Study in CANADA

Study in Canada an Overview of Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Fees, student Visa Requirements, Admission Procedure and Work opportunities in Canada

Canada is a popular choice for international students who wish to seek undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programmes in higher education. According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, Canada has the third-highest proportion of international students in the world. Furthermore, in addition to short-term courses, Canadian colleges provide undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students have the option of attending community, public, or private institutions.  According to a research released by Statista Research Department, there were 530,540 people in possession of a study permit as of the end of 2020. Due to a number of factors, choosing to pursue an education in Canada abroad is currently one of the most popular options for students throughout the world. Canada's leading educational system, prestigious institutions, and very safe and secure atmosphere to develop in are the main reasons to select this country. Along with these important factors, students choose Canada for its affordable tuition costs in all academic programmes.

Also read:- Why do International Students Choose to Study in Canada?

Canada As A Study Destination

1.Language requirements: You must demonstrate your fluency in either English or French in order to be admitted to a Canadian educational institution. To determine your level of English proficiency, Canadian universities prefer IELTS or TOEFL results, however some also accept Cambridge English: Advanced. You must select your chosen exam, pick a date, and submit payment. Your performance on the test will improve if you brush up on your vocabulary knowledge.

2. Cost of studying in Canada: How much money is needed to study in Canada is the first question that would cross a student's mind? They will need anywhere between CAD 13,500 and CAD 38,000 per year to pay for this. Though the amount of money a student requires for his/her tuition fee varies according to the degree programme and school they choose. Programs in the humanities, education, and the arts cost a little more than those in fields like engineering and medical. The cost of tuition varies based on the curriculum chosen by students. For example those who wish to study postgraduate level degree; the cost for it is often greater. The most expensive academic degrees available in Canada, as in other nations, are the MBA programmes.

3. Cost of Living in Canada: In comparison to other nations, Canadian living expenses are already higher than average. This is due to the excellent quality of life that is promised in this place. The average living costs can be furcated and understood as follows:

• Accomodation costs: They range between CAD 5000 - CAD 10,000. Various options are Student residences for CAD 300 -CAD700 (monthly); On-campus for CAD 637- CAD 800 (monthly) and Rent or sharing apartments for CAD 300 - CAD 800 (monthly). Though their prices vary according to the location and facilities available. If students prefer to rent a studio or one-room apartment, they have to pay over CAD 1,000 (monthly). Along with this other basic utilities or internet charges cost for CAD 300 (monthly) on an average.
• Food costs: For groceries and other essentials CAD 350 per month are sufficient. But if the student eats their meals in a restaurant it costs about CAD 10-25 per meal. Per day it costs an average of CAD 60-75. Options to shop for groceries in Canada are some supermarkets such as Walmart, Canadian Superstore etc.
• Transportation costs: For students aged between 18-25 years benefit from discounts on public transport given by government. They can purchase a transport pass for it monthly ranging between CAD 83-116. The one way ticket costs about CAD 3.25. If you wish to travel through taxis it will charge between CAD 2-6 per km.
• Insurance costs: International students enrolled in Canadian institutions and colleges must have health insurance. The price of insurance for foreignstudents differs depending on the area and the insurance company. The typical yearly cost of health insurance for foreign students in Canada is between CAD 600 and 900.
• Taxes on Part time jobs: The average tax range is 10% to 15% which varies from province to province in Canada.

4. Sources of funding:There are various scholarships or funding provided by Canadian government to aid you with your tuition fee and other expenses. Also part time jobs are available for students.

Also read:- How to apply for Study permit for Canada

Some of the scholarships for undergraduate students are:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships: The University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is designed to honor foreign students who exhibit great academic success, innovation, and who are regarded as leaders in their schools. For four years, the scholarship will pay for all living expenses in addition to tuition, books, and other costs.
• York University International Student Scholarship Program: International applicants accepted to York University with a strong academic record are eligible for scholarships of $80,000 to $180,000 for a four-year degree programme.
• University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students: University of British Columbiadecides to givemore than $10 million CAD annually to prizes, scholarships, and other types of financial help for foreign undergraduate students in order to acknowledge the academic accomplishment of bright students throughout the world.
• Carleton Prestige Scholarships: The following Prestige scholarships are available to excellent undergraduate students at Carleton University (who havean average of 90% or higher). The Riordon Scholarship and the Collins Prestige Scholarship pay the full cost of tuition for four years, while the Chancellor's Scholarship, Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship, Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence, and Carleton University SHAD Scholarship each have a value of CAD 20,000-30,000.
• Calgary International Entrance Scholarships: A renowned prize that honors remarkable accomplishments of foreignstudent who arecommencing their undergraduate studies at the university. It is a4-year undergraduate degree costs $60,000 in total.
• Winnipeg President's Scholarships for World Leaders: International students who are enrolling for the first time in any of the university's are given this scholarship. Ithas a value between $3,500 and $5,000.

