Your Guide to Study in Canada as an International Student

Canada is home to some of the best study and immigration options in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about how to study in Canada, work and immigrate.

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is a popular destination for international students for many reasons. It has a world-class education system, a diverse culture, and a high standard of living. Canadian universities and colleges are ranked among the best in the world, and they offer a wide range of programs to choose from.

In addition, Canada is a multicultural country with a welcoming and inclusive society. Students from all over the world come to Canada to study, and they will find a supportive and diverse community in which to learn and grow.

Canada is also a relatively affordable country to study in, compared to other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. There are also a number of scholarships and bursaries available to international students.

Finally, Canada has a strong economy and a high standard of living. Students will enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle while they are studying in Canada.

Here are some specific references to support the above reasons:

World-class education: According to the 2023 QS World University Rankings, 26 Canadian universities are ranked in the top 500 universities in the world.
Diverse culture: Canada is a multicultural country with over 200 ethnic groups represented. In 2020, immigrants made up 23% of the Canadian population.
Affordable tuition fees: The average tuition fee for international students in Canada is around $25,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the average tuition fee for international students in the United States, which is around $40,000 per year.
High standard of living: Canada has a high standard of living, with safe cities, good healthcare, and a strong economy. Canada is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for quality of life.
Post-graduation opportunities: After they graduate, international students may be eligible to stay in Canada and work for up to three years. This gives them valuable experience and the opportunity to build a career in Canada.

Study Requirements for Canadian Colleges and Universities

Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering a world-class education, a diverse culture, and a high standard of living. To study in Canada, international students must meet certain requirements, which vary depending on the level of study and the specific program or institution.

College education in Canada:

College education in Canada is typically more practical and less theoretical than university education. Colleges offer a variety of programs, including diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees.

To apply to a college in Canada, international students must meet the following general requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent
Proof of English or French language proficiency (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 60)
Official transcripts from previous schools
A letter of motivation
Letters of recommendation

Some colleges may have additional requirements, such as a portfolio of work or an interview.

Undergraduate studies in Canada:

Undergraduate studies in Canada typically take 3-4 years to complete. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of programs, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and education.

To apply to an undergraduate program in Canada, international students must meet the following general requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent
Proof of English or French language proficiency (minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 80)
Official transcripts from previous schools
A letter of motivation
Letters of recommendation

Some undergraduate programs may have additional requirements, such as a portfolio of work or an interview.

Master’s studies in Canada:

Master’s studies in Canada typically take 1-2 years to complete. Master’s students can choose from a wide variety of programs, including research-based programs and course-based programs.

To apply to a master’s program in Canada, international students must meet the following general requirements:

A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Proof of English or French language proficiency (minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 80)
Official transcripts from previous schools
A letter of motivation
Letters of recommendation
Some research-based master’s programs may require research experience.

PhD studies in Canada:

PhD studies in Canada typically take 3-5 years to complete. PhD students conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member.

To apply to a Ph.D. program in Canada, international students must meet the following general requirements:

A master’s degree or equivalent
Proof of English or French language proficiency (minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 80)
Official transcripts from previous schools
A letter of motivation
Letters of recommendation
Some Ph.D. programs may require research experience.

In 2023, the Canadian government has made it easier for international students to apply for and obtain study permits. The government has also increased the number of scholarships and bursaries available to international students.

Additionally, many Canadian colleges and universities are now offering online and distance learning programs. This makes it possible for international students to study in Canada without having to relocate to the country.

How to Apply to Canadian Colleges and Universities?

Applying to Canadian colleges and universities can be a complex process, but it is an exciting one! With so many great options to choose from, it is important to do your research and find the right program for you.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to Canadian colleges and universities:

Choose a school and program. The first step is to choose a college or university that offers the program you are interested in. You can use the Canadian government’s website to search for schools and programs.
Check the admission requirements. Once you have chosen a school and program, you need to check the admission requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the school and program, but they typically include things like your high school grades, English language proficiency test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Gather your application materials. Once you know the admission requirements, you must gather your application materials. This includes things like your transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Submit your application. Once you have gathered all of your application materials, you need to submit your application to the school. You can usually do this online or by mail.
Apply for a study permit. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need to apply for a study permit. You can apply for a study permit online or through a Canadian visa office.

As an immigration consultant to Canada, we can help you with every step of the application process. We can help you choose a school and program, check the admission requirements, gather your application materials, submit your application, and apply for a study permit. We can also provide you with support and guidance throughout the process.

