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Study in Canada

Here is a detailed guide for all students who want to study in Canada

High-level on academic quality although affordable tuition fee. Canada is considered to be one of the best study destinations for international students. Till August 2019, Canada experienced nearly 70,000 international students studying at all levels in the country, which explains its popularity around the world.



Why Study in Canada?

Accommodating nearly 500,000 international students, Canada has been known to offer high quality education at an inexpensive tuition fee with degrees that are recognized worldwide. Add Up to it, an excellent quality of life, enormous post-study work and immigration opportunities. Canada is standing out as a popular country to study among international students.

1. Academic excellence

One of the most significant reasons why students choose to study in Canada is due to the high quality of education. When a student receives a degree from a Canadian university, it acts as a mark of trust and excellence. 25 of Canada's universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and 26 of them in the THE World University Rankings 2019.

2. Abundant research opportunities

One of the biggest reasons for which Canadian education stands unique is because of its strong emphasis on research and development. If you are a research scholar, there can be no country better than Canada.

3. Affordable

Tuition fees in Canada, as compared to the universities in the United States and United Kingdom, is comparatively cheaper and when considering the return on investment, it is quite a feasible option for international students.

4. Cultural multiplicity

You will find extremely warm and welcoming people in Canada who are coming from various ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyle. The multicultural environment in Canada promotes friendliness and peaceful living like no other country.

5. Safe and peaceful

Canada has proved to be consistently ranked as one of the most secure nations in the world. In 2018, the Global Peace Index, listed Canada as the sixth peaceful country across the globe. As an international student, you will have the same rights as any other Canadian.

6. Earn at the same time as you learn

Canada offers all its international students with an opportunity to work for up to 20 hours / week during their semesters and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. To work on-campus or as an intern in any company, you would not require any additional work permit as your study permit is enough to help you find a part time job.

7. Immigration opportunities

Canada’s Post Graduation Work Permit Program enables students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after the completion of their graduation. You will be able to get some international work experience and apply for permanent residency later on.

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Education system in Canada

One of the main reasons behind Canada’s popularity among students is its inexpensive quality education. The Canadian government is spending generously on higher education and is among the top three countries to spend per capital on post-secondary education. Let's learn more about the Canadian education system.

Study levels in Canada

Since the education system in Canada is administered by the provincial governments, the study levels and educational steps involved might be lying in different clusters with different names. Here is a summary:

2. Abundant research opportunities

One of the biggest reasons for which Canadian education stands unique is because of its strong emphasis on research and development. If you are a research scholar, there can be no country better than Canada.

3. Affordable

Tuition fees in Canada, as compared to the universities in the United States and United Kingdom, is comparatively cheaper and when considering the return on investment, it is quite a feasible option for international students.

4. Cultural multiplicity

You will find extremely warm and welcoming people in Canada who are coming from various ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyle. The multicultural environment in Canada promotes friendliness and peaceful living like no other country.

5. Safe and peaceful

Canada has proved to be consistently ranked as one of the most secure nations in the world. In 2018, the Global Peace Index, listed Canada as the sixth peaceful country across the globe. As an international student, you will have the same rights as any other Canadian.

6. Earn at the same time as you learn

Canada offers all its international students with an opportunity to work for up to 20 hours / week during their semesters and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. To work on-campus or as an intern in any company, you would not require any additional work permit as your study permit is enough to help you find a part time job.

7. Immigration opportunities

Canada’s Post Graduation Work Permit Program enables students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after the completion of their graduation. You will be able to get some international work experience and apply for permanent residency later on.

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Cost of studying in Canada

Studying abroad can be a costly affair, but fortunately, Canada is one country where quality education is made available at tuition rates lower than many other countries. But before you leave from your home country, ensure that you consider expenses such as accommodation, food, health coverage and travel along with your tuition fee when you calculate the estimated cost of studying in Canada.