Also read:- Minimum ILETS score requirement for Canada

Scholarships for Graduate Aspirants (International):

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: In order to attract and keep the best doctoral students and to position Canada as a global hub of excellence in research and higher education, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) were established. At participating Canadian universities, the grants are for doctorate degrees (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD degrees). For three years, the scholarship is worth $50,000 per year.
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: Students of any country who plan to enroll at the University of Manitoba as full-time graduate students are eligible for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF). The scholarships have a 12-month value of $18,000 for PhD students and $14,000 for master's student and it is merit based.
• Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: Foreign studentsapplying to or enrolled full-time ina PhD programme in the social sciences and humanities at a Canadian institution are eligible for thisscholarship.For a maximum of three years, each student will receive an annual value of up to $60,000. Also students from developing countries are given more preference.
• University of Waterloo Master's Awards of Excellence: Foreign master's students who qualify and are expected to enroll in a research-based graduate programme at the University of Waterloo will receive the International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE). The award has a maximum value of $2,500 which will be given in every semester for five times.
• University of Calgary Graduate Awards: It gives full and partial scholarships to foreign students studying their campus. The scholarship may range from $1000-&40,000 based on course or field of study.

5.  Exams required: Various English proficiency language tests and other accredited tests mandatory by some of the universities to take admission. They are:

• TOEFL: The test will measure international studentsaptitude for expressing and comprehendingEnglish in writing, speaking, and hearing while attending university or college. The Educational Testing Service, which holds the test, sets the questions, and distributes score results to all applicants. For admission to institutions where English is the primary language of instruction, this exam is required. These TOEFL results may be used by a number of certification organizations, government organizations, and scholarship programmes to determine English language competency.
• IELTS: This English proficiency test keeps track of their language skills. Candidates are evaluated on their speaking, reading, writing, and listening abilities. IELTS results will be used by many scholarship programmes, government organizations, and certification bodies to evaluate English language competency.
• PTE: It is a computer-based test that evaluates proficiency of English language ofstudents seeking to go to countries where English is the dominant language. International studentsmust pass it to verify their competence in order to enrollin higher education programmes or to apply for a visa.
• CAEL: For many academic purposes, the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) examination is taken. It is designed to aid in determining the degree of English language competency for applicants hoping to enrol in universities and institutions. Student'sproficiency with using English as it is used in Canadian colleges and universities will be evaluated by the CAEL exam. Given that it is a topic-based assessment, the test offers a unique alternative to existing English standardised examinations and will provide participants a sense of how Canadian post-secondary classrooms function. It includes a collection of integrated language activities. Aspirants will be required to read articles, respond to questions, and write brief essays on a specific topic while also listening to lectures.
• GMAT: Those who want to enroll in management, business, or MBA courses take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The ability in algebric, English, and thinking are used to evaluate applicants.
• LSAT: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test used to assess candidates ability relevant to law school's verbal thinking and language proficiency.
• GRE: Graduate school applicants who want to pursue an MS or MA must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many business schools also accept GRE scores.
• SAT: The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) evaluates students skillbased on their literacy and writing, both of which are necessary for success in higher education. Their capacity to solve difficulties is measured by the test. Students who have completed high school must take the SAT in order to be admitted to college programmes.

6. Intakes: There are three intakes/semesters for international students in Canada. They are Winter Intake which is in January, Autumn intake in September and May/Spring intake. From these entire January intake is the best for international students.

7. Types of student Visa: Canadian student visa or Canadian Study permit

8. Top courses: MBA, Computer science and IT, Business and Finance, Core Engineering and Engineering Management, Physical and Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy, Agricultural Science and Forestry, Biosciences, Medicine and Healthcare, media and Journalism, Mathematics, statistics, Actuarial Sciences and analytics, Psychology and Human Resources.