Studying in Canadian Schools:

Studying in Canadian schools is a great way to get a high-quality education and gain valuable work experience. Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges, and international students are welcome.

Documents Required for Study Visa in Canadian Schools:

The following documents are typically required for a study visa application to Canada:

A completed application form
A valid passport
Proof of financial support
Proof of acceptance to a designated learning institution (DLI)
Proof of language proficiency in English or French
A medical certificate
Police clearance certificate (if required)

Note: Some documents may need to be translated into English or French.

Legal Guardians:

International students under the age of 18 may be required to have a legal guardian in Canada. If you are under the age of 18 and do not have a family member in Canada who can be your legal guardian, you may be able to arrange for a homestay or guardianship program.

Canadian Schools:

Canada has a variety of schools to choose from, including public schools, private schools, and international schools. Public schools are funded by the government and are free to attend for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Private schools are funded by tuition fees and may offer specialized programs or religious instruction. International schools offer programs taught in English or French and are designed for international students.

Canadian Student Visa:

A Canadian student visa is a document that allows an international student to study in Canada for a specific period. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the student’s program plus an additional six months.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?

The cost of studying in Canada for international students can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Type of study course: Tuition fees for undergraduate programs are typically lower than tuition fees for graduate programs. Additionally, tuition fees for professional programs, such as medicine and law, are typically higher than tuition fees for non-professional programs.
Duration of study: Tuition fees are typically charged per semester or year. Therefore, the longer the duration of your study program, the higher the total tuition fees will be.
City: The cost of living varies depending on the city where you live. For example, the cost of living in Vancouver is higher than the cost of living in Edmonton.
Educational institution: Tuition fees vary depending on the educational institution. For example, tuition fees at private universities are typically higher than tuition fees at public universities.

Here is a breakdown of some of the common costs of studying in Canada:

Tuition fees: $13,000 to $20,000 per year for undergraduate programs, $15,000 to $30,000 per year for graduate programs
Cost of living: $1,000 to $1,500 per month in smaller cities, $1,500 to $2,500 per month in larger cities
Other expenses: Health insurance ($600 to $1,000 per year), visa and study permit fees ($150 per person), books and supplies ($300 to $500 per year), travel expenses (vary depending on your home country)

Total cost: The total cost of studying in Canada for international students can range from $25,000 to $45,000 per year. However, the cost may be higher or lower depending on the individual student’s circumstances.

Financial Requirements:

To obtain a study permit for Canada, you must be able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. This amount varies depending on the length of your studies and the city where you will be living. In general, you will need to show that you have enough money for at least one year of tuition and living expenses.

Canadian Scholarships:

There are a number of Canadian scholarships available to international students. Some scholarships are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need or other factors.

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Studying in Canada

Here are some tips for reducing the cost of studying in Canada:

Choose a less expensive city to live in.
Consider attending a public university or college instead of a private one.
Live off-campus instead of on-campus.
Cook your own meals instead of eating out.
Take advantage of free and low-cost activities on campus and in the community.
Apply for scholarships and bursaries.

How to Get a Canadian Study Visa?

The Canadian study visa is the most important part of becoming a student in Canada. To get a study visa, you must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI), have enough money to support yourself while in Canada, and convince the immigration officer that you will return to your home country after you finish your studies. You can apply for a study visa online or through a Canadian visa office.

Canadian Student Visa Requirements:

To get a Canadian student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Be accepted by a Canadian educational institution
Have enough money to support yourself while in Canada
Show that you have ties to your home country and will return after your studies
Convince the immigration officer that you intend to return to your home country
Complete all required documents and forms
Have a clean criminal record
Be in good health

If you are under the age of 18, you must also be accompanied by your parents or guardian.

Note: Half of international students in Canada stay after graduation and get permanent residence. There are a number of federal and provincial programs that you may be eligible for to obtain permanent residence in Canada after your studies.

Canadian Companion Visa:

If you are the spouse, dependent child, or parent of a Canadian student visa applicant or holder, you may be eligible for a Canadian companion visa. This visa will allow you to live in Canada with your student family member.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada:

One of the great benefits of studying in Canada is that after graduating from a designated learning institution (DLI) with a DLI number, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This will allow you to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate.

Permanent Residence in Canada After Studying:

If you have graduated from a Canadian university or college with a DLI number and you plan to stay in Canada and obtain permanent residence, there are a number of federal and provincial programs that you may be eligible for.

Canadian Study Visa Rejection:

If your study visa application is rejected, you may be able to reapply after addressing the reasons for the rejection. You may also be able to appeal the decision.

Study in Canada