Study in Canada

Study in Canada – An ultimate guide for foreign students

The Canadian educational system is renowned for providing high-quality education to oversees students. As a result of its diverse population and welcoming culture, Canada offers an excellent academic experience that is both rewarding and challenging. It can be challenging to find a university and adjust to life in an unfamiliar country after obtaining a study permit. A good academic experience in a new country is vital for those who wishes to study in Canada.

Can I become an oversees student in Canada?

Canadian universities enroll more foreign students every year. Many students are allowed to stay in Canada after completing their courses.

The visa officer’s decision on whether to accept a Canada study permit is always up for debate. Almost 400,000 foreign students were accepted by Canada in the previous academic year. Brazilian, Iranian, Indian, Vietnamese, French, Nigerian, Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, and United States students constituted the majority of them. Overseas students are encouraged by the Canadian government to be diverse. This year, a new international education strategy, Building on Success, will be introduced.

During the next five years, the government will allocate $147.9 million to this project. We offer an international student program that will give you the best opportunity to succeed.

Document list of international students

In order to complete your application, you may need to submit the following paperwork.

Letter of acceptance: Your school’s official letter confirming your enrollment in a specific program.

Financial support proof: You need to provide evidence that you have enough cash to cover your expenses and the expenses of anyone travelling with you. Your first year in Canada should include the cost of living (accommodation, food, etc.) in addition to tuition fees.

Identity documents: Passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.

Canadian study permit – What is it?

A Canadian study permit is necessary if you want to enroll in a university program in Canada. You can apply for a study visa in Canada if you have been accepted to a DLI (Designated Learning Institute).

Application process of Canada’s study permit

You must go through the following four steps in order to receive a study permit in Canada:

1. Check your eligibility: You must meet the requirements before you may apply for a Canada’s study. The following will be needed:

• Obtain a letter from a DLI confirming acceptance,
• Supporting documentation,
• Documents that support your claim to citizenship or residency (depending on your country of residence and citizenship)

2. Prepare your application: If you satisfy the conditions, you can submit an application for a study permit. Don’t forget to get all the paperwork you need for your country. You may be rejected by an immigration officer if you cannot prove that you meet the requirements. Your application should be reviewed by an experienced immigration representative before being submitted.

3. Your study permit application must be submitted: When submitting their applications, applicants can choose between two options:

• You have to register with the IRCC in order to submit an electronic application. A scanned or electronic copy of documents can be used to submit an application electronically.
• Paper-based applications require collecting hard copies of your documents and mailing them to a VAC – (Visa Application Centre) in your country.

4. Upon approval of your study permission, you can move to Canada! The study permission for Canada will not be granted to you before you reach a Canadian Port of Entry. Your permit will be accompanied by a Port of Entry Introduction Letter if it is accepted by the Canadian government. An immigration official will require this letter when you arrive in Canada so that a study permit can be obtained.

For a study permit in Canada, how long does it take to submit an application?

A permit for study is processed at a varying rate. If you reside in another nation, you will have to wait a little longer. Some applicants may have to wait up to sixteen weeks, but the average wait time is two to four weeks. A variety of factors influence the processing time of an application. Applications submitted by candidates close to the beginning of the Canadian academic year may encounter delays.

Canadian study permit – Understanding the conditions

Canadian study permits come with a number of restrictions. To get the most out of this learning experience, it is vital that you comply by these rules:

• In order to enroll at a DLI, you must be a registered student
• Studying in Quebec requires full-time enrollment or part-time enrollment
• Your program of study must not allow you to take more than 150 days of authorized leave

Understanding your study permit’s restrictions and adhering to them is imperative. You will make the most of your Canadian study abroad experience if you do this. Post-graduate employment visas are also more likely to be granted to students who adhere to the conditions of their study permits.

Cost of study in Canada

A good thing about Canada is its reasonable tuition rates. It is common for tuition rates in the United Kingdom, Australia and the U.S. to be higher than in Canada. Undergraduate international students in Canada paid an average tuition of $27,159 CAD for the 2018–2019 academic year. For the same academic year, an American university typically charges $45,950 in tuition.

In choosing a study abroad destination, the cost of living is an important factor to consider. Compared to most other top study abroad destinations, Canada has extremely reasonable living costs:

Student housing costs in Canada 

Student housing options are plentiful in Canada. University housing or renting an apartment are some of the living options for students. Large cities like Toronto and Vancouver typically have more expensive homes when compared to smaller cities. 

