Study in Canada
All about Eligibility,
Requirements, Documents,
Campus Life, Job opportunities..
After the US, the most sought-after study destination is Canada and the country has been inviting a lot of international students for higher education in the past decade due to which the student population has had an exponential growth in recent times. Our admission experts give their inputs in the following chapters in order to help you get an overview of studying in Canada.
Why Study in Canada
About Canada
Canada, situated in North America, lies in the Tundra region just above the United States of America. It’s the second largest country in the world and also has many temperate forests, rivers and lakes.
Canada is recent but impactful history has given rise to a distinct population of French and English people along with the native Americans in its ten and three provinces. The country is sparsely populated and has been welcoming immigrants to utilize the available resources and thereby contributing to the country’s wealth.
Canada has thus risen to be a multicultural community whose people are known for their kind nature which backs the country’s tendency to have low crime rates and being consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
Tertiary Education in Canada
Canada has a range of public and private universities. Colleges usually grant diploma courses which are affiliated to universities but are not physically attached to the university.
Universities, on the other hand, offer full-time and part-time courses allotted for different sessions. Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa are some of the cities preferred by international students as one of suitable destinations for education.
Why Study in Canada?
Safe and Inclusive
Canada is known for its low crime rates and especially for its hospitable environment that has been favorable for foreigners. With the rise in crime rates across the world, Canada has maintained its non-violent streak through its strict laws and law-abiding citizens.
It has been ranked as one of the safest nations in the country and also securing jobs has been relatively easier for international students. This kind of a living environment has brought about an inclusive nature in its culture that has made it easier for people to adapt easily to the place.
Multicultural Exposure
The bustling cities of Canada have been housing a multicultural community since its history started to be documented. The country, like the US, is a land of settlers whose different perspectives and varied cultural background can give you enough experience to take on the competitive levels at the global platform.
With so many international students in the educational institutions, it can turn out to be an ever-growing circle of diversity.
Affordable
The annual expenditure of a student is relatively lower when compared to many countries. The tuition fee which covers the majority of your expenditure comes around to 35,000 CAD per year.
Research Opportunities and Academic resources
Canadian universities grant students the liberty to think creatively and pursue their interests. This support has been influential in serving a lot of research opportunities for the students. This also means that necessary resources are made available to the students and a facilitative environment has been structured to aid the students efficiently
Top Universities in Canada
Top universities in Canada are spread across the country from British Columbia to Quebec. Here is a list of universities that you can use to look up for programmes based on your field of interest.
| University |
|---|
| University of British Columbia |
| University of Toronto |
| University of Calgary |
| McGill University |
| University of Calgary |
| University of Montreal |
| University of Waterloo |
| University of Ottawa |
| McMaster University |
| University of Alberta |
| York University |
* the universities have been listed randomly and follow no particular order
When to Apply?
Application Dates and Deadlines
Canadian universities call for applications over three times in a year unlike the Indian universities. Universities open the admissions portal for Fall, Winter and Summer sessions.
Most of the Indian students prefer the fall intake, although the other two admission seasons do not rank any lower. If you do not have enough time securing the necessary documents, then you can avoid a hasty process and apply for the session that best suits you.
[bctt tweet=”Canadian universities call for applications over three times in a year unlike the Indian universities. Universities open the admissions portal for Fall, Winter and Summer sessions.” username=”galvanize_prep”]
| Session | Month |
|---|---|
| Fall | September |
| Winter | January |
| Spring | May |
Sometimes the program of your choice might begin only during the winter session so check the university website to know when you can start applying. We have noted a few dates in the table below. You can confirm the dates by visiting the official website.
| College/ University | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | i) January |
| University of Toronto | i) January |
| Dalhousie University |
i) June ii) October iii) February |
| McGill University |
i) September
ii) February |
| University of Montreal |
i) February ii) September |
| University of Waterloo |
i) July ii) September to October iii) January to February |
| University of Ottawa | i) January |
| McMaster University | i) July to August |
| McMaster University |
i) July to August ii) November to December iii) April |
| University of Alberta |
i) July ii)November iii)March |
| York University | i) January |
Application fee
When applying, make sure you have the necessary documents required for admission. You can receive your applications through the official university portal. The application fee for Canadian universities ranges from $100 to $125, depending on the course and the selected university.
How much does it cost to study in Canadian Universities?
As mentioned earlier, a ‘study abroad’ experience is a lot more affordable when it comes to Canadian universities. The tuition fees are relatively lower when compared to other countries.
Students usually embark on such opportunities in their postgraduate level because of the quality of education available in Canada.
The table below gives an estimate of the expenses covered by a student annually
| Type of Programme | Annual expenses (Tuition + Living) |
|---|---|
| Diploma course | 18,000 to 20,000 USD |
| Master’s degree | 23,000 to 28,000 USD |
How to study in Canada
Top Universities in Canada
Academic eligibility
To apply for an undergraduate course,
- you must have completed your 10+2 and submitted your transcript.
And for graduate courses,
- you will have to produce a transcript- an academic record from your college/university to show that you have had 16 years of formal education. You must have at least a 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale.
Test Requirements
Although, some Canadian universities don’t require SAT and GRE, it is recommended for you to have taken the test because an extra credit would make your profile look good.
SAT
After your high school, that is 12th grade, you can immediately apply for the SAT exam if you’re planning for post secondary education in Canada or the US. For undergraduate courses, you will be asked to submit SAT scores. The test evaluates your Reading, Writing and Math skills. This test is conducted many times a year and it has no negative marking too! You can retake the test as many times as you want.
