Study in Canada

Canada is experiencing continuous growth as a nation, drawing in a greater number of students than ever before. With a generous visa acceptance rate, affordable study, and living expenses, and the potential to obtain permanent residency in the land of maple leaves, international students are eagerly flocking to pursue their education in Canada. This is evident from the staggering number of study permits issued to international students, surpassing 93,000 in the initial four months of 2023 alone.

This surge in international students choosing Canada as their educational destination can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Canada's reputation for providing high-quality education is widely recognized. Canadian universities and colleges consistently rank among the top institutions globally, offering various programs and courses that cater to different academic interests and career aspirations.

Additionally, Canada's visa acceptance rate is notably high compared to other countries. The Canadian government has implemented policies and streamlined processes to make obtaining study permits easier for international students. This welcoming approach has created a sense of security and assurance among prospective students, knowing their chances of being granted a visa are relatively high.

Moreover, Canada's affordability of study and living expenses is another appealing aspect for international students. Compared to other popular study destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, Canada offers relatively lower tuition fees for domestic and international students. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, Canada's immigration policies allow international students to obtain permanent residency after completing their studies. The Canadian government recognizes international students' value to the country's economy and workforce. As a result, they have implemented various pathways for international students to transition from temporary study permits to permanent residency, allowing them to contribute to Canada's growth and development in the long term.

The information below covers everything a student would want to know, from visa regulations to the cost of study and much more.

Why Study in Canada?

• High-quality education: Canada is known for its excellent education system, with numerous universities and colleges consistently ranking among the top in the world. Canadian degrees are recognized globally and hold high value in the job market.
• Diverse range of programs: Canadian institutions offer a wide variety of programs and courses, catering to different interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in arts, sciences, business, engineering, or any other field, you can find a program that suits your needs.
• Affordable tuition fees: Compared to other popular study destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom, tuition fees in Canada are relatively affordable. Additionally, numerous scholarships, grants, and funding options are available for international students, making education more accessible.
• Safe and welcoming environment: Canada is known for its multiculturalism and inclusivity. International students are welcomed with open arms and can feel safe and supported while studying in the country. Canadian cities consistently rank among the safest in the world, providing a secure environment for students.
• Opportunities for work experience: Canada offers various opportunities for students to gain practical work experience while studying. International students can work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, allowing them to gain valuable skills and enhance their resumes.
• Post-graduation work opportunities: After completing their studies, international students have the option to apply for a work permit to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This can be a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, making Canada an attractive destination for those seeking long-term career opportunities.

Eligibility for Studying in Canada

The admission requirements for Canadian universities are pretty much consistent, but the details vary depending on the university and the course an international student is applying to. Therefore, it is advisable to apply as early as possible regarding the visa process, document submission, fee payment, and, most importantly, the closing date.

Each university has different criteria for offering admission to students for undergraduate programs. These criteria typically include a combination of grades, essays, and other supporting documents. Students should visit the university's website to find out specific details about the admission requirements.

The basic entry requirements of any university are as follows:

• Academic qualifications
• Some universities may require a GRE/GMAT score.
• A personal statement or A statement of intent (sometimes both are needed by universities)
• Further experience (applicable only if mentioned by universities)
• Other requirements may include a financial statement that checks the availability of funds an international student has to cover the tuition fees and living costs.
• English Language scores
• A Resume

English Language requirements

Students may have to take ONE of the following tests:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) with a score of 7.0 (6.5 in all categories). The IELTS scores are very susceptible to change depending on the university a student chooses to attend and even the subject they choose to study.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 100 or above.
3. PTE with a score range between 50 to 61.

Visa Regulations

The Canadian government granted around 93,000 study permits solely during the first four months of 2023, making it a prime destination for international students to pursue higher studies. Furthermore, Canada provides a highly innovative educational infrastructure along with its welcoming society and successfully attracts students from all across the globe. Hence, it has secured a well-deserved rank as the fourth country with the most international students.

The document that is required to pursue higher education in Canada is known as the Study Permit, and it is issued by the Government of Canada. The document is mainly applicable to all international students wanting to study in Canada, and it is the document that determines the issuing of a visa to international students.

The visa granted to international students is valid for the course plus 90 days. If an international student wishes to prolong their stay in Canada after completing their higher studies, renewing the visa for an extended stay is essential. Failure to do so will lead the international student to leave Canada as soon as possible.

