Study in Canada

Being a progressive country, many international students are drawn towards higher studies in Canada. 

Canada’s world-class universities, excellent infrastructure, cultural diversity and work opportunities attract many international students. Other than these, the welcoming environment, quality lifestyle, opportunity to explore, have made Canada a notable study destination.

The educational system of Canada is known for its flexibility, diversity and research. It is worth mentioning that 28 universities from Canada have secured a position in the QS World Ranking of 2022 for their excellence and accomplishments. 

Here’s an overview of all the factors that an international student must know about study abroad in Canada: 

With its highly advanced education sector, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes, Canada stands out to be a global hub for higher education. Canada is also a peace loving country that is suitable for international students to feel comfortable and safe. Here is a look at some other benefits of studying in Canada:

• Canada is known as one of the most educated countries in the world. The government of Canada spends graciously on education and academics to maintain their standards.  

• Canada is an immigrant friendly country that has been hosting around 15 millions of them in the last century and half. It was also the first country to introduce multicultural policy back in the 70s.

• The Canadian universities charge an affordable fee from the international students. Although the fee structure varies based on the programme of study you choose, it is cheaper than US and UK universities. 

• The Canadian government offers various funding and support facilities to international students. Besides, the student visa provides the eligibility to earn while studying in Canada for 20 hours/week. 

• The job market in Canada is huge and highly competitive. As a graduate from a Canadian university, you will have the opportunity to work and explore different sectors of the country and the world.

The education system in Canada has both public-funded and private institutes that offer the best quality of education. There are 213 public colleges along with 223 public and private universities in Canada that offer more than 10,000 graduate and undergraduate programs. The types of degrees that universities in Canada offer are:

• Undergraduate Degree: A bachelors degree in Canada is pursued after competition of class 12th. The duration of the program depends on the type of course and province. However, most undergraduate degrees in Canada are for a duration of 4 years.
• Associate Degree:  This is an undergraduate level degree and requires one or two years of study in a specific field or discipline. However, these programs vary widely from institution to institution, and from province to province.
• Graduate Degree: A Master of Arts or Master of Science is known as a graduate degree. Masters degree in Canada is of a 2-3 years duration.
• PhD: The Doctorate or PhD degree in Canada is a specialised post-graduate degree that can take anywhere from 3-6 years to complete. 

The detailed view of different types of institutions for higher studies in Canada is provided below:

Credit System in Canada

All universities in Canada follow the same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.

• A student requires 3-5 credits per course for an undergraduate degree/Bachelor’s. Typically, around 90-120 credit hours are required to complete a Bachelor’s degree 
• For a Master’s course, it is 3-4 credits per course. Around 30 or more credits are required for a Master’s degree in Canada.
• The Canadian education system uses the GPA or the grade point average, which is a scale from 0.0 to 4.0 to grade students. For a semester, these are calculated based on marks obtained in each course and credits earned for that semester. 4.0 represents A grade and 0.0 is equivalent to F grade. 

The process to study in Canada for Indian students and International students can be completed through an online mode. A step-by-step Canada admission process is discussed below:

1. Decide the course you want to pursue and start searching for the best universities offering that course. 
2. Once the universities are shortlisted, check out the official websites of each university and gather information about the requirements and eligibility criteria.
3. Start the application process. Fill the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Pay the required application fees.
4. Wait for the universities to revert. Once selected you will be sent a letter of acceptance. It is a document that you will need to apply for your student visa. 

Canada University Requirements for International Students

To understand how to study in Canada for international students, you must understand the study requirements in Canada for different programs:

The cost of studying in Canada depends upon the course and university you choose. Your lifestyle also comes into consideration here. The overall cost of studying can be divided into two categories – Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee in Canada differs for domestic and international students. For international students, the fee is higher. Other than the tuition fee, international students in Canada also need to pay some other charges for student services and other school-related activities.

Cost of Living

The cost of living for international students in Canada depends upon your lifestyle. The living expenses in Canada for international students on some of the most important factors is discussed below:

There is no single best place to study in Canada. Canada has some well known metropolitan cities, there are others rich in natural beauty and greenery. Given below is a list of the best cities to study in Canada:

The visa process to study in Canada for Indian students is quite simple. You have to follow all the steps carefully to get your visa without any hassle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow while applying for Canada student visa: 

1. Apply at a Canadian university and receive the letter of acceptance.
2. Apply online for your Canadian student visa, on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
3. Upload all necessary documents.
4. Deliver proof of sufficient financial resources to support your studies in Canada (Tuition fees and Living expenses).
5. Present proof confirming you have no criminal record.
6. Submit medical reports to confirm that you are fit and healthy. 
7. After the online process is completed, you will be called to attend your student visa interview to the respective embassy office you choose. 

