Canada
Country
Study in Canada
The Canadian education system is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality, with its higher education institutions achieving high international rankings and remarkable academic results.
The trend of studying abroad in Canada has seen significant growth over the past few years. According to Statistics Canada, the number of international students in Canada has grown substantially to about 160 % over the past decade, driven by the country’s high-quality education system, affordability, wide range of programs, multicultural society and opportunities for work and permanent residency. With its balanced approach to education and lifestyle, Canada remains a top destination for students around the world.
Canada provides a fantastic foundation for your personal and professional development, Experience world-class education, vibrant culture, and unparalleled opportunities.
Why Study in Canada
- Elite Educational Institutions: Canada is home to some of the top universities and colleges in the world
- Affordability: While maintaining high-quality education, Canada provides more budget-friendly tuition options.
- Diverse Cultural Setting: As one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations, Canada’s campus environments reflect this inclusivity, welcoming students from across the globe.
- Global Connections: Opportunity to establish worldwide connections, potentially beneficial for future career paths.
- Concurrent Study and Employment: International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours weekly) during the academic year and full-time during holidays without requiring a separate work permit.
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit program allows graduates to remain and work in the country for up to three years after completing their studies.
- Language Immersion: Non-native English can benefit from total language immersion, significantly enhancing their linguistic abilities.
- Employability: Employers often hold graduates from Canadian institutions in high regard, valuing their skills, adaptability, and hands-on experience.
Educational System in Canada
- Early Childhood Education: Typically for children aged 3 to 5 years old.
- Elementary Education (Primary School): Typically from age 6 to 12, covering Grades 1 through 6.
- Secondary Education (High School): Typically from age 12 to 18, covering Grades 7 through 12 (or sometimes just 9 to 12, depending on the region).
- Post-secondary Education: Students have access to a comprehensive higher education system that provides numerous options:
- Colleges (Community Colleges and Technical Institutes): Programs typically last 1 to 3 years.They provide diploma and certificate programs, often with a focus on practical skills and trades, including fields like healthcare, engineering technology, business, and the arts.
- Universities: Universities in Canada offer undergraduate (3-4 years), graduate (1-2 years) and PhD (3-6 years) in a wide range of fields, including the humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences.
Popular Fields of Study
- Engineering and Technology: Programs in civil engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science are highly sought after due to Canada’s strong technology sector.
- Business and Management: Degrees such as BBA and MBA are popular as they prepare students for entrepreneurial and leadership roles.
- Health and Life Sciences: Fields like medicine, pharmacy, nursing and public health are significant due to a strong healthcare system.
- Arts and Humanities: Programs in philosophy, literature, history, and communications provide students with a broad-based education that can lead to careers in education, publishing, and media.
- Social Sciences: Programs in psychology, sociology, political science, and economics are widely pursued and can lead to careers in research, policy-making, and social work.
- Environmental Studies: With a focus on sustainability and conservation, these programs are significant given Canada’s vast natural resources and environmental policies.
Intake Periods in Canada
Canadian institutions typically have multiple intake periods throughout the year, allowing students flexibility in when they can start their studies. The most common intakes are:
- Fall Intake (September): Application deadlines are often in January–March of the same year, although some programs may have deadlines as late as May.
- Winter Intake (January): Also known as the second intake. Deadlines for this intake are generally between September and November of the previous year.
- Spring/Summer Intake (May/June): Applications should be submitted by January–March.
General Admission Requirements
- Academic Documents: Marksheets showing completion of required courses and grades with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for admission, typically in the range of 70–85% (varies by institution and program).
- English Language Proficiency: English proficiency, usually through TOEFL (Typically requires a score of 80–100), IELTS (Generally requires a score of 6.5–7.0)
- Standardized Tests: Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores, especially for competitive programs like business or engineering.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually from teachers or other professionals who can vouch for the student’s academic capabilities.
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal: A detailed statement explaining the student’s motivation for pursuing the program, research interests, and career goals.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): For PG programs, A comprehensive resume highlighting academic achievements, work experience, research projects, and other relevant experiences.
Top Universities in Canada
- University of Toronto (U of T)
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta (U of A)
- University of Waterloo
- Western University (University of Western Ontario)
- Queen’s University
- Dalhousie University
- Université de Montréal (UdeM)
key international scholarships
There are several international scholarships, these include:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- University-specific scholarship (UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award, McGill University Scholarships, York University International Entrance Scholarships, University of Ottawa International Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program (University of Toronto)
- The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- International Student Scholarships (Various Universities)
- Global Affairs Canada Scholarships
Study Visa
A study permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada which enables foreign citizens to pursue education in Canada. It's important to understand that while a study permit grants entry into Canada, it is distinct from a visa.
Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a study permit, you need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Acceptance Letter: You must have an official letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada. The letter should include details such as the program of study, start date, and duration.
- Proof of Funds: You must show that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- No Criminal Record: You may need to provide a police certificate to prove you have no criminal record.
- Medical Exam: In some cases, you may need to undergo a medical examination if you plan to study for more than six months or if you come from certain countries.
Costs of Living per Year
- Tuition: CAD 7,000 to CAD 29,000
- Accommodation: CAD 6,000 to CAD 24,000 (depending on whether you live on-campus or off-campus)
- Food: CAD 2,400 to CAD 4,800
- Transportation: CAD 960 to CAD 1,800
- Health Insurance: CAD 600 to CAD 1,000
- Books and Supplies: CAD 500 to CAD 1,000
- Miscellaneous: CAD 1,200 to CAD 3,600
Types of Jobs for International Graduates
- Full-Time Employment
- Part-Time Work
- Temporary Work
- Freelancing and Consulting
Top Industries for International Graduates in Canada
- Technology and IT: Software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
- Healthcare: Medical professionals, nurses, healthcare administrators, and medical researchers.
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering roles.
- Finance: Accounting, financial analysis, and investment banking.
- Education: Teaching positions for K-12 and higher education institutions.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Roles in hotel management, event planning, and food services.
- Marketing and Communications: Digital marketing, public relations, and content creation.