In 2024, Canada's Government decided to reduce the intake cap by 35% compared to 2023, resulting in an estimated 360,000 approved study permits. Each province and territory will be allocated a share of the cap by the IRCC, which they will distribute among the approved educational institutions. Starting on January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted to the IRCC must include an attestation letter from a province or territory to comply with the cap.

To learn about the duration, documents required, and working status, click here

Cost of Studying in Canada

The tuition fees vary between domestic and international students. The fee schedule for both domestic and international students is outlined based on the respective degree programs below:

Undergraduate degree

• For domestic students: The fees begin at $6,500 per academic year but may increase for medical (and related) courses.
• For international students: The annual fee for international students is approximately $35,000.

Postgraduate degree

• For domestic students: The fees begin at $7,000 per academic year but may increase for medical courses.
• For international students: The annual cost for international students enrolled in postgraduate programs is approximately $20,000.

Degree Programs in Canada

The Canadian higher education system is diverse and offers various pathways for students. The Canadian system of higher education functions based on a credit system, where students accumulate credits through the successful completion of courses. These transferable credits allow students to change programs or universities if desired.

• Undergraduate Level: Students can work towards obtaining undergraduate degrees at this level. Canadian universities present a diverse selection of undergraduate programs across different disciplines. Moreover, colleges and polytechnic institutes offer condensed, profession-oriented programs that may not culminate in undergraduate degrees but do impart students with hands-on skills.
• Graduate Level: Upon finishing their undergraduate studies, students can advance to the graduate level, where they can pursue master's degrees or other advanced credentials. Graduate programs offer students the chance to focus on particular areas of study and engage in research activities. Additionally, some students pursue graduate diplomas or certificates to develop their expertise in a specific field further.
• Postgraduate Level: At the post-graduate level, students can earn doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees centered on conducting original research and enhancing their understanding within a particular area of study. Additionally, individuals can explore post-doctoral research positions to further their research endeavors after completing a Ph.D.

Top Universities in Canada

University of Toronto	University of British Columbia	McGill University
McMaster University	University of Alberta	University of Montreal
University of Waterloo	University of Ottawa	University of Calgary
Western University	Queen's University	Dalhousie University
Simon Fraser University	University of Victoria	University of Manitoba
Laval University	York University	University of Saskatchewan
Carleton University	Concordia University	Memorial University of Newfoundland
University of Quebec	University of Sherbrooke	University of Regina
University of New Brunswick	Ontario Tech University	Lakehead University
University of Windsor	Wilfrid Laurier University	Brock University
Laurentian University	Toronto Metropolitan University	Trent University
University of Lethbridge	University of Prince Edward Island	University of Guelph

Accommodation

Like any other university destination, Canadian universities offer international and domestic students the option of living on-campus or off-campus. Details about both the options of accommodation are given below:

On-Campus

On-Campus is the choice of living within the university campus. The option of living on campus is appealing to a majority of students as it saves time and money by a margin. Living on-campus is undoubtedly popular with international students as it helps them to save extra money on electricity, the internet, food, water bills, and much more. Additionally, students get to mix with other international and domestic students and become more familiar with the campus.

On-campus accommodation is undoubtedly much more affordable, although it depends on the student's budget and if it aligns with the university's cost. The good news is that some scholarships provided by universities may also cover the cost of living for the student who is awarded the same, and it is usually for the whole duration of the term.

Off-Campus

Off-campus accommodations are living options that are not provided by the university and are not in the campus area. Students can rent a flat in Canada or go to a shared house.

Renting an apartment is usually done by domestic students as it seems to be affordable for them. Moreover, for an international student, there is a pile of additional costs such as the electricity bill, the water bill, paying for the internet, and so on, but students (domestic or international) can share the apartment and split the costs. The average price of renting is between CA$400 - CA$800 per month; the cost increases as per the apartment's location and the type of apartment.

The other option of a shared house is trendy among students. Usually, at least 4-5 students share a home with separate bedrooms. The bathroom is generally personal but depends on the house's infrastructure. Additionally, the kitchen and the hall are always shared by all the residents of the shared home. A share-house costs between $400 to $1,500 per month.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Scholarships offer a great opportunity to reduce expenses before starting university. Canada offers various scholarships for international students in addition to those provided by private sponsors. Below are some of the top scholarships accessible to students in Canada.