Students at the University of Toronto, home to almost 20,000 international students, will pay $1,080 to $2,982 monthly for accommodation expenses in downtown Toronto. 

Comparing Montreal to other large North American cities, it is cheaper to live there. Student housing at the University of Montreal costs $550 per month. An international study destination ranking recently rated Montreal fifth among the finest. International students continue to choose the city as one of their favorite study destinations. 

As one of Canada’s smallest cities, Saint John’s, Newfoundland, has lower living costs than other Canadian cities by 10 to 30%. It costs approximately $710 per month, or $350 per room, to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Canada. 

Cost of food and transportation 

Housing prices and food prices vary among provinces, just as they do between countries. Let’s continue examining how much facilities in Canadian cities cost based on those three examples. 

Toronto: 

• Monthly cost of local transportation: $122.45 
• In the business district, the basic lunchtime menu costs $17.00 
• Budget for groceries: $200.00 to $400.00 per month 

Montreal: 

• A monthly fee of $80 covers local transportation 
• Business district lunchtime menu: $16.00 
• Budget for groceries per month: $350.00 

Saint John’s: 

• Monthly transportation costs: $78.00 
• In the business district, the basic lunchtime menu costs $18.00 
• Budget suggestion for grocery shopping: $240 per month 

Health Insurance 

Students from abroad must obtain health insurance while studying in Canada. Several provinces grant automatic access to public healthcare for international students, while others do not. It is a requirement for international students to acquire private health insurance in provinces without health insurance. It is common for overseas students to receive health insurance from these provinces; the cost of these insurance plans may be included in tuition and other expenses. 

Ways to study in Canada for free

Many scholarships are available to foreign students interested in studying in Canada. Based on your field of study or research as well as your place of origin, you will have different chances. Using this database, learn about any scholarships that might be available to you. 

Designated Learning Institution – What is it?

DLIs are schools that have been granted permission to accept international students. Canada has all elementary and secondary schools that are DLIs and welcome students from other countries. 

Because not all post-secondary institutions are DLIs, it is important to review the list of Canadian DLIs.  

Types of Canadian post-secondary schools

The Canadian educational system is widely regarded as being a high-quality, affordable option for overseas students. Before you decide which program is right for you, you must first understand what Canada’s levels of study are before you can make an informed decision.  

The term post-secondary education refers to any educational program that continues past the 12th grade in Canada. Education at the post-secondary level can take a variety of forms, each serving a particular purpose. It is possible for some programs to have unique entry requirements.  

Am I able to study in Canada without taking the IELTS?

It is necessary to have a solid command of English or French in order to study at a Canadian school. 

International students attending Canadian post-secondary schools are subject to their own language proficiency requirements. Each school has its own language skill requirements. 

Research the particular requirements of your program as you prepare your application. English courses may even be offered after you start studying in some schools. Documentation of language proficiency is not required for some international students. An English-speaking nation or a study abroad experience might not require you to take the IELTS. 

Language specifications were established by each school. Make sure you research the specific requirements of the school you are considering applying to. 

I want to study in Canada; do I need to submit an intent letter?

It is essential that you include a statement of intent with your study visa application. Studying abroad objectives and strategies should be outlined in this document. A study permit for Canada is required if you plan to study there. 

Letters of intent are used to guarantee to the Canadian government that you will adhere to your permit terms. Your permit must expire if you want to leave the country.  

Deadline to submit application

Depending on the school, the due date varies. Make sure to submit your application well in advance of this deadline because it is quickly approaching.   

It is common for Canadian universities to receive several applications every year. Colleges become more selective as the deadline approaches. Getting into more prestigious colleges is more competitive, so submit your application as soon as possible. 

Choose right Canadian University

Canada is home to a wide range of postsecondary educational institutions, each with its own characteristics. A brief description of five of the most prestigious colleges in the country will get you started.   

University of Toronto

You may already be familiar with The University of Toronto as one of the Canadian universities. UofT has an excellent academic reputation and an active campus life, which attracts international students. The number of them was exactly 20,000. Downtown of the world’s most diverse city serves as its location. 

University of British Columbia

UBC is the most internationally oriented university in North America. About 30% of UBC’s student body is made up of 16,188 students from 156 countries. The vibrant university may be found in Vancouver, which is on Canada’s west coast. If you are looking for a city lifestyle with access to nature, UBC might be the right fit for you. Living in Vancouver gives you quick access to the forest, ocean, and mountains’ wonderful natural surroundings. 

