Study In Canada
About canada
Canada is in the Northern Hemisphere and comprises the northern part of North America. It is also the second largest country in the world by land area after Russia, covering 9.98 million square kilometers. Canada has ten provinces and three territories. Each province and territory has its own capital city.
Canada is one of the most affordable study destinations for international students, offering more affordable tuition rates and living expenses than the US, UK, and Australia. One-fifth of Canada’s population is made up of immigrant communities from over 250 different ethnic origins.
There are unique educational and employment opportunities as well as immigration programs in each Canadian province and territory. Canada is among the top 5 study abroad destinations in the world, ranking alongside the UK, the US, China, and Australia. International students contributed an estimated $21.6 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2018 and supported 170,000 jobs for Canadians nationwide.
Why Study In Canada?
26 Canadian universities feature in QS’s 2022 World University Rankings, with three institutions in the top 50, and 13 in the top 300. 40% of faculty at Canadian universities have an international degree, providing students with varied professional perspectives.
- Canada’s education system ranks among the best in the world
- Canada is the best place in the world to live
- Canada boasts a multicultural society
- Canada offers an excellent language education
- Canada offers internationally recognized degrees
- International students can work in Canada after graduation
- Canada offers innovative and abundant research opportunities
- Canada is known for its healthy and safe communities
- Canada experiences all four seasons
- Immigration Possibilities
Post-Graduation work (PGWP) and settlement in Canada.
The student receives a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after they graduate. The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students who have graduated from eligible programs at DLIs to gain professional work experience in their field.
The experience and income international students gain from employment with a PGWP allow them to repay student loans and make valuable returns on their education investment. This work experience can even help students qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
- Students graduating from a 2+ year PGWP-eligible academic program can work up to three years following their period of study.
- Students in an 8 month to 2 year PGWP-eligible academic program can obtain a PGWP allowing them to work for up to the same length of time as their study program.
- Students in a program lasting shorter than 8 months are not eligible for a PGWP. Students must be in a full time program for a minimum of 8 months to be eligible.
Students have to apply within 180 days of receiving their final marks to be eligible for a PGWP.
A student may still be able to work in Canada if they’re ineligible for a PGWP after they complete their study program. Students can obtain an open-work permit or an employer-specific work permit to stay and work in Canada.
One of the greatest advantages of studying in Canada is the opportunity to pursue permanent residency, allowing students to make Canada their new home.
Course to study in the Canada
Canadian universities grant a full range of degrees, including 3-4 year bachelor’s degrees, 1-2 year master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees (PhDs). Canadian institutions also grant professional degrees including medicine, law, dentistry, architecture, and business. Some professional certificates, diplomas, and shorter programs can also be completed independently or in conjunction with a degree.
In addition to traditional programs in sciences, arts, and humanities, Canadian universities offer many unique programs. Designations offered to students in the Canadian post-secondary education system include degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Degrees:
Degrees are typically granted by universities after the completion of an academic program, but the type of degree depends on the type of program.
- Bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor’s degrees are awarded after four years of full-time study. There are some three-year Bachelor's and two-year Associate Bachelor’s offered at Canadian schools, but they are uncommon in Canada. Bachelor’s degrees are typically the first designation that a university student pursues.
- Master’s degrees
- Master’s degrees are available after a Bachelor degree for further specialization in a student’s chosen field of study and they are typically 1-2 years in duration. Master’s degrees can be course-based, such as an MBA, or research/thesis-based, depending on the specific program.
- Doctorate or PhD
- Doctorate or PhD programs are typically research-based and require students to have found a research supervisor at the university they are applying to. A PhD is typically earned in three to seven years and cannot be pursued without a Master’s degree first. A PhD is the highest university degree awarded at most universities globally
- Undergraduate (UG)
Undergraduate programs are the first level of post-secondary education that students enroll in. Undergraduate qualifications include bachelor’s degrees, regular diplomas, advanced diplomas, and some certificates.
- Diplomas
Diplomas are earned after the completion of a college program and fall into one of the following three categories:
- A regular diploma is granted at the end of an accredited two-year program.
- An advanced diploma is granted after the completion of a three-year program.
- Postgraduate diploma programs are typically one or two years in length and can be pursued after a regular or advanced diploma or a Bachelor’s degree.
- Certificates:
Certificates are awarded after completion of short courses in a particular subject.
Certificate Programs are typically less than a year in duration and are offered by many universities, colleges, and vocational schools. They are often used for professional development and continuing education or to complement other degrees or diplomas.
- Postgraduate (PG)
Postgraduate programs are the second level of a post-secondary education. Students must graduate from undergraduate level of study before pursuing postgraduate studies. Postgraduate qualifications include master’s degrees, doctoral degrees (PhDs), postgraduate diplomas, and some certificates.
Intake* | Semester Start Date | Application Deadlines |
Fall | September | December-August |
Winter | January | September-November |
Summer | May | January-March |
- K-12 Requirements:
International student admission to a Canadian primary school generally requires
- Two past report cards
- Student’s passport
- A study permit if applicable
International student admission to a Canadian high school requires
- A passport
- Three most recent years of school history
- A complete application
- A declaration of eligibility
Private or independent schools may ask for extra documents like personal essays, CVs, or resumes.
- Post-Secondary Requirement
Canadian colleges and universities determine international student admission based on two key factors:
- Academic performance
- Language proficiency
- Other Application Information
- September is the official start of the year for K-12 and post-secondary education. Post-secondary schools usually have three intake periods, but some accept applications on a rolling basis.
