Study in Canada

Canada has consistently maintained its prestige as an attractive education hub due to a variety of factors including its global recognition and reputation, affordability, cultural exposure and abundant research opportunities. Canada has established itself as an immensely high benchmark for academic standards and has rigorous processes to uphold quality that ultimately are designed to broaden opportunities for the longer term. Furthermore, a total of 13 Universities from Canada are recognised in the world's top 200 by QS including 3 that appear in the Top 50. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) as compared to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries.

Why Canada

Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed one of the world’s finest education system with high standards. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) as compared to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries.

Canada plays host to more than 180,000 International students in any given year. A Degree/Diploma from a Canadian Institute is recognized world wide. International students who graduate from Canadian Institutions enjoy successful and prosperous careers. Canada is known for its quality education & competitive entry. Canadian Institutes, charge lower tuition fees for international students than their counterparts in competing countries requirements.

Education systems

There are a number of organizations in Canada that promote quality and the use of high academic standards in post-secondary programs such as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC). Higher education degrees from Canada are accepted and respected worldwide.

Canada is a federation of ten provinces and three territories. Under the Canadian constitution, provincial governments have exclusive responsibility of all levels of education. There is no ministry or department of education at the federal level.

Canada's three territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, do not have the same constitutional status as the provinces, but with respect to education, the federal government has delegated this responsibility to the territorial governments, which, in turn, cooperate with the provinces to deliver post secondary programs.

At the post-secondary level, Canada offers a range of education institutions:

  • University
  • University Colleges
  • Community Colleges
  • Career Colleges or Technical Institutes

Canada also has the highest ranking cities in North America for living according to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting Worldwide Quality of Living Survey 2007. This ranking is based on two important criteria of safety and stability. Five Canadian cities ranked within the Top 25 cities in North America include Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary.

Cost of Living & studying

In Canada, you can receive a high quality education in a friendly and welcoming environment for a reasonable cost.

Cost of higher education in Canada is quite affordable as compared to the cost of studying in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US. Let's find out.

  • Tuition Fee in Approx(CAD$):
    Undergraduate Bachelor Degree - $15,000 -20000
    Postgraduate Masters Degree - $15,000 to $25,000
  • Accommodation Approx(CAD$): $8000 - $12000
  • Minimum Cost of Living Approx(CAD$)Average Total – $38,000 per annum

Courses and universities

Students seeking short-term training programs in multimedia, film studies, computer/internet studies, graphic design and hospitality and the like apply to career colleges. The emphasis at these institutions is on practical skills and some may specialize in specific areas such as business, computers and secretarial skills. Career colleges have highly competitive fee structures.

University colleges combine Canadian university and college traditions, with a strong base of applied and academic programs offered in campus environments. University colleges offer students a wide range of program choices of either academically-oriented university degree programs or the more practically-oriented college diplomas and certificates.

As part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environment. They also may offer combined degree/diploma programs and university transfer programs.

Eligibility Test Requirements

Admission and application procedure

  • All students must have the required English language proficiency with regards to the course.
  • Documents like Covering Letter, Application Fees, Application Form, Statement of Purpose, Essays, Resume, Reco Letters, Transcripts, Mark sheets & Cert., Bank Statement, Affidavit of Financial Statements, Test Score Report
  • Choose you university and course then meet your education counselor to start the visa application process.

Visa process

The Canadian student visa is often referred to as a study permit. To apply for a study permit, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Under Canadian rules, only DLIs are eligible to accept international students. You have the option of lodging your Canadian visa application through the link available at the CIC website

Scholarships

Some Canadian institutions offer scholarships to students with exceptional academics. The amount and type of award depends upon the institution. Canadian scholarships are very competitive and all applications must be made directly with the institution.

Work opportunities

International students graduating from a program of 2 years or more in length would be eligible for a 3 year work permit after graduation with no restrictions on the types of employment and no requirement for a job offer. The experience gained would provide them an opportunity to work in an international setting and at the same time allow them to earn the money invested.Students who study a one year program are eligible for a one year Work Permit.

Exceptions to the general rule

  • There are few universities which accept 3 year degree students for Masters programs like MBA, MSCS etc.
  • There are number of programs and good universities in which you can get admission with your GRE/GMAT or SAT
  • There are ‘Pathway’ programs which give you conditional admissions to Tier 1 universities with comparatively low academics and test scores

FAQ

Universities work independently formulating their own curricula, teaching methods and strategies. Besides they can set all the policies, and do academic planning.Colleges on the other hand are permitted to provide degrees only after a quality assessment process by the government.

When you complete a BA degree from a Canadian institute you are eligible to do postgraduate studies in Canada with support of Canadian authorities.

PhD degree programs are two to three years in duration.

As Canada is divided into individually governed provinces the tuition fees for an academic year of tertiary education vary.

IELTS exam scores are the most common language requirement for Canadian universities. But most universities will accept either TOEFL or IELTS.

Usually institutions require an essay and a personal statement (which talks about you and why you are suitable candidate for the chosen program) along with documents stating your working experience. If a student has additional documents such as reference letters or some activity diplomas/certificates, he/she surely should show it.

Generally Applicants require:

  • Proof of acceptance and enrolment to an accredited academic institution in Canada.
  • A valid passport/travel document and proof of financial support.
  • Proof of no criminal history or endangering medical conditions.

Accommodation varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. But approximately it would be $7000 – $15 000 per year. Rents vary greatly due to the location, quality and availability. To keep expenses low, most of the students share accommodation.

Hostels can be a great low-budget temporary accommodation in a big city.

International students can only have on-campus jobs, otherwise a student should apply for a work permit. To qualify for the work permit, you should have a valid study permit and be a full-time student at a recognized postsecondary educational institution.However, some small jobs don’t require a work permit, but usually they are not paid very well.

If you speak English there will not be any issues residing and working in either the English provinces or the French ones.

Usually international students go for part time opportunities in service industry, and do such jobs as cleaning, washing, servicing in restaurants/cafes as waiters, etc.

All international students in Canada should have health insurance.