1. Carleton University Awards: The University of Carleton offers the Carleton University Award as a scholarship exclusively to international undergraduate students. The scholarship is awarded to students who perform outstandingly in their academics; it covers their tuition fees for four years.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is awarded by the University of Toronto to potential students who display outstanding performance in their academics. This scholarship is exclusively available to international undergraduate students and covers accommodation costs, books, incidental fees, and tuition costs for four years. Moreover, the scholarship does not only consider the academic performance but also the creativity and leadership qualities an individual displays.
3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: This program provides a primary fund to students to meet initial living expenses in Canada for the first few months. The grant may go up to $ 10,000.
4. Dalhousie University Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded by the Dalhousie University for domestic as well as international students. The scholarship is available for all degree levels and can be awarded to current or prospective students.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program: This program promotes admissions in Health / Natural Sciences / Engineering / Humanities / Social Sciences Research courses. The university / educational institution students are seeking admission to will help them apply for this program. A student may get up to $ 50,000 per year for three years under this program for pursuing their doctoral studies. The candidate must have pro-active research potential and an excellent academic record.
6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Similar to the scholarship mentioned above program, research fellows in the field of Health / Natural Sciences / Engineering / Humanities / Social Sciences are eligible for this fellowship program while pursuing their research at a Canadian Institution.
7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded to international students who want to pursue a doctoral program in Canada. It is a 3-year program where the student goes through a rigorous curriculum under the mentorship and guidance of other scholars, mentors, and fellows. The student must also meet specific goals every year and become fluent in English and French during this period. Appropriate guidance and support are provided throughout.
8. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program: This scholarship is primarily for MBA students and doctoral-level studies. Many top universities in Ontario offer this program. Similar to several other scholarship programs, this program is also merit-based.
9. IDRC Research Awards: There is no competitive exam for this award. Usually, it is granted based on academic record (preferably a Master's, Ph.D., or Post-Doctoral Degree), skills, and experience. This program invites qualified candidates from developing countries to work on research programs with IDRC staff.
10. Quebec Merit Scholarship & Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: and many other scholarship programs are on the list. Deserving candidates have many opportunities to seek financial support to pursue their education or research in Canada. The only care is needed to find astutely for a scholarship program in their discipline and university and apply with the complete form before the deadline for the scholarship grant. Full support from the university / educational institution can be expected from international students.
11. FINCAD Women in Finance scholarship: is offered by FINCAD to those women who are already pursuing a graduate Finance course in any nationally or internationally accredited institution. The scholarship is awarded to eligible women in US $10,000.

To know more in detail about the scholarships and how to apply for them, click here

Working While Studying in Canada

Students holding a study permit can participate in part-time work while residing in the country. These work opportunities can be either on-campus or off-campus, subject to availability, with many candidates finding employment in the service sector. The study permit will specify the types of work that can be undertaken while studying, which may differ from person to person. The primary condition for working while studying is that students must be enrolled. Those on approved leave are not permitted to work in the country.

International students in Canada could work off campus for more than 20 hours per week until April 2024. However, this privilege was limited to those already enrolled in courses or who had applied for a study permit before December 7, 2023. After this date, students are no longer allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. It is important to note that specific candidates, such as those enrolled in language or prerequisite programs, may not be eligible to work while studying. If these candidates still wish to work, they must apply for a separate work permit. Additionally, unless they possess a separate work permit, candidates cannot engage in full-time employment while studying.

Career Options in Canada

Canada offers a wide range of career options for individuals seeking employment opportunities. The country's diverse economy and thriving industries provide a favorable environment for professionals from various fields. Numerous sectors offer promising career prospects, from healthcare and technology to finance and engineering.

• One of the prominent career options in Canada is in the healthcare sector. With an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, there is a growing need for healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and allied health workers. The country also offers opportunities in research and development, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.
• Another thriving industry in Canada is the technology sector. With cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal emerging as tech hubs, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The tech industry in Canada is known for its innovation and offers excellent career growth prospects.
• Canada's finance sector is also a popular choice for individuals seeking career opportunities. With significant financial centers like Toronto and Vancouver, the country offers a range of roles in banking, investment management, accounting, and financial planning. The finance industry in Canada is known for its stability and competitive salaries.
• Engineering is another field that offers promising career options in Canada. With a strong focus on infrastructure development and technological advancements, there is a demand for engineers in various disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. The country offers opportunities in the construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.
• Apart from these sectors, Canada also provides career options in fields like education, hospitality, marketing, and creative arts. The country's education system is highly regarded, and there is a demand for teachers and educators at all levels. The hospitality industry, driven by tourism, offers hotel, restaurant, and event management opportunities. The marketing and creative arts sectors provide avenues for individuals with advertising, graphic design, and media production skills.