There are around 800 scholarships for international students wanting to study at Canadian universities. The scholarships in Canada cover a stipend and/ or cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel allowance and health insurance. They are a great way to finance your education in Canada. 

Some top scholarships to study in Canada are discussed below:

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

• Students applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master and PhD level 
• Amount/ Benefit: Covers tuition fees, travel, and living allowance.

Canadian Francophonie Scholarship

• Fully funded graduate scholarships for international students for four years.
• Amount/ Benefit: Cover tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and rent. Includes amount  up to CAD 27,300

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

• Students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees in natural science or engineering disciplines.
• Amount/ Benefit: Up to CAD 35,000 per year

University of Waterloo Scholarships

• Fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD studies.
• Amount/ Benefit: Upto CAD 10,000

Université de Montréal Scholarships 

• International students for undergraduate, masters and as well as PhD courses.
• Amount/ Benefit: Upto CAD 27,300

University Canada West Scholarships

• They are funded scholarships for international students offered for undergraduate and master’s programmes. 
• Amount/ Benefit: CAD 10,000 for master’s and CAD 20,000 for bachelor’s

McGill University Scholarships

• They are fully funded scholarships for international students offered to undergraduate, masters and PhD students.
• Amount/ Benefit: CAD 8,500

There are many part time jobs in Canada for students to help them out with finances. Your student visa grants the permission to take up different on-campus part-time jobs. After completing six months of study, you may also apply for an off-campus employment permit.

A Canadian student visa permits 20 hours per week of part-time jobs in Canada for international students. 

International students can apply for work off-campus without a work permit in Canada on the following grounds:

• He/she is a full-time student with a valid study permit.
• Enrolled at a designated learning institution for post-secondary studies or pursuing a secondary-level vocational programme in Quebec.
• Enrolled in a six months (minimum) academic, vocational, or professional training programme.

Some popular part time student jobs in Canada for international students are – 

Post Study Work Options For International Students In Canada

One of the most important advantages of choosing to study abroad in Canada is the number of opportunities it offers to students after completing their studies. 

Job Outlook for International Students after Studies

Canada is a vast country and over the years the number of job opportunities in the country have been increasing. Here’s a quick look at the top sectors offering jobs after MS in Canada-

Work Visa & PR in Canada 

The government of Canada gives 180 days to apply for a work permit in Canada after the completion of your course. In order to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must fulfil the following requirements:

• You must have completed a program of study that lasted at least 8 months and led to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• You must have studied full time each academic session without any break in between.

After 3 years of stay and work under the work permit, you may also be eligible for Canadian Permanent Residence status. A permanent work offer from a Canadian employer will categorize you under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and clear your path of getting PR in Canada. Having a PR allows individuals to apply for all kinds of job opportunities in Canada.

Choosing to study abroad in Canada is always a promising prospect. People immigrate from across the world to this beautiful country to study and work. The prestigious universities, vast job market and affordable living make Canada a go-to destination for many study abroad aspirants. If you are one of them, get in touch with our counsellors now for the flight of your dreams is just a click away.   

How many hours can someone work on a student visa in Canada?

Ans: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester period and full-time during the breaks. There are lots of things to consider when working in Canada.

How much proof of funds do I need to show while applying for a study visa in Canada?

Ans:A single student (without a spouse) needs to show Tuition plus $10,000 for 12 months (or $833 per month).
In Quebec, this amount may vary according to the student’s age.

Which English language test should I give for Canada study: TOEFL or IELTS?

Ans:Canadian Universities accept IELTS, TOEFL and CAE Advanced as a proof of proficiency in English language. Still, it is good to verify in the ‘eligibility criteria’ within your shortlisted university.

Under what cases do Canada Visa get rejected?

Ans:If you have submitted incomplete applications or documents found are fraudulent, your visa can get rejected. Lack of sufficient funds proof may also get your application denied.

What are the requirements for study permit in Canada?

