Canada has become one of the most sought-after destinations for international students thanks to its world-class universities, safety factor, academic excellence, affordable tuition fees, rewarding courses, ample job opportunities, and a unique multicultural experience.
Canadian degrees are revered throughout the planet. These degrees can get students great skill sets, thus making them qualified for a career in these competitive times.
Canada has everything in the engineering curriculum, nursing prospects, or management subjects. However, many students are still unfamiliar with the great offerings of Canada.
If you are one of those students, you might want to follow this article which acts as a beginner’s guide to studying in Canada.
Why Study in Canada?
Getting out of the comfort zone and leaving one’s home country for future studies has become customary for quite some time. Ambitious and knowledge-hungry people are drawn to opportunities to learn more. And this is precisely what further studies in Canada promise them.
Below, we have laid out why students pick Canada for their future endeavours.
The education system in Canada
Canadian Education System covers research, thesis, and practical-workplace-based skills. In addition to providing theoretical knowledge, it also prepares students for real-world problems and applications.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that Canada is one of the 3 top countries to invest in public post-secondary education.
Additionally, the education system is flexible and practical, introducing several programs students can pick from.
- PhD./ Doctorate program (4 to 7 years in general)
- Master’s Degree program (1 to 2.5 years in general)
- Postgraduate degree program (diploma and certificates, 1 to 2 years in general)
- Bachelor's Degree program (4 years in general)
- Diploma (General, 1 to 2 years, and Advanced diploma programs, 2 to 3 years in general)
- Certificate Level programs (up to 1 year in general)
Students can choose the educational programs per their academic preference, affordability, and time.
Globally recognized degrees
Educational institutes in Canada are devoted to delivering high-quality education to students. Students are tutored via on-site lectures, tutorials, and online mediums. Besides the technical knowledge around a specific field, students also learn general management and leadership skills.
Canadian degrees and graduates are as revered as the US and European ones. As a result, Canadian degrees are globally acclaimed and will help you land a competent job anywhere in the world.
Statistics and facts suggest that around 90% of Canadian college graduates land a job in their respective fields within less than a year of graduation.
To add the cherry on top, 93% of employers are happy with the graduates’ skill set and work.
Affordable programs and courses
One thing that separates Canada from its contemporaries, like Australia and the United States, is its affordable tuition fees.
Many international students hail from developing countries. While the fees of public colleges and universities in Canada are significantly lower for domestic students than for international students, the fee structure is still quite affordable.
For international students, the fee structure generally looks like this:
| Different Study Programs | Average tuition fees per year in Canadian Dollars |
| Diploma | 12000 - 18000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 13000 - 25000 |
| Postgraduate Degree | 12000- 20000 |
| Masters Degree | 8000- 45000 |
| Doctorate | 10000- 25000 |
Safe abroad study destination
Canada boasts impressively low crime rates. With friendly and helpful locals, it is a safe destination to study overseas.
According to Global Finance ranking in 2019, Canada is one of the 20 safest countries in the world.
As per the statistics by NumDiploma: the safety index of Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA are 62.42, 57.94, 57.9, and 49.99, respectively.
Moreover, the Canadian natives are famous as the most polite and friendly people in the world. The petty crime rates and racial discrimination-related violence are minimal in Canada. We hope this answers the question, “Is Canada safe for International Students?”.
Work permit in Canada
International Students in Canada can indulge in on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs to compensate for their cost of tuition and living.
Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the school term. While on the semester breaks (generally 3 months long), international students can work full-time (40 hours per week).
International students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies. Besides this kind of work permit, you can also apply for an employer-specific and Open Work permit.
PR opportunities
If the work culture and Canadian lifestyle allure you, you can take advantage of Permanent Residency opportunities to stay in Canada permanently.
Canada provides the option of PR to eligible International students based upon options like Canadian Experience Class (CRS), Quebec Experience Class, and Provincial Nomination Program.
It is much easier to gain a PR in Canada compared to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. There are good chances of you encountering someone from your home country.