9.  Types of degrees in CANADA:

• Certificates and Diplomas: Their time span is for 1 to 2 years. It consists of mainly technical related vocational and job oriented programmes.
• Associate degree: It is of two years and equivalent to first two years of a bachelor's degree programme.
• Bachelor's degree: It is of 3 to 4 years. It can be done after completion of your secondary school requirements. Though its duration varies according to the province in which university is located ex. 3 years duration in universities located in Quebec.
• Bachelor's Honors degree: It is a 4 years course in which a specialized or major field is focused more. Here specific credits need to be completed.
• Postgraduate degree: It is of 1 to 2 years. Sometimes in some fields, research work is required to be submitted compiled in form of thesis for getting certifications or course completion.
• Doctorate or PhD: It may last for 3 to 6 years and as already known a research work is needed to be completed and submitted in front of the faculty.

10. Best student cities in Canada: Top 5 cities in Canada according to International QS rankings: Montreal (Global rank is 9); Toronto (Global rank is 13); Vancouver (Global rank is 18); Ottawa (Global rank is 53) and Quebec with (Global rank 113).

Why Study in Canada?

Canada, which welcomes almost 500,000 foreign students, is renowned for providing superior education at reasonable tuition costs with degrees that are recognized across the world. When you factor in the high standard of living, the abundance of job and immigration options following graduation, then Canada comes out as a top choice for Indian students looking to study abroad.

• Quality of education: The excellent calibre of education is among the main factors influencing students' decision to study in Canada. A student's degree from a Canadian institution serves as a symbol of distinction and trustworthiness. All levels of education in Canada are of the highest calibre, from primary education to post-secondary education. Our teachers have extensive training, and they offer a diverse range of viewpoints to the classroom. Two out of every five professors at the university level have at least one foreigndegree. We also have 11 of the top 250 universities across the globe.
• Affordability: Canada is renowned for having among of the lowest university tuition costs. Our extensive selection of educational alternatives has something suitable for everyone, no matter what their financial situation. When compared to institutions in the US and the UK, Canada's tuition is somewhat less expensive. To lower your tuition costsyou can also submit an application for a variety of Canadian scholarships.
• Cultural diversity:One of the best aspects is that people in Canada are incredibly kind and inviting, hailing from a variety of ethnic groups with unique customs and lifestyles. Like no other nation, Canada's diversified climate encourages friendship and peaceful coexistence. In reality, there are a lot of Indians here who are learning, working, and living. The chance to experience an unmatched environment, culture, and way of life is provided by studying in Canada. Each season and location has so much to offer from vibrant atmosphere to forest range and its sound.
• Quality of life: Both Canadian peopleand foreign students in Canada live comfortably. It's a fantastic location to work and live. In fact, when it comes to overall quality of life, Canada comesin first. Four of the top 100 greatest student cities in the world are located in the Canada which is said inaccordanceto the World University Rankings.
• Research options: The high emphasis on research and development in Canadian education is one of the main factors that sets it apart from other systems. There is no better country than Canada if you are a research student. Research in the fields of medical, communications, agriculture, environmental science, and technology is generouslysupported by the Canadian government.
• Immigration options: The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP) in Canada enables students to remain and find employment there for up to three years following graduation. You may work abroad for a while and then seek for permanent residency.
• Personal identity: Being in Canada or any other nation far from your hometown, every moment of your life reveals your identity. As you need to move abroad, for instance in Canada you need to learn English which might not be your native language expels you to face challenges and gain experiences. All this creates a better version of you and even you explore potential and become more confident.
• Employment: After getting your graduation or post-graduation done from these extensive universities, you get ample employment opportunities too. The point is, Everything depends on you: Your potential and hardworking nature. Even you can work in your campus without getting work-permit.
• Health services: Every person be it a Canadian or an international student or immigrant should own his/her health insurance. Though the health insurance system of Canada is quite expensive yet it delivers a high quality standardized treatment and practice. Emergency care as well as basic and preventative medical services is covered under provincial health-care system of Canada. For this you need to have an eligible provincial health care card. Even in terms of education and research opportunities in Canada many students migrate from their countries for bright future career.
• A bilingual country.Learn another language or improve your second language skills. For over a century, Canada's two official languages, English and French, have been taught as second languages which is why they are world leaders in language training.

