Canada offers a wide range of courses at all levels for international students to study abroad.  If you are considering a bachelor’s program, the average amount of time it takes to complete is around three years, but in some cases it can be four.

Some of the most popular programs to study abroad in Canada are business schools, medical and engineering universities.  Whether you’re looking for a BA, BSc, MBA or PhD, you can always find the perfect place to study in Canada.

Living in a foreign country while studying abroad can be an eye-opening experience for you.  Not only will you get to see new places, meet new people and enjoy many local and cultural activities, you’ll also gain a whole new perspective on life as a Canadian. 

As the second largest country in the world, you may find that there is no shortage of opportunities for you to consider.

Why Study Abroad In Canada?

Canada’s education system prides itself on being a world leader in research while remaining accessible and diverse.  Compared to other higher education systems, Canadian degree programs can also seem more flexible. 

No matter what degree you’re pursuing, students have some choices when it comes to choosing classes.  Therefore, Canadian students have more control over their workload and what subjects they study depending on the discipline.

In addition, students can choose from more than 200 institutions of higher education where they can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.  On average, a bachelor’s degree will take four years, while a master’s degree can be completed in one to two years. 

The length of time it takes to complete a doctoral degree varies greatly, but on average it can take anywhere from four to six years.  It is also important to note that all students, both Canadian and international, are responsible for tuition fees.

Study Abroad In Canada High School 

Canadian public high schools offer an incredible variety of special subjects and activities, and there’s no better place to be if you love outdoor sports, especially in the winter!

Many Canadian public high schools also offer an International Baccalaureate program, STEM programs, sports and dance academies, French immersion, and focused concentrations in subjects ranging from multimedia, communications, health and wellness, business, the environment, and more.

Many schools also provide special support for international students who want to improve their English quickly with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that they take alongside classes with Canadian students. 

International students can attend public schools in Canada on a study visa that can last for several years.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad In Canada?

Tuition fees for international students vary by province and program.  You will probably need between CAD 20,000 and CAD 30,000 per year to pay for your studies. 

This range is only an average and will vary depending on the institution and program you are enrolled in.  Housing, food, and other living expenses will depend on your location and your own needs, but $15,000 CAD per year is not uncommon.

Some international students choose to live off campus in an apartment.  Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment in Canada averages $1,577 per month*, but varies by city or neighborhood and type of home

How To Study Abroad In Canada

Once you have shortlisted your university options, double check that they are a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).  This means that Canada recognizes them as reliable places to study and you don’t run the risk of falling victim to education scams.

Also consider tuition fees, which can add significantly to your tuition costs.  These vary depending on your country of origin, but universities offer more detailed information on their websites for each academic program. 

Research your chosen subject and language of study. 

Canada is bilingual, so you can choose a master’s degree taught in English, French, or both. High grades are important in the application process.  Many institutions require grades 70% above average.  The higher your grades, the better your chances of getting into a good university.

If you are over 25 and have completed your last program at least two years before applying, you may be asked to provide information about your previous employment.

Apply to universities

Now is the time to contact your short list of universities, get their application packets and submit them in advance.  Being able to apply to a dozen universities can be advantageous, but you have to factor in the application fee, which ranges from $100 to $250.

Do not apply randomly.  Compare your options, determine your desired course and institution, and select one or two options as backups.

Be careful while filling the application form and ensure that you provide accurate information supported by documentary evidence. 

Once that’s done, it’s time to face the excruciating wait until you get your approval.  Once you confirm your interest, the university will send an acceptance letter, which plays an important role in the formalities ahead.

Apply for a study permit

Now that you have an institution ready to accept you, it’s time to apply for a Canadian study permit.  You can apply online or visit a local visa application center. 

Your application must be accompanied by the letter of acceptance received in the previous step, your passport and documentary proof that you have sufficient finances to study in Canada.

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

Travel time

After processing the application and conducting an interview if necessary, the immigration officer will make a decision on your application for a study permit.  If accepted, it’s time to start planning your trip to Canada.

Your permit will have a start date which is the date from which the permit takes effect.  Remember that you will not be allowed to enter Canada before this date.  Plan your trip accordingly.

Requirements To Study Abroad In Canada

Valid passport

You will need a valid passport to obtain a study permit.  According to the Canadian High Commission, it is important that you have a passport that is valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada. 

