Wish to continue your studies in Canada or planning to immigrate to Canada? What’s the right course for you? What’s the procedure? What’s the pathway? Which visa should you apply for? How long it may take? Can you get a PR? How to apply? This comprehensive guide will answer all your queries and will take you through a journey to get a better knowledge on Canada.
Why Study In Canada?
Canada is a great place to study for international students. It has a high-quality education system, a welcoming environment for foreigners, and many opportunities to work in Canada and live after graduation.
There are a wide variety of reasons that highlight the importance of studying in Canada some of them are given below.
- High-Quality Education: Canadian universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world. They offer a wide range of programs, from undergraduate to graduate studies, in a variety of disciplines.
- Welcoming Environment: Canada is a very diverse country, and its people are known for being welcoming and open-minded. This makes it a great place to study if you’re looking for a multicultural experience.
- Opportunities To Work And Live After Graduation: After you graduate from a Canadian university, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit Canada. This will allow you to stay in Canada and work for up to three years. You can also apply for permanent residency after working in Canada for a certain amount of time.
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Education System In Canada
Canada boasts a diverse education system with 213 public colleges and 223 universities, both public and private, offering over 10,000 programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
The types of degrees that universities in Canada offer:
Undergraduate Degree
A bachelor’s degree in Canada is typically pursued after completing high school (class 12th). The duration varies based on the course and province, but most undergraduate degrees last for around 4 years.
Associate Degree
This is an undergraduate level degree in Canada, requiring one or two years of study in a specific field or discipline. However, program duration can vary widely between institutions and provinces.
Graduate Degree
A Master of Arts or Master of Science is known as a graduate degree. Masters degree in Canada is of a 2-3 years duration.
PhD
The Doctorate or PhD degree in Canada is a specialized post-graduate degree that can take anywhere from 3-6 years to complete.
The detailed view of different types of institutions for higher studies in Canada is provided below
Type of Institution | Key Points |
---|---|
University | Provides Undergraduate and Graduate programs. May also provide postgraduate diplomas and certificate programs. |
Colleges | Provide training in applied fields of work. Also known as Community Colleges, Colleges of Applied Arts or Applied Technology, and Institutes of Technology or Science. |
Credit System in Canada
All universities in Canada follow the same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.
Qualification | Credits Required Per Course | Total Credits Required |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 3-5 credits | 90-120 credits |
Master’s | 3-4 credits | 30 or more credits |
Popular Universities In Canada
Canada has several prestigious universities known for their academic excellence. Some of the top ones include:
University Name | Average Tuition Fees/ Year |
---|---|
University of Toronto | CAD 30,000 – 58,000 |
McGill University | CAD 21,000 – 56,000 |
University of British Columbia | CAD 32,000 – 55,000 |
University of Alberta | CAD 13,000 – 49,000 |
McMaster University | CAD 25,000 – 60,000 |
Western University | CAD 21,000 – 52,000 |
University of Calgary | CAD 18,000 – 36,000 |
Top Courses In Canada
If you’re interested in studying in Canada, you should start your research early. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost of tuition, the availability of scholarships, and the immigration process. However, there are various programs that top the list of courses in Canada.
Business Management Programs
In these courses, students learn about how to manage businesses. They cover topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management.
Career Opportunities | finance, consulting, marketing, and technology |
Salary | CAD 80,000 to CAD 90,000 per year |
Companies that hire | Deloitte McKinsey & Company Goldman Sachs Morgan Stanley |
Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science Programs
In these courses students are taught about how to design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They cover topics such as programming, data structures, and algorithms.
Career Opportunities | Software development, web development, and cybersecurity, IT consultants or entrepreneurs |
Salary | Computer scientist- CAD 76,000 to CAD 90,000 per year IT professional- CAD 55,000 to CAD 85,000 per year |
Companies that hire | Microsoft Amazon IBM Apple |
Media & Journalism Programs
These types of courses are about gathering, reporting, and presenting news and information. They cover topics such as writing, editing, and photography.
Career Opportunities | newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. They can also work as public relations professionals or bloggers. |
Salary | Journalists- CAD 50,000 per year Media and communications professionals- CAD 60,000 per year |
Companies that hire | CBCCTV The Globe and Mail The National Post The Toronto Star |
Human Resources Programs
The major components that are covered in these kinds of courses are recruitment, training, and compensation.
