficiency scores. Scholarships are mostly offered by the universities without any particular application based on the eligibility benchmarks but at some institutions the students need to apply for the same. Scholarships are majorly offered at the entrance level but for some scholarships the students are supposed to prove their excellence in academics in the subsequent years of education as well.
Canada Internships
As a graduate student, internships can prove to be a vital link for a seamless transition from your college campus to a high-paying job. Internships while studying abroad help you gain real-world experience by developing essential skills that employers look for – confidence, communication, professionalism, and work ethics. Being an intern adds significant value to your resume’ and helps you build a professional network, ultimately enhancing the chances of getting your dream job.
Quick Facts
- You can opt for paid or unpaid internships and prepare for a global career while you are pursuing the program, during the vacation, or soon after graduation.
- Internships may be part-time or full-time. They are usually part-time during a university semester and full-time during the summer, winter or Easter holidays.
- Semester internships are available during the spring, summer, fall, and winter semesters.
- The internships abroad usually last an entire semester and some may even last an entire year. The longer duration programs help you to explore the work processes and acquire the technical know-how.
- Some internships are paid while others help you to earn academic credits.
- The duration and stipend vary depending on the university or the organization.
Canada Visa Requirements
After you have received an unconditional letter of acceptance from a Canadian College or University, you are required to obtain a study permit i.e., a student visa for Canada. You can apply for a Canadian study permit online.
Alternatively, a paper application along with the necessary documents can also be submitted at a Canadian VFS centre located at different places. The visa forms for the same can be obtained from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
List of Documents to be Submitted
Let’s check the student visa requirements for Canada in detail.
The following are the list of documents to be submitted along with the completed Visa Application Forms.
- A copy of a valid Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian University, Community College or Technical Institute (Designated Learning Institute).
- Original Passport, which must be valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry into Canada.
- Copy of IELTS or TOEFL scores as applicable.
- Copy of all the academic documents and work experience certificates.
- Non-refundable Visa processing fee of CAD 150.
- Receipt of advance payment of first-semester / annual tuition fees as applicable.
- A copy of GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) to cover the first year’s living expenses. GIC is mandatory for visa applications filed under Study Direct Stream (SDS).
- ou can also submit an Education Loan Sanction letter for an amount equivalent to CAD 10,000 for the living expenses under General/University Category.
- Two passport size photographs (45mm height, 35 mm width, white background with 80% face visibility).
- Medical Examination Receipt: You have to undergo a medical examination from a designated medical practitioner as approved by IRCC. The receipt of this medical examination should be submitted along with the visa application.
The reports are directly uploaded online to the e-medical website by the doctor and is viewable by the visa officer whenever the visa file is being processed. - If you want to study in Quebec, you must obtain, in addition, a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the Quebec government. The CAQ application can be filled Online and students receive CAQ on their email within 5-7 weeks.
Visa Interview
Normally no visa interviews are conducted for a student visa for Canada. An interview (Telephonic or in person) with a Canadian Visa Officer may be requested for in rare instances. You will be advised in writing of the time and place for the personal interview. In case of a telephonic interview, a call may be received anytime. If there is no visa interview, file is assessed on the basis of documents submitted and visa is granted accordingly.
Canada FAQs
Each institution in Canada has its own policy regarding admission requirements for international students. The entry criteria may vary according to the programs as well. The minimum percentage required for Community Colleges are 55% and above in the previous educational qualification and for universities it is 60% and above. Besides, an English Proficiency score is also required. The websites of the institutions may also be checked to get the exact requirements.
You will get varied options in the technical and professional fields including: business, agriculture and agri-food, health, social services, broadcasting and journalism, hospitality and tourism, design, technology, sciences, information technology, engineering, environment, languages, and arts.