Top Universities in Canada
As per the 2023 QS News World University Ranking, 25 Canadian universities made it to the top-ranking universities worldwide. As of 2023, some of the top universities in Canada are:
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British
Columbia University
Montreal University
University of Alberta
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
Western University
University of Calgary
University of Ottawa
Other than these universities, Canada also offers useful programs via public colleges. The public colleges in Canada are affordable and prepare you for skill-based jobs. Most public colleges also provide placement to domestic and international students. Some of the best colleges in Canada are:
- Humber college
- Conestoga college
- Fanshawe college
- Lambton college
- Seneca college
- Centennial college
- Langara college
- Cambrian college
- Canadore college
- Georgian college
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Talk to an ExpertUndergraduate and masters program
The universities of Canada seek out competent students for their bachelor’s and master’s programs. The university even provides merit-based scholarships for eligible students.
Canadian universities are famous for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in business, agriculture, engineering, IT, nursing, tourism, medicine, and arts programs.
The master’s program is generally course-based and thesis-based. On the thesis-based master’s program, you can contact professors for a stipend and funding for your master's.
If the professors find your case, SOP, and expertise appealing, you might get an opportunity to study free of tuition costs.
Canadian University admission requirement for International Students
The admission requirement in Canada varies from university to university and program to program. It’s tough to get into the popular universities of Canada. But, the learning experience and degrees are entirely worth it.
General Admission requirement for a bachelor's degree in Canada
- A + 2 first-division score, in general,
- A language proficiency test English Proficiency test like TOEFL (at least 70 with no band less than 20) and IELTS (at least 6.5 with no band less than 6), in general.
- A well-written Statement of Purpose showcasing why you chose the program, university, and country.
General Admission requirement for postgraduate degrees in colleges and universities in Canada
- 3 or 4-year Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with 50 % in general.
- English Proficiency tests like TOEFL (at least 70 with no band less than 20) and IELTS (at least 6.5 with no band less than 6).
- A well-written SOP showcases why you picked the university/college, program, and country.
- An experience letter is always a plus
General admission requirement for masters in Canada
You must show excellence in academics, projects, and Language proficiency tests. Below, we have curated a general admission requirement to get enrolled in a master’s program in Canada.
- 4-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- 2-4 academic and professional Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- An impressive Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- English Proficiency tests like TOEFL (at least 70 with no band less than 20) and IELTS (at least 6.5 with no band less than 6).
- Some work experience and GMAT scores (Average of 600) if you are targeting MBA programs.
- Work experience letter in case of Gaps.
- Some precise subjects like Business Analytics and Data science require GRE.
- Note: Some universities and programs might have higher or lower cut-off scores. Though the French proficiency test is not “the must” for most universities, it’s a plus point.
Apply for a Study Permit in Canada
The process of obtaining a Canadian Study permit can be summarized in the following steps:
Apply for the course
The first step is to apply for the course and educational institute. Take your time on this one. A simple Google search would do.
Check the official websites of the university, and you will get a hint of program duration, tuition fees, syllabus, the academic requirement to be eligible for applying, and so on.
You can also contact reliable consultancies for this. You will have to present the following documents in general.
- Citizenship Id Card
- Passport
- 10th Marksheet and character certificate
- 12th Marksheet, Transcript, and character certificate.
- Bachelors Marksheet, Transcript, provisional/ character certificate and LORs
- Masters Marksheet, Transcript, provisional. Character certificate and LORs.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) acting as a summary of all academic and professional achievements.
- IELTS/ TOEFL score proof
- Work experience letter depending upon the program.
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Process after getting an offer letter from Canadian Institute
If the Canadian university or college finds your profile suitable for their organization, you will receive the offer letter. Depending on the institute, this will likely take 1 week and 3 months.
Generally, universities take longer to provide offer letters compared to colleges.
Apply for Visa to Canada
These are the documents that you will require.
- Visa application
- Application letter from the university.
- Statement of Purpose
- Medical reports
- Passport
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of funds and financial documents.
- Processing fees for Visa Application
Study in Canada with Scholarships
Canada offers generous scholarships to eligible international students of different levels. The scholarship could be from the Canadian government, university, or college itself, and several social-cause scholarships.
These scholarships further appeal to the “Why choose Canada for study?”.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for International Students
- University of British Columbia scholarship for academically brilliant students.