Career Opportunities | corporate, government, and non-profit organizations, consultants or entrepreneurs |
Salary | HR managers- CAD 50,000 to CAD 110,000 per year HR coordinators- CAD 35,000 to CAD 60,000 per year. |
Companies that hire | Walmart RBCTD BankBell Sun Life Financial |
Engineering Programs
This course teaches about how to design, build, and maintain physical systems and includes topics such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.
Career Opportunities | construction, manufacturing, and energy, engineers in the military or government |
Salary | CAD 50,000 to CAD 150,000 |
Companies that hire | Bombardier SNC-Lavalin Shell Enbridge Suncor Energy |
Health And Medicine Programs
Topics like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are the main highlight of the courses that come under the health and medicine programs.
Career Opportunities | doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, research work, academia |
Salary | CAD 50,000 to CAD 300,000 per year |
Companies that hire | Alberta Health Services Vancouver Coastal Health University Health Network Sick kids Saskatchewan Health Authority |
Project Management Programs
This course is all about planning, executing, and controlling projects along with topics such as risk management, scheduling, and budgeting.
Career Opportunities | construction, manufacturing, and IT and even project managers at military |
Salary | CAD 27.50 to CAD 75.00 per hour |
Companies that hire | IBM Microsoft Amazon Apple |
Admission Requirements For International Students
Associate Degree
Qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
High School | Transcript or equivalent with an average of C grade, or 2.0 on a 4.33 scale. |
English Proficiency Test
Test | Minimum Score Required |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL | 60 |
Bachelor’s Degree
Qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
12th Standard | Minimum 65% |
English Proficiency Test
Test | Minimum Score Required |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL | 100 |
SAT/ACT | Scores required |
Master’s Degree
Qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
Bachelor’s | Minimum CGPA : 7.0-7.5 |
English Proficiency Test
Test | Minimum Score Required |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL | 100 |
Best Cities For Students In Canada
Choosing where to study in Canada depends on personal preferences. While cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer a bustling urban experience, places like Banff or Victoria are known for their natural beauty. It’s about finding the right balance for you.
City | Average Cost of Living/ year |
---|---|
Toronto | CAD 22,000 |
Montreal | CAD 15,000 |
Vancouver | CAD 17,000 |
Ottawa | CAD 15,000 |
Quebec | CAD 20,000 |
Do We Require A Canada Study Permit?
If you are planning to study in Canada for longer than 6 months, you will need to get a study permit. A study permit is a document that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. DLIs are post-secondary schools that have been approved by the Canadian government to accept international students.
There are a few exceptions to the 6-month rule. You do not need a study permit if you are:
- Taking a short-term course that is less than 6 months long
- Taking a course that is part of a high school exchange program
- Taking a course that is offered by a private language school
- If you are not sure if you need a study permit, you should contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
To apply for a study permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of financial support
- A medical exam
- A criminal background check
- A passport
- A completed application form
- You can apply for a study permit online or by mail. The Canada processing time for a study permit is usually 3-6 months.
Once you have been granted a study permit, you will be able to enter Canada and start your studies. Your study permit will be valid for the length of your program, plus an additional 90 days.
If you are interested in studying in Canada, it is highly encouraged that you start the application process early. The demand for study permits is high, and it can take some time to get your application processed.
Additional information:
- You can create a GCKey login account to track the status of your study permit application.
- You can use a CRS score calculator to estimate your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry Canada.
- The Canadian government’s website has more information about study permits and the application process.
Eligibility For Canada Student Visa
While the cost of a Canada student visa has some eligibility criteria the Canada visa fee is CAD 150, you can apply for a Canada student visa online or at a VFS global Canada office.
Here are some eligibility criteria that students must meet when applying for Canada Student Visa:
- You must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- It is mandatory to have enough money to support yourself and your dependents while you are studying in Canada. You can also consider doing part-time jobs in Canada to support your expenses.
- You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your study permit.
Also if you are worried that you might be getting the student permit or not then consider checking the Canada PR points calculator to estimate your chances for approval.
Which Documents Are Required?
Here are some other important documents other than the obvious ones that are important to apply for Canada Visa:
- Letters of Reference: These letters can be from professors, employers, or other people who can attest to your character and qualifications.
- IELTS or TOEFL Scores: If you are not a native English speaker, you may need to provide proof of your English language proficiency.
- Proof of Accommodation: This can be in the form of a lease agreement, a letter from a landlord, or other documentation that shows that you have a place to stay in Canada.
