Study in Canada: Complete guide for International Students

Studying in Canada offers promising career opportunities, evident from the last decade’s stats where Canada created 1.6 million new jobs for graduates. Besides ranking #1 on the world’s quality of life index, it also boasts of having 5 of the top 100 best student cities in the world.

Canada is home to 21 of the world’s top 500 universities and 32 in the top 1,000. In 2018, Canada was home to 572,415 study permit holders.

Study In Canada: Can Top Universities — Camada Top-ranked universities

It offers some of the world’s best study programs and is home to some of its leading research facilities and academic institutions.

If studying abroad is your plan, Canada should be at the top of your list. Read ahead for a step-by-step guide to applying for a Canada Study Permit.

Contents Table

Top Courses to Study in Canada

Business
Engineering
Health and Science
Agriculture Science
Computing and IT
Hospitality and Tourism

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Suppose you are keen to study in Canada and explore some funding options. There are many scholarships offered by the Canadian government, individual Canadian universities, and other organizations for international students.

Canada Non-Government Scholarship	Canada Government Scholarship
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program	Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
NSERC Postgraduate scholarships	Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program	Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
IDRC Research Awards
Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program

Step-By-Step Guide to Study in Canada

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Successfully applying to a Canadian education institution requires different understanding requirements for schools and their courses.

Candidates also need to carefully analyze the rules and regulations applicable to the study permit application process. Only recognized schools and periods of approved study will be meaningful.

Ideally, it would help if you started planning for your Canadian study permit at least a year in advance. Standard requirements for all universities and institutions include an updated passport, proficiency in either English or French, proof of passing prescribed language tests with minimum grades/bands, and a guarantee that you can finance your study and the cost of living in the country.

Of course, requirements may vary between provinces, which is why this step must be performed carefully and systematically.

Step 2: Choose your Course and Institution

The first step towards choosing an institution is to ascertain its status as a Designated Learning Institution. Only DLIs can admit international students.

You will be required to finalize a specific introductory course when applying to study in Canada. The Canadian academic setup is flexible towards switching methods, although it is best to compare your options beforehand and choose a major that you are genuinely interested in pursuing.

Step 3: Take the Language Proficiency Test

To successfully gain entry into Canada, every international student will have to prove proficiency in English or French. IELTS is the preferred test for proficiency in English, with some institutions also accepting the Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam score.

You can opt for DALF, DELF, or TCF for French, although the TEF exam is the most common option.

Choose the test, pay the fee, and book your dates well in advance. Of course, you will have to brush up on your language skills to ensure your application does not get rejected.

Step 4: Apply to Universities

Now it is time to contact your shortlist of universities, obtain their application packs, and submit them well in advance. Having the choice of applying to a dozen universities can be advantageous, but you will have to consider the application fee, which varies from $100 to $250.

Do not apply at random. Compare your options, identify your preferred course and institution, and select one or two alternatives as backups.

Be careful when filling in the application form and provide accurate information backed with documentary evidence. Once this is done, it is time to face the excruciating wait until you receive your acceptance. Once you confirm your interest, the university will send an acceptance letter, which plays a significant role in the formalities ahead.

Step 5: Apply for a Study Permit

Now that you have an institution ready to admit you, it is time to apply for the Canada Study Permit. You can apply online or visit your local visa application center. Your application must accompany the acceptance letter received in the previous step, your passport, and documentary proof that you have adequate finances to study in Canada.

If you have applied to an institution in the province of Quebec, then you will also receive, along with the acceptance letter, a “Certificat d’acceptation du Québec” (CAQ). Make sure you include this document in your study permit application.

Step 6: Travel Time

Once the application has been processed and an interview, if required, has been conducted, the immigration officer will decide upon your study permit application. If accepted, it is now time to start planning your travel to Canada.

Your permit will have a start date, which is the date from which the ticket comes into force. Keep in mind that you won’t be permitted to enter Canada before this date. Plan your travel accordingly.

Step 7: Study Time

The immigration officer will verify your permit and other documents at the port of entry before allowing you to enter Canada. This is the final step of the immigration formalities, and you can now focus on commencing your journey as an international student in Canada.

You can also read: Canada Visa & Citizenship Requirements

What Happens After Your Studies are Completed?

Canada’s federal government covets international graduates as ideal new permanent residents.

They are young, have knowledge of the culture, are proficient in languages, have Canadian qualifications, and often work experience.

After graduation, Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students to begin their careers here.

Recent changes to the Express Entry selection system have made it easier for international students to transition to permanent residence.

There are also multiple provincial immigration streams explicitly aimed at international students.

Cost of Studying in Canada.

Compared to other English-speaking destination locations, Canada is one of the most affordable places to study. Considering the budget, you’ll find something just right for you in a diverse range of education options.