Wanna start early and go ahead with your plans to study abroad?
Take the SAT practice test.
GRE
For those who are interested in pursuing their higher education (Masters) abroad, GRE Exam acts as a gateway to such aspirants by testing them on their Verbal and Math skills. A good GRE score can make up for a low GPA- another chance to achieve your dream!
See where you stand in competition by taking the GRE practice test.
TOEFL
TOEFL test administered to check your English Language Proficiency through a number of sections that test your Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills. IELTS is also accepted and it is totally alright to apply without the IELTS score if you have taken the TOEFL test. There are many test centres available and the TOEFL is conducted nearly 50 times a year.
Want to know where you stand in competition. Take the expert TOEFL practice test.
GMAT
If you are interested in pursuing a management degree, then universities in Canada expect you to submit GMAT scores. You might have to score between 700 – 730 to get into the creamy layer of the business schools in the country.
Important Documents
Like the US, even Canada provides documentation to validate your study in the country as an international student. The Canadian Government issues a Student Permit which is more or less a student visa.
Study Permit
International students must secure a Study Permit to study in a Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada and must have already enrolled before applying for the permit.
It is valid for the duration of your study, along with an additional 90-day period. The fee for the permit is $150 and if your study extends the given time period, you can always apply for an extension. You will have to abide by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.
It is also necessary for you to convince an officer that you will stick to the given time period and will leave the country once the Study Permit expires.
You must confirm that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will be returning home, unless you are authorized to secure a job. You should have no criminal records and must show proof that you are in good health.
You must also provide enough proof that you can financially sustain yourself during your period of residency.
[bctt tweet=”International students in Canada must secure a study permit which costs $150 and is valid upto 90 days after the duration of study” username=”galvanize_prep”]
Required documents for the permit
- Passport
- Acceptance letter from a DLI
- Proof that you can financially support yourself
Other documents like Letter of recommendation and Statement of purpose.
As an Indian student, you can attain the permit through the Student Direct Stream.
[bctt tweet=”Required Documents for Canadian Study Permit : Passport, Acceptance letter from university, Proof for financial sustainability ” username=”galvanize_prep”]
Student Life in Canada
Campus Life – Orientation
Canadian universities, like every other university abroad, focuses on helping students get familiarised with the campus, the courses and the faculty. You will be taken on campus tours and also a trip around the locality so that you will know where to go in case you need any provisions.
Orientations are very important for international students since it also acts as a platform for socialising- an opportunity to know your peers.
Accommodation
You can always opt for an on-campus accommodation- since its easier to commute and relatively cheaper than off-campus housing where you stay in shared apartments. You will have to allot some amount to cover your dorm expenses.
In Canada, you can come across the ‘Home-stay’ option where you can stay with a host family who will offer you a room in their house and also provide you with food. Student dorms usually range from 7,000 CAD to 12,000 CAD, depending on the apartment style you choose.
Weather
Fall begins in September and the following months get colder as winter sets in. You will have to pack sufficient clothes to keep you warm like sweaters, gloves, socks, raincoats, etc…
Spring starts in March followed by summer in June- make sure you have your sunscreen, bathing suits and t-shirts.
Healthcare
Some universities provide mandatory health care insurance for international students that take care of certain medical expenses that need immediate assistance. There is no government- funded insurance for international students, hence it is important that you make sure to have health insurance before you arrive in Canada. Better safe than sorry!
Student clubs
Another opportunity for you to pursue your other interests is through student clubs. It is also a great way of meeting people with similar interests which might be the first step you take when you start networking.
Job opportunities
In Canada, job opportunities are easier to come across when compared to other countries.
- You can always book an appointment with peer advisors to help you prepare for a job. You can get insights on how to write a resume and the do’s and don’ts of an interview.
- Universities provide online tools that enable students with resources that contain job listings. You can also apply for volunteer work, internships and basically attain practical experience during the course of your study.
- Career development programmes like providing on-campus work options for international students are some of the advantages of studying in Canada.
- It is also possible to acquire jobs through social platforms and company websites.
- You can also get a work permit once you secure a job and the process is not as tedious like in the US.
FAQ
Plan your study in Canada
Here are the frequently asked questions that we generally get from students. We keep updating them when it might help you.
1. How much is the cost of study for international students in Canada?
Indian students planning to study in Canadian universities must make sure that they can financially sustain themselves through loan, family income or scholarships. A student’s annual expenses, including food and accommodation, can range from 14 to 20 lakhs (INR).
2. Why study in Canada?
Canada is one of the very few countries that offer quality education at affordable rates. International students easily adapt to the surroundings due to the hospitable environment provided by the Canadian people. It has been consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and the job opportunities have also been on the rise for the past few years.
Here’s a quick Summary :
- Why study in Canada? : Safe and inclusive, Multi Cultural Exposure, Affordable, Research Opportunities and Academic Resources
- Canadian Universities call for admissions three times a year : Fall, Winter and Summer sessions
- The application fee for Canadian universities ranges from $100 to $125, depending on the course and the selected university.
- Academic Eligibility : Get transcripts from your school and university.
- You might have to give GRE/SAT/TOEFL/GMAT based on the college and degree you choose.
- International students must secure a study permit which costs $150 and is valid upto 90 days after the duration of study
- You should have no criminal records and should show proof of good health
- Required Documents : Passport, Acceptance letter from university, Proof for financial sustainability