Processing Time To Avail Of The Canada Student Visa?
The processing time for a Canada student visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the country where you are applying, the time of year, and the completeness of your application. However, the standard Canada student visa processing time is 12 weeks or 90 days.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC processing times are updated regularly, so you can check the website to see the latest estimates for your country of application. If you are applying from a country with a high volume of applications, such as China or India, it may take longer for your visa to be processed.
Do We Have To Renew The Study Permit In Canada?
Yes, you need to renew your study permit in Canada if you want to continue studying in the country. The expiry date on your study permit tells you when you have to stop studying and leave Canada. This date is usually the length of your study program, plus 90 days.
You can apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. However, we recommend you apply more than 30 days before it expires. If you need to renew your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or health insurance, you need a valid study permit. If you wait until there are only 30 days left, you may have problems renewing these, because your study permit will be expiring.
To apply to extend your study permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your current study permit
- Proof of enrolment in a study program
- Proof of financial support
- A medical exam report
- A police certificate
Also, If you want to work in Canada while you are studying, you can apply for a work permit. You can apply for a work permit at the same time as you apply for your study permit, or you can apply for one after you have arrived in Canada.
What Are Some Dos And Don’ts When Applying for Visa In Canada
Dos
- The visa application process can take several months, so it’s important to start early. This will give you plenty of time to gather all the required documentation and prepare for your visa interview.
- Gather all the required documentation. The specific documentation requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but some common documents include:
- A valid passport
- A letter of acceptance from a Canadian school or university
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of ties to your home country (such as a job, property, or family)
- A police clearance certificate
- Be prepared to answer questions if prompted in the interview about your education, your plans for the future, and your ties to your home country.
Don’ts
- Do not wait for the end date to file your application.
- Don’t lie or exaggerate. The immigration officer is looking for honest and truthful answers to their questions. Don’t try to lie or exaggerate your answers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have any questions about the visa application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a qualified immigration consultant.
- Don’t make mistakes in the rush and keep it all documented for references.
Top Scholarships In Canada
Canada is generous with scholarships for international students, covering various expenses like tuition, accommodation, travel, and more. It’s a substantial support system for those aiming to study there.
Top scholarships to study in Canada are discussed below
Canadian Francophonie Scholarships
- Duration: Fully funded graduate scholarships for international students lasting four years.
- Coverage: Includes tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and rent, with an amount of up to CAD 27,300.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees in natural science or engineering disciplines.
- Amount: Up to CAD 35,000 per year.
University of Montreal Scholarships
- Eligibility: International students for undergraduate, masters, and PhD courses.
- Amount: Up to CAD 27,300.
University Canada West Scholarships
- Eligibility: Available for undergraduate and master’s programs.
- Amount: CAD 10,000 for master’s, CAD 20,000 for bachelor’s.
McGill University Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
- Amount: CAD 8,500
Job Opportunities In Canada
You can work part-time while studying in Canada, and your student visa gives you the green light. Plus, after six months of studying, you can apply for off-campus work permits.
Some popular part time student jobs in Canada for international students are:
Part-Time Jobs | Average Salary Per Hour |
---|---|
Teacher’s Assistant | CAD 15 |
Tutor | CAD 17 |
Freelancer | CAD 25 |
Web designer | CAD 22 |
Translator | CAD 21 |
Salesperson | CAD 25 |
Dogwalker | CAD 14 |
Barista | CAD 12 |
Job Offers In Canada
Canada is a vast country and over the years the number of job opportunities in the country have been increasing. Here’s a quick look at the top sectors offering jobs after MS in Canada
Area Of Specialization | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
---|---|
Management | CAD 83,000 |
Healthcare | CAD 101,000 |
Chemical Engineering | CAD 75,000 |
Statistics / Data Science | CAD 75,000 |
Electrical & Electronics Engineering | CAD 72,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can someone work on a student visa in Canada?
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester period and full-time during the breaks. There are lots of things to consider when working in Canada.
Under what cases do Canada Visa get rejected?
If you have submitted incomplete applications or documents found are fraudulent, your visa can get rejected. Lack of sufficient funds proof may also get your application denied.
Why do I need a sponsor to study in Canada?
After receiving an acceptance letter from a school, you shall have to pay Tuition fees for the first year of your education. However, the Canadian government needs to be assured that you have enough funds to be able to complete your course. Hence, a sponsor is required whose documents show that you have enough funds to live while in Canada.