- International Major Entrance Scholarship
- Outstanding International Student Award
- York University International Student Scholarship based on metrics.
- Entrance scholarships
- Continuing Student Scholarship
- Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- Carleton University of Excellence
- Ten Chancellor’s Scholarships
- The Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarships
- The Carleton University SHAD Scholarship
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship for 37 students yearly based on academic excellence and leadership quality.
- Calgary International Entrance Scholarships worth $15000 a year.
Graduate Scholarship in Canada for International Students.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (mainly for doctoral candidates) based on promising research abilities, academic brilliance, and leadership attributes
- The University of Calgary Graduate Awards
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Scholarships for Doctoral Candidates.
- Canadian Graduate Scholarships for Masters.
- University of Waterloo Master’s Award for excellent students enrolled in a research-based program.
- The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships for masters and doctoral candidates.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships for 16 eligible doctoral candidates each year.
Cost of Living in Canada
Canada is known for its lower cost of living. The living expenses in Canada depend upon the place you live and the lifestyle you opt for.
As an international student, your living area and living cost shall depend upon the location of your university or college.
Canada's general cost of living ranges from 1200 CAD per year to 2500 CAD per month. The cost of living will cover accommodation, health insurance, food, and transportation expenses.
For instance, it might cost you around 1800 CAD monthly in Montreal, 2000 CAD monthly in Vancouver, 1200 CAD in Alberta, 1600 CAD monthly in Ottawa, 2500 CAD monthly in Toronto, and so on.
Note that this cost doesn't generally cover your extravagant social life.
Job scope
The job scope in Canada is diverse and enriching. There are job opportunities fitting job seekers in several levels in Canada. Canada is known for its countless job opportunities eclectic in fields like medicine, technology, hospitality, and tourism.
Part-time job opportunities in Canada
As a global student, you will receive part-time job opportunities in Canada. Some of the most common and best part-time jobs for international students are- server/ bartender, barista, Uber driver, nanny, dog walker, salesperson, translator, teaching assistant, cook, and customer service assistant.
The general pay that international students receive is 10 to 20 CAD per hour.
Of course, with experience and skill, the pay increases.
The pay and type of part-time job vary depending on the location.
Job opportunities in Canada after graduation
After completing their degrees, international students can dedicate their full time to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). Via the PGWP program, you will get to work on world-class companies, learning new skills while also imparting your contributions.
Depending upon the length of your graduation course, the work permit after graduation could be 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years.
Nonetheless, the post-graduation work permit will allow you to extend your stay in Canada and also magnify the chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Some of Canada's most highly paid jobs after graduation are- Dentist, Computer science engineer, nurse practitioner, Business analyst, supply chain manager, and Executive manager.
Note: International students with valid study permits can apply to post-graduate work permit programs.
What’s the weather like in Canada
Canada is pictured as a freezing place with biting temperatures. However, this isn’t wholly true. The weather depends upon the place you pick and also the seasons.
This is the weather you are likely to experience in Canada, except in some extreme locations.
Summer season: Diurnal temperatures can rise to 35 degrees.
Autumn and Spring seasons: Neither too hot nor too cold temperatures. Mornings and nights are likely to be chilly.
Winter season: The weather can drop below -20 degrees. Most cities in Canada experience periods of snow during this season.
Canada has well-equipped infrastructures like heated houses, public transportation systems, etcetera, to survive and prosper in the cold weather.
Canadian Way of Life
Wondering what awaits you in Canada other than promising educational and career opportunities?
Canada is famous for its exotic landscapes, diverse culture, high quality of life, and serene environment. The official languages of Canada are English and French. In some specific states, French is very popular; otherwise, being fluent in English is enough.
There are also many adventurous outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, ice hockey, ice skating, and snowboarding.
The big cities in Canada include Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, and Vancouver. These cities have ample job opportunities, educational institutions, and well-developed architecture.
Transportation options for International students
Canada boasts plenty of luxurious and affordable transportation options to make the life of people easier. The transportation options include planes, trains, buses, ferry boats, cars, and taxis. Trains and buses are hit transportation options for students because of their accessibility, affordability, and safety.
Taxis are expensive, but when you are new and have nothing, it’s an easy and flexible option.
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