Ans:Some documents you primarily need to get a study permit in Canada are valid passport (valid until course completion), your acceptance letter from your university or college, finding proof to support your education, a visa form, visa application fee and biometric fees.

Which is the best city to study in Canada?

Ans:7 Canadian universities rank among top 200 according to QS WORLD RANKINGS 2020. These are from Toronto, Montreal, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

What is the cost of education and living in Canada?

Ans:The tuition fee ranges from CAD 10,000 to $ 25,000 per year and the average cost of living including everything should be around CAD 600 to CAD 800 per month.

Is Canada Visa easy to get?

Ans:Unlike US since there is no face to face interview, the perception is that Canadian visa is easier, most importantly since the country has a very open door policy for internationals and immigration rules are liberal it’s comparatively easier to get the visa, overall documentation and rationale is the same.

Under what conditions can I be exempted to apply for a QAC?

Ans:If you don’t intend to study in Quebec.If your program’s length in Quebec is less than 6 months. However, it is recommended to enquire with the university in case you plan to extend your stay.

What is the duration of a Bachelor’s degree in Canada?

Ans:For most of the universities, it is 4 years. If students are involved in co-op or other internship programs, it may extend up to 5 years. For students studying in Quebec, the duration is 3 years.

What are the chances of getting a postgraduate degree after you have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary educational institution?

Ans:Once you have completed a BA degree in a Canadian tertiary institute you are more than welcome to continue your postgraduate studies in this country, having full legal support from the Canadian authorities regarding migration policies.

What type of documentation will I need to apply for a student visa in Canada?

Ans: Proof of acceptance and enrolment to an accredited academic institution in Canada

• Possess a valid passport, travel document, and provide proof of financial support;
• Ties to their home country and evidence of their intention to leave Canada at the end of their studies.
• Additionally, students have to have proof of no criminal history or endangering medical conditions of any sort and willingly undergo medical testing as required.

What are the popular fields of studies in Canada?

Ans:Some high in demand fields include Life Sciences, Computer Science, Biological Science, Food Technology, and Chemistry. Many Canadian MBA programs are ranked among the top in the World Ranking.

Is the education system the same as in the USA?

Ans:Yes, it is similar in terms of the 10+2+4 education system.

What is the official website for applying for Canada immigration?

Ans:  Sign in to your IRCC secure account – Canada.ca

Do students seeking a Ph.D. in Canada require any references to apply?

Ans:In Canada’s selection process to admit research students, it is important to have a faculty contact, else the process does not proceed. In Masters, too, some courses may require faculty contact.

Are there any more tests other than IELTS for admission to Canadian institutions?

Ans:Depending on the course, you may need to clear tests other than IELTS such as
         GMAT to pursue an MBA in a reputed Canadian university
         TOEFL may be required as an English Proficiency test. This should be checked on the university website
         GRE- Only a few universties and courses need GRE general test.

Why do I need a sponsor to study in Canada?

Ans:After receiving an acceptance letter from a school, you shall have to pay Tuition fees for the first year of your education. However, the Canadian government needs to be assured that you have enough funds to be able to complete your course. Hence, a sponsor is required whose documents show that you have enough funds to live while in Canada.

Can you give a summary of the types of fees to be paid in the entire process to get admission in Canada?

Ans:Apart from fees involved in the shipping of documents, in case you opt for the offline process, the following are major checkpoints to note:

• Application fees for a university
• Score reporting fees for entrance tests like GRE, TOEFL/IELTS
• Tuition fees to pay for the first year of your course as mentioned in the acceptance letter
• Purchase of GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) as a proof of funds for your living expenses
• Proof of funds with your sponsor to show that you will be able to pay for the complete course of your studies (other than the first year) in Canada
  Visa processing fees to acquire a study permit or a work permit or both as required.

Will I be able to adapt to Canadian institutions?

Ans:Well, that entirely depends on your interests. However, since Canada is one of the leading destinations for post-secondary studies, there has to be something right it is doing to attract international students. Most of Canadian institutions ensure comfort for their international students by arranging counselling sessions, encouraging them to join student clubs and orientation programs.

How are Postgraduate diplomas and certificates offered by universities helpful during my graduation?

Ans:Such diplomas and certificates enhance a student’s resume as their primary aim is to add to a student’s knowledge of a subject. Upon completion of such diplomas, one may choose to transfer into a Master’s program depending on the subject and the university.