Education system in Canada:

Till 16 years of age children need to pursue their education in schools and after that they move forward to universities/colleges for higher education.

• Pre-elementary school: Also known as Kindergarten. It is the first educational stage. Children between 4-5 years attend this school. Its first year is almost free and these schools may be public, private or federal. Here children are taught to learn some basics like reading, art, music etc. In some provinces of the country its duration may extend but is without any charges. In some areas it is necessary to pursue this education part while in some it is optional. Provinces like Quebec do not charge anything from families with low income or who are disable.
• Primary schools: It is between Grade 1 to Grade 6 that is till 11-12 years of child's age. It is compulsory and special classes are provided to students on request. All the subjects are being taught by one teacher.
• Secondary schools: It has two categories: Junior High School and High School. Junior high school involves grade 7 and grade 8. High school is of four years till Grade 12. Due to advancing level of education, students adjust to the educational standards in a slow and progressive way.
• Post-secondary section: This is the part where students apply to study in universities and colleges. Higher education is provided to students in different fields. In case of enrollment to public universities students can also get sponsorship by government. The format is same as in United States with undergraduate degree followed by post-graduate program and then PhD qualification.

Types of universities in Canada:

• Liberal Arts Institutions: According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, liberal arts refers to a college or university curriculum that is focused on promoting general knowledge and general intellectual abilities as opposed to a professional, vocational, or technical programme. These institutions can be public or private. They mainly put their efforts on undergraduate studies.
• Public university: An institution is considered public if it gets money from the provincial, territorial, or federal government, however tuition fees and private donations also support its financial stability. These academic institutions may adhere to provincial admissions standards or their own campus-specific standards. These institutions are likewise overseen or administered by a group, the majority of whose members are chosen or appointed by public authorities or are subject to their oversight. Academics research funds are often significant to public university faculty and present you with a variety of chances for useful study. Many times, these public colleges have huge departments that provide you with a wide range of degree possibilities, from associate degrees to doctorate and postdoctoral programmes. In general, public and provincial universities are less expensive than private ones.
• Private universities: Typically, a private college receives its income from alumni donations, faculty research grants, and tuition fees rather than from the provincial, territorial, or federal governments. More resources are frequently made available to the teachers and students because ofsignificant donations and private financing. They are of two types in general: Private institutions for profit and those for non profitable measures.

Credit system in Canadian Universities:

Canada's 10 provinces do not use the same grading scheme. Rather, it varies based on where you are, the university you are a student at, or the type of study you have chosen. The grading scale that is used might be anything between a 4.0 point grade and a 9.0 point grade. 

Every course you enroll in during a given semester has a set amount of hours associated with it. These are referred to as credit hours or semester hours. When a student uses their credit hours successfully and qualifies the course, they are rewarded with credits. The faculty has already decided on the amount of credits for each subject, and it is even noted in the course schedule. In order to succeed in getting a bachelor's degree, you typically need to obtain 15 credits every semester. For master's programmes, this may increase to 24 credits every semester. Any gaps might be filled by the student through individual study or in the summer holidays.Whether a student passes the course or not determines whether they will receive a credit. To graduate from high school, you must earn a specific amount of credits. The maximum number of credits that may be obtained in a semester is four to five, with each credit representing one successfully completed course. 

Your final grade is determined by credits and credit hours. The grade point average for this is (GPA). It displays your overall average grade for the academic semester. As a result, your final GPA is more than just an average of your grades. Instead, it is a weighted average, with the amount of credits serving as the weight.

[Final grade point average = letter grade value * credit hours]

Top Universities in Canada:The top seven universities in Canada along with their work ranking according to 2022 are:

• University of Toronto (18)
• University of British Columbia (37)
• McGill University (44)
• McMaster University (80)
• University of Montreal (88)
• University of Alberta (125)
• University of Ottawa (162)

Popular courses

Popular Graduate Programs are:-

• Masters in Computer Science and IT
• Masters in Medicine and Health
• Masters in Business and Management
• Masters in Social sciences
• Masters in Engineering and Technology
• Masters of management in Analytics
• Masters of Medium studies

Popular Undergraduate Programs:-

• Bachelor's in Computer Science and IT
• Bachelor's in business and Management
• Bachelor's in Engineering and Technology
• Bachelor's in Natural Sciences

How to take admission in Canadian universities?