McGill University

McGill is known for its distinguished reputation around the world. Over 12,000 international students live in the country, which makes sense. Although McGill is situated in Quebec, an English-speaking province, it is an English university. College students prefer Montreal as one of the best cities to live in. Living in the city is affordable and there is a thriving artistic and cultural scene. 

Université de Montreal

UdeM is a great choice for students who wish to learn French in one of Canada’s top colleges. The University of Montreal and its affiliated institutions, both located in Montreal, serve 9,500 international students each year. 

McMaster University

As one of the world’s 100 best universities, McMaster ranks among the best. The distance between Hamilton, Ontario, and Toronto is around one hour by car. Jobs are being created in Hamilton as a result of the tech industry. For individuals who want to work during or after their studies, this is fantastic news.  

Steps to change program and school while on study permit

Having a study permission for Canada gives you the freedom to change your program or school at any time. If you are to succeed in achieving this, you must act legally and abide by the restrictions of your study permit. 

Below are the specific steps you must take in order to modify your school or program via the online portal: 

• Access your account by logging in. 
• Locate the section called Student Transfers to Designated Learning Institutions 
• Click on the DLI number to transfer 
• Click Search for my application after entering the number of your study permit application 
• Your original study permit application may be asked for more information, so it’s important to have it on hand. 
• You must input the start date of your new institution or program as well as the new DLI number, student ID number, and start date. 
• Click on the Transfer button 
• Once all of your information has been submitted, you will be asked to review it. Click the confirm transfer button if everything looks good 
• Your request will be completed once you receive a notification. It confirms that your change in plans has been communicated successfully to the government. 

Study in Canada while working

The ability for international students to work while in school in Canada is an additional benefit. As a result, tuition and living costs are reduced. 

A foreign student in Canada who is enrolled in a course is allowed to work part-time during the academic year. Foreign learners can work full-time during breaks that are set aside, such the summer. 

Most students are allowed to work on or off campus while in classes without having to obtain a work permit. Your study authorization will state whether or not you are allowed to work off-campus.   

The semester hours you can work during your studies may exceed 20 if your studies include work experience. This will be stated in the acceptance letter. If the government accepts this stipulation, a work visa and a study permit will be issued. Working on campus is the only restriction on this work permit.   

Bring your family while study in Canada

If an international student is married or has children, they might desire to bring their families with them. Applicants seeking study permits with family members accompanying them will be taken into consideration by Canadian visa officers. Family members’ names on a study permit application could sway the visa officer’s judgement.  

Your spouse will be permitted to work full time if Canada recognizes your family as a unit. Children tagged along are not charged for classes. 

When I study in Canada, can my spouse work?

Your spouse will be qualified to apply for an open work permit in the event that your family travels to Canada to study with you. This will allow your husband to work full-time in Canada while you are there for your studies. 

Is Quebec a good place to study?

Quebec offers English, French, or both-language studies. While Quebec has similar rules to the rest of Canada, the rules for student visas in the province differ slightly. 

Study in Quebec – What are the requirements?

The CAQ is required for study in Quebec. The following is a document that MIFI has published. In this document, Quebec confirms that you are an international student. Study permits are only issued in Québec to students who have a CAQ. 

CAQ applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible. 

• Become a student at an institution designated by Québec.  
• CAQ application fees must be paid 
• Ensure the CAQ is issued in accordance with the conditions 

CAQs and study permits are not required for courses that last less than six months. A study permit must be obtained from the Government of Canada once you have obtained your CAQ. If you have received your study permission, you can begin studying in Canada right away.  

Canada’s healthcare system for international student

Obtaining health insurance is a requirement for all foreign students studying in Canada. Some provinces provide access to Canada’s public health care system for international students. Health insurance is mandatory for students living in provinces without health coverage. Health insurance is available through all Canadian universities for international students. 

Staying in Canada after completing the study 

It’s simple for international students who want to stay in Canada to become citizens. It’s simple for international students who want to stay in Canada to become citizens. 

A Post-Graduate Work Permit gives international students the right to work and live in Canada for up to three years after they graduate. Working for a year in Canada may qualify international graduates for permanent residency.  

To qualify for a PGWP, you must show that all your study permit requirements have been met. Most of your study time must have been spent in Canada. PGWPs are usually the same length as Canadian studies.