1. Tuition fee is your primary expenditure

Your spending on tuition fee depends on the kind of qualification and institution you choose. To cover this, you will need roughly between CAD 6,000 and CAD 25,000 a year.
Most commonly, courses in humanities, education and arts are a little less expensive, while subjects such as engineering and medicine are expected to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is usually higher and the costs vary according to the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most costly. The average cost for these programs is approximately CAD 40,000.

2. Calculate housing costs

Most universities in Canada provide on-campus accommodation facilities to foreign students. You can also choose an off-campus accommodation where you can share apartments with other students. Expense for on-campus residence can range somewhere from CAD 7,000 to CAD 11,000 (on a yearly basis) while living in a shared flat can cost you around CAD 300 to CAD 700 per month depending on your location and time of the year.

Explore accommodation options.

3. Cost of student visa and permit

In order to study in Canada, the first step is to obtain a valid study permit and which comes with its own costs (approx. CAD 150).

Find out about visa application process.

4. Living expenses

You have to keep a little money apart for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergency situations. When living overseas as a student, it is better to keep a track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. Taking into account the different expenses and living costs, a single student budget in Canada comes out to be approx. CAD 15,000 (indicative). You also need to consider these common expenses when you create your budget:

  • Communication expenses:

    As a student, you would be repeatedly calling your friends and family back home. Hence, always keep a section of your budget for phone bills and data expenses. Look for cost-effective calling plans and student discounts in order to keep in touch with your loved ones within your monthly budget.
  • Books and supplies:

    Buying textbooks can get a little pricey. For example, books for engineering courses can cost you approx. CAD 200 to CAD 300. For courses like law, medicine and pharmacy, the value can go even higher. You can manage this in your budget by choosing for secondhand books, purchasing digital versions or even securing a library membership.
  • Personal expenses and incidentals:

    Your daily expenses will also include laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, etc. This is entirely dependent on the kind of lifestyle you choose for yourself
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5. Consider health support and insurance

It is compulsory for all students travelling to Canada to obtain a medical insurance prior to the start of their program. The average annual cost for medical insurance ranges between CAD 200- CAD 900 a year (indicative). Know more about health and support services in Canada

6. Transportation.

Unless your institution offers with a shuttle service to-and-fro from your accommodation, you will need to rely on the available public transport.

7. Do not ignore taxes

Foreign students studying in Canada getting a Social Insurance Number are permitted to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you decide to work along with your studies, your Canadian earned income will be taxable.

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Visa requirements for Canada?

What is a study permit?

This is not a visa, it is a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) that enables you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you should remain enrolled and make realistic and timely progress towards completing your course.
With your study permit, you will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for your entry in Canada. Please note that a study permit is a document that enables you to study in Canada while a TRV is a visa that enables you to enter in Canada.

Documents required for your study permit

To apply for your study permit, you need to have:

  • An acceptance letter from your education institution
  • A valid passport or travel document

You must also:

  • Prove that you have sufficient money to pay for your:
    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses for yourself and any family members
    • Return transportation for yourself and any family members
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Complete Medical Exam

You will also be asked to show up for a personal interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.
To prove you can provide financial support for yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:

  • Necessary Documents of a Canadian bank account under your name, if money has been transferred to Canada
  • Necessary Documents of a student/education loan from a financial institution
  • Bank statements
  • A bank draft in a convertible currency
  • Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
  • A letter for the person or institution providing your funding
  • Evidence of the financing paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

*Please note that these are the basic requirements.

Applying for your visa online

You will need to apply for your student visa application online using the CIC official website. You can also apply up to three months before your planned date of travel to Canada. Remember that your application date will be the date when your application fee is paid.

Study permit fee

As an applicant from outside Canada, you will need to pay CAD150 as your visa fee (do check the latest fee at IRCC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html).

English language requirements

In order to obtain your Canadian visa, you will have to provide with a proof of proficiency in the English language. This typically means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

Go for IELTS registration

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