• First of all choose the coursethat is best for you to begin with. The majority of Canadian degree programmes will be taught in English. There are degrees available in several subjects, whether you're a graduate or undergraduate candidate.
• Keep all your paper work ready. Most of the universities in Canada require recommendation letter, and detail of previous work if anything is applicable as per the scenario.Universities will often want documentation of the completion of prior coursework. To meet this criterion, give the institution an official transcript from your secondary school if you are starting a bachelor's degree programme or your prior university if you are pursuing a master's degree or higher. If English is not your first language, you might additionally need to pass an English proficiency exam. Do check specific admission requirements as per the university you have applied in.
• Now it's the time to submit your application to the university. For this its form are available online on university websites with a application fee which is needed to be paid. Some necessary required documents are to be attached with the application form while mailing it to the university.
• Wait for the results to be updated. If accepted your university will send you confirmation for admission by letter of admission. In private universities you are supposed to pay the tuition fee for first semester.
• Now apply for you visa as soon as possible as it may take a lot of time and formalities which need to be completed.

Documents required

• Completed Application Form.
• Official score reports of GRE/TOEFL/SAT/GMAT to be sent by ETS.
• Statement of Purpose for Graduates (Optional for Undergraduates).
• Academic Certificates.
• Affidavit of Financial Support.
• Bank Statement.
• Resume/CV for MBA Students.
• Passport Size Photographs.
• Experience letter (if available).
• Additional Certificates ofExtracurricular Activities.

How to apply for a student visa for CANADA?

• The process of applying for a visa might take 3 to 4 weeks. It is suggested to check the website of the Canadian embassy to learn the general processing time for student visas. Please be aware that the estimated time is only an estimate and not a commitment.
• Now apply for it. It has two ways. One is to apply it online and other is applying physically. In the former in order to make electronic copies of your papers for uploading, you must have access to a scanner or camera, as well as a working credit card. At the local Visa Application Center, a finger scan will still be requested from you. Keep in mind that if you submitted an online application, you would also need to visit the VFS offices to submit your passports and the receipt for your fee payment. The only difference between the processes would be the paperwork you need to provide to the Visa Application Center. While in the latter you need to download an instruction guide from internet and proceed thoroughly as it is mentioned. To avoid any sort of errors you can consult an expert. Also you need to fill out VFS consent forms.
• After this just pay the fee required for visa application.
• Now visit the nearest VFS centers. Pay the service charges required and to obtain a receipt. This receipt will contain your tracking number from which you might track the progress of your application.
• Once approved, Canadian government will ask you for your passport.

Useful for students:- Assignment Help Service Canada

Eligibility criteria to get student visa

• You have been granted admission to a certain educational facility which is a recognized institution.
• You must demonstrate that you have the money to cover your tuition and living costs.
• You must demonstrate that you have a spotless background free of any criminal activity. To demonstrate this, the candidates must present a police verification certificate.
• You must have a health examination and present a medical certificate attesting to your excellent health.
• You must tell the immigration officer during the visa interview that you will depart Canada once your studies are finished.

Documents required for student visa

• Valid passport
• Proof of acceptance by university/college/institution
• Proof of funds
• Passport size photograph
• Immigration Medical Examination
• Scores of English language proficiency tests
• Statement of purpose: That is why you are moving to Canada
• Credit card

Work opportunities in Canada for International Students

Canada is among the top two countries for foreign students looking to complete their higher education. In Canada, master's degrees are and they can last up to 2 years. One year of postgraduate study entitles you to a one-year stay-back visa, while two years of post-graduation entitle you to a three-year visa that allows you to work or conduct business in Canada. Students from different countries have prospects in Canada, where getting a job after graduation is simpler than you would imagine. The majority of career possibilities in Canada will come your way if you work hard and build a strong network while you're in school.

Work visa or PR

For getting PR, one must have 12 months of full time experience in Canada in last three years and must meet the language level requirements by National Occupation Classification.

Work permit in Canada is usually valid for 1-2 years. More than this it is not issued.