- Many post-secondary programs require specific prerequisite courses to be completed for admission at the undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Most international students must take an English or French Language test for admission, such as the IELTS, TOEFL tests for English proficiency, TEF or TCF tests for French proficiency.
There are a number of scholarships available to international students to help support them with education costs and living expenses while they study in Canada.
Scholarship | Description |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship | The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available for master’s and doctoral (PhD) students studying at Ontario institutions. A small number are available for international students. |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is for doctoral students. Selection criteria are based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership (demonstrated and potential ability). Candidates must be nominated by the school they want to study at. They don’t apply directly for the scholarship. |
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) – for students | The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Education Exchanges for Development (SEED) provides students from ASEAN member nations with short-term exchange programs to study or research at Canadian postsecondary institutions at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels. |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships | The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Award is for Canadian and international doctoral students who are pursuing social science or humanities research. |
Entrance Scholarships | Many universities in Canada offer Entrance Scholarships based on the student’s high school grade point average. These awards may be renewable each year of the student’s program. Students usually don’t need to apply for these scholarships as they are automatically considered when they apply. Students should check out the school’s website for more specific information about Entrance Scholarships. |
Some Canadian provinces and territories offer scholarships for international students to attract them to study at institutions in their region. Many universities also offer specific scholarships, funding, and financial aid for students wanting to study at that school. These may be program or department specific awards and may depend on the level of study. Students are encouraged to check out the financial aid section of the school’s website for more information.
What you will need when applying to a Canada university or college for visa?
- Proof of Acceptance
This includes the original or electronic copy of a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Proof of Identity
Students must provide a valid passport or travel document and travel documents for themselves and each accompanying family member. Online applicants can submit an electronic copy of the information page of their passport.
If the visa application is approved, the student must send their original passport and two recent passport-sized photos with their name and date of birth written on the back.
- Proof of Financial Support
Students have to prove that they can support themselves and their accompanying family members during their stay in Canada. Students can prove that they have adequate funds with any of the following:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in the student’s name, if they’ve transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- Bank statements from the last six months
- A bank draft that can be converted into Canadian dollars
- Proof that tuition and housing expenses have been paid
- A letter from the person or school providing the student with money
- Proof of funding paid within Canada, if the student has a scholarship or is enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program
Required proof of financial competency varies depending on the student’s country of origin, so always be sure to consult the Government of Canada website for the most current and accurate information.
How to Apply for a Student Visa
To begin this application journey, students can either begin online or visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the student’s home country. After receiving the letter of acceptance and paying the tuition fees, students can start their application.
- The step-by-step process-
- STEP-1 : Gather all required documents
- STEP-2 : Submit the application online with CIC website.
- STEP-3 : Provide Biometrics fingerprint and photo
- STEP-4 : Attend an in-person interview if required
- STEP-5 :Attend a medical exam
- STEP-6 : Receive passport request letter
- STEP-7 : Receive Letter of Introduction (LOI)
After the student mails in their passport, it will be returned to them with the visa stamp.
The LOI is not a study permit. Students must have this letter on hand when they arrive in Canada to obtain their study permit.
When flying to Canada, students are required to do the following
- Complete a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) Declaration card. These cards are distributed on the airplane prior to landing or will be available before customs or at digital kiosks.
- Follow the signs that say “Arrivals and Customs” (known as the immigration area). Airport and/or security personnel are often available to help direct international travelers.
- Enter the non-Canadian citizens line.
- Present the following documents to the immigration officer when called:
- A valid passport
- A valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- A Letter of Acceptance from the student’s academic institution
- Proof of adequate funds to support themselves in Canada (GIC documents)
- Letter of Introduction (LOI)
- Any other documents submitted when the student applied for their study permit/visa
- Address of accommodations
- The approximate Canadian dollar value of the items the student has brought with them
Students should register for courses before arriving in Canada based on their school’s instructions.
- Common Questions Asked at Arrivals
A Canadian Immigration Officer at Canadian Customs will ask questions regarding their identity and purpose of travel to confirm the validity of students’ documents.
These questions are meant to help the student enter Canada and should be thought of as an opportunity to gain entrance rather than a barrier. Common questions may include:
- What is your name?
- Where are you travelling from? What’s your home address?
- What is your date and place of birth?
- What school are you planning to attend in Canada?
- What program are you studying in? How long does it take to complete?
- How much cash are you carrying with you?
- Do you have friends or family in Canada? Are you staying with them? Where will you stay if not?
- Is someone coming to pick you up from the airport?
- Do you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- Respond to questions clearly and don’t hesitate to ask for questions to be repeated if need be. An interpreter can be requested to assist the student if they have trouble understanding the officer.
Students need to do five key things when they arrive in Canada:
- Open a bank account.
- Get a Canadian SIM card or cell phone.
- Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Apply for a health card (province dependent).
- Become familiar with local transportation options
Students can live on-campus in a dorm, off-campus in a house or apartment, or with a Canadian family through a homestay organization.
INSTITUTES IN CANADA
UNIVERSITY | UNIVERSITY NAME | APPLY |
 | ALGOMA UNIVERSITY | |
 | CAPILANO UNIVERSITY | |
 | CARLETON UNIVERSITY | |
 | CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN SENECA | |
 | FANSHAWE COLLEGE | |
 | FOCUS COLLEGE | |
 | LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY | |
 | LASALLE COLLEGE | |
 | LASALLE COLLEGE | |
 | SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY | |
 | SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY | |
 | TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY | |
 | TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY | |
 | UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST | |
 | UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST | |
 | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA | |
 | YORKVILLE UNIVERSITY |