For example, if you plan to travel to Canada in September 2022 for a two-year course, your passport must be valid until at least September 2024.

Evidence of admission to a specified educational institution

You will need an acceptance letter from the university/institute you plan to attend.  The designated educational institution is a university recognized by the Department of Immigration. If you are applying for Quebec, you will also need a CAQ that will be properly notified.

Confirmation of availability of funds

You must provide proof of funds when applying for a study permit.  According to current standards, you must prove that you will have sufficient funds to pay for your studies as well as living expenses. 

Canadian Immigration considers that a student needs at least 10,000 Canadian dollars for each year of your stay.  In addition to the above two, the student will also need to prove that he/she has sufficient funds to pay back.  4. Passport size photographs

If you have opted for the offline application, you will need two passport-sized photographs that meet the above standards. 

To apply online, you must purchase a digital copy of the photo, which must not exceed 4 MB in size.  Other requirements are a standard neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear (except for religious purposes). 

 Image size must be at least 35mm x 45mm and the image must be recent (not older than 6 months). Your name and date of birth must be written on the back of each photograph

Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Canadian immigration requires international students from India to undergo a mandatory immigration medical examination with crewed doctors. 

Students must make an appointment and visit the indicated doctors for a medical examination, preferably one week before the start of the visa application. 

This is necessary in order to give the doctor enough time to check and upload the necessary documents.  It is always recommended to make an appointment with the nearest facility/practitioner according to the list of doctors in the kit.

The consultant doctor will carry out a full medical examination and may refer you for a chest X-ray and laboratory tests.  Once the examination is complete, the doctor will send the results to CIC.

English language or French exam assessment

Although not required at the time of application, we strongly recommend that you appear and receive an English language proficiency assessment before starting the visa application process. 

As it was, you would have to provide your English proficiency level to prove your admission to a Canadian university.  TOEFL, IELTS, etc. are acceptable.

Statement of purpose

When applying for a study permit in Canada, you will be required to submit an essay stating the purpose of your trip to Canada and why you have chosen this particular institution.  This will be offered as an optional document in the checklist, but we strongly encourage you to submit it.

What Is The Language Proficiency Requirement To Study Abroad In Canada?

Students in Canada can choose from a wide range of English and French language programs.  Depending on which language you choose to study, you will have to prove your level of proficiency.

Basic English language exams accepted by leading universities in Canada:

• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced
• TOEFL iBT

Some universities may accept other English language tests, such as:

• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
• CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees)
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)

French language tests accepted by Canadian universities

• DALF
• DELF
• TEF
• TCF
• TestCan

What Are The Requirements For A Student Visa To Canada

Students need a study permit to study in Canada.  While a student visa allows you to enter Canada, a study permit verifies your stay in Canada.  This is a mandatory immigration document for a foreign student.

If you have a study permit, you must remain registered and make reasonable and timely progress to complete the course.

Your study permit is always accompanied by a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).  Note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada, while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. 

Your expert will help you get the latest information and put you in touch with authorized migration experts.

Immigration Requirement To Study Abroad In Canada?

You can apply for a Canadian study visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.  AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Bharat Biotech Covaxin etc are some of the accepted vaccines.
• You have been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• You must confirm that you have sufficient funds to pay for: tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and family members accompanying you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members,  accompanying you to Canada
• You must prove that you have a clean record and no criminal record.  Applicants must produce a police clearance certificate in support of this.
• You must undergo a medical examination and provide a medical certificate confirming that you are healthy.

In addition, during the visa interview, you need to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada after completing your studies.

Conclusion

There are many study abroad programs in Canada available to choose from.  Although you are interested in exploring a new country, you should also consider what study environment and living situation are best for you. 

Consider the cost of living and policies of the institution you decide to attend.  Find out how many and which credits will be transferred to the school of your choice in Canada.  Also, don’t forget to decide how long you want to stay abroad. 

Many study abroad programs allow you to stay for weeks, months, semesters, or even years.  As you begin to explore your options, ask yourself if studying abroad is right for you.  It is not suitable for everyone.

How to Study Abroad Canada FAQs

References

studyabroad.shiksha.com – Canada Student Visa Guide: Study Permit, Requirements, Fees, Application Process

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