Do Canadian institutions accept the 10+2+3 education system of India?

Ans:Yes, the 10+2+3 system is accepted for postgraduate (PG) diploma programs however, for masters, almost all universities require 10+2+4. However, certain universities may accept 10+2+3 for masters in selected programs on a case-to-case basis.
Unlike India, Canada has two parallel education systems wherein colleges and universities are separate entities. Colleges offer PG diplomas and universities offer masters programs. Some universities may also offer PG diploma programs in selected courses.

What are the options available to me if I have only completed 15 years of education and I need 16 for entry into a Masters level program?

Ans:Some Universities may accept you with a 3 year Bachelor’s degree e.g., York University. Others may evaluate your academic history and consider you for a direct entry to Masters if you have an excellent academic record, so it is highly recommended you check with the University of CEC. If not, you will have one of the following options:

• You can complete your Master’s degree here in India, and apply for the same thereafter in Canada, or
• You may complete your Master’s degree here in India, and apply for your Ph.D. thereafter in Canada, or
• You may apply for admission into a College/University in Canada, enrolling into a PG Diploma program, or you may enrol in the Graduate Diploma/Pre MBA course in a Canadian University
• You may try to get your credits transferred to a University there, entering your 3rd or 4th year in a Bachelors program. (For this you would need to contact the Admissions Department of the Institution applied for).

Under what conditions am I not allowed to work as a student?

Ans:An international student must stop working the day they no longer meet the eligibility requirements. There is an important exemption to this regulation: students enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program are not authorized to work with a study permit.

What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

Ans:It is a process that gets you faster procurement of your study permit in Canada.

Can my family live with me when I am studying in Canada?

Ans:Through the Student Direct Stream, you can get your family members while studying with you.

What is the minimum age to get a student visa in Canada?

Ans:Though there is no age limit to study in Canada, you need to acquire a student permit even if you are minor. The age limit also varies with province and territories.

Can I directly start working after my course is completed?

Ans:Professions such as law, education and medicine may require an internship or examination before achieving a license to work.

Does University of Toronto offer any diploma or certificate?

Ans:University of Toronto awards Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (GDipPA) to students.

How to prepare SOPs and other documents for the application process?

Ans:It is quite understandable that this is one of the time consuming part of the entire application process. However, this is one of the most important of them as well. A good SOP can fetch you dream admits and a bad one can force rejections upon you despite having a decent profile. Write a rough draft and make revisions.
Try to get inputs from a lot of seniors/friends and fine-tune them to get the best version of it. Do customize it from one university to another.
Do not have one generic SOP to be sent to universities.
SOPs must not be explaining your CVs. They must be focusing on pieces of stuff that cannot be captured in CVs. More like the characteristics/traits you possess with some real-time examples justifying your claims.
Stick to the number of words that are expected by the admission committee. Typically, an SOP is 700 to 800 words long.

As a research student, what should I take care of while contacting a professor?

Ans:Select 6 to 8 Professors from different universities working on an area where you are most interested in. Carefully study the most recent and active projects that the Professors are working on. Check if the Professors have an active grant and are willing to hire new grad students. Without a call for prospective students enlisted in the website, it is recommended not to e-mail a Professor.
Try to find a few tutorials online on how to prepare a research summary by listing down the strong and weak/improvement points of a research paper. Sending this will increase your chances and will give some assurance to the Professors that you are interested and willing to commit yourself to take up the stage. If the Professor doesn’t get back to you, wait for a couple of weeks and then send him/her a gentle reminder! A word of caution, “Do not spam their mailbox!”

What key points should I remember on university’ website for choosing courses?

Ans:Faculty page if you are a research student as it shall provide you information about the latest research going under a professor.

• Visit the respective department websites
• Admission Requirements / Entry Criteria
• Check for application/scholarship deadline
• Course structure

How do I apply for a work permit if not eligible for a co-op internship?

Ans:Work permits can still be applied depending on whether you have got your study permit or not.

What is a Co-op internship program? Am I eligible for this?

Ans:Your eligibility is subjected to the requirement of the course you choose. Some courses require work experience as a part of their curriculum for which you may require a work permit as well.

What is the ideal time to apply to study in Canada?

Ans:Generally, the application period ranges from mid-October to late-January. If you are planning on securing an admission, you will have to apply as early as possible. The Professors will be on a Winter break from the last week of December to the first week of January.