Canada, the second-largest nation in the world and the largest in North America, is made up of ten provinces and three territories. Ottawa, its capital, is located in the northern part of the continent. The immigration laws of Canada have made it easier than ever to study there. Additionally, it is a popular option for vocational and diploma programs among international students. According to information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, there were 621,565 international students enrolled in courses in Canada in 2021 that lasted at least six months (IRCC). This data demonstrates how well-liked Canada is as a destination for study abroad.
Study Guide for Canada for International Students
Students frequently ask how to study in Canada. The first step is to apply to a Canadian university. You can apply for a Canadian student visa after being accepted. Students should also be knowledgeable about the complete Canadian application process. In this essay, we'll go over everything you need to know before moving to Canada. The benefits of studying in Canada are being questioned by students. There will be information on everything from their educational system to renowned Canadian universities for international students.
Why should I study in Canada?
There must be compelling arguments for students to select a particular country. Here are some justifications for selecting Canada as your study abroad destination:
The QS World University Rankings 2023 list many of the top 500 universities in the world, many of which are in Canada.
The Canadian educational system encourages research and education that is useful in the workplace since it makes students more employable.
Canada is less expensive than other countries like the US and the UK in terms of living expenses and educational costs.
Canada has somewhat more lenient rules regarding postgraduate work visas than the US and the UK.
System of education in Canada
The educational systems in Canada vary based on the province or territory. In most areas, schooling is provided in both English and French if there are enough students in the area who speak the secondary language. High schools frequently provide grades 9 through 12. The end of high school in Quebec occurs at grade 11, and pupils then enter a program called CEGEP to assist them prepare for college or a technical career.
In addition, students have the option of enrolling in colleges or trade schools. They will first receive a Bachelor's degree from a university, and then they can continue their studies to earn a Master's or a Doctorate degree. Students who study vocational fields will be able to enhance their trade-specific abilities thanks to the certificates and degrees they earn.
Popular destinations for Canadian students
Universities like McGill University, The University of British Columbia, The University of Alberta, and Simon Fraser University are well-known options if you want to pursue an academic degree full-time. The majority of the top universities in the country are found in significant urban centers like Toronto, British Columbia, and Montreal. By the end of 2021, there were 621,565 foreigners enrolled at Canadian universities. The Indian children came out on top in this situation. Study visas were issued to 217,410 Indian students in 2021.
In Canada, vocational studies are more popular than degree programs since they seem to provide more employment opportunities. Due of its low population density and abundance of work options, Canada is a popular immigration destination.
In Canada, postgraduate diploma programs in business management, journalism, engineering, computer science, and hospitality are the ones that attract international students the most.
Security in Canada
Canada is one of the safest countries, with one of the highest quality of life in the world. Because Canada is a free nation, people there are frequently judged on their conduct and character rather than their appearance or place of origin.
The weather in Canada can vary greatly depending on where you are. As it stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, Canada spans five time zones.
Montreal's weather - Winters are frigid and covered in snow. The winter in Montreal is particularly uncomfortable because of the wind-chill factor. Typically, snowfall begins around November and continues until March. Winter daytime temperatures often range from -6 to -15 degrees Celsius. 15°C to 25°C is the range of July temperatures.
Despite being milder than those in most Canadian cities, Toronto's winters are nevertheless chilly and snowy. 15°C to 25°C is the range of July temperatures. In the winter, daily temperatures in the range of -10°C to 12°C.
The weather in Vancouver is consistently rainy but not very cold. In Vancouver, the July temperature is a pleasant 22°C. Rainy winters are the norm; snow is infrequent. The daily average temperature in the winter ranges from 3°C to 7°C.
Lifestyle Suggestions
Canada's tolerance and pride in its multiethnic and diverse population are well known. Like everyone else, Canadians adhere to basic moral standards. Observations are as follows:
Attend social and professional gatherings on time.
Be respectful in both your actions and words.
Given their commitment to gender equality, Canadians value both sexes equally.
Be careful not to joke or say anything that would be disrespectful to someone based on their ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or external appearance.
Avoid asking someone personal questions until you get to know them well, such as age, salary, marital status, relationships, and the cost of personal items.
Language Barriers
Living in a culture where you must speak English or occasionally French on a daily basis can be challenging at first. The following language difficulties may initially be present when you first arrive:
It could take you a moment to understand the local accent. Canadian regional accents vary greatly. Get accustomed to the local accent for a while.
Canadians might not understand you right away. Additionally, you'll have a unique accent. Speak slowly and don't be hesitant to ask someone else to do the same if you are having problems understanding them.
It could take you some time to properly understand Canadian speech because a lot of slang is used there.
Humor is a vital part of Canadian English. Instead of being taken as an offense, this should be seen as a kind gesture.
In Canadian speaking, abbreviations are widely employed (for example, TA for Teachers Assistant or Poli Sci for Political Science). If you don't know what something means, just ask.
Participation
You are required to participate in all activities held during class time. Participation in group projects, classroom discussions, and other activities may be required of you. Participating in extracurricular activities is also very important. This will provide you lots of chances to practice your English in various settings.
Making friends
Try not to be afraid. Remember that making friends is important to everyone in their first year of college. Saying "please" and "thank you" are crucial Canadian customs, and if you utilize these phrases to express thanks and appreciation to those around you, your relationships will improve.
Guide to Canadian Student Housing
You must first decide whether you want to live with a private landlord or in housing that is managed by the university. If you choose to live in university-managed housing, you have the option of self-catered or catered accommodations. The comfort of having your meals prepared for you and some degree of cost certainty are two benefits of catered housing.
If you have a general concept of the lodgings you're looking for, start by contacting the accommodation office at your university. The housing office should be able to provide you with a list of local private rentals and landlords if you are thinking about renting from a private landlord or if your top choice university is unable to accommodate you in one of its on-campus living alternatives.
You should be aware of your legal rights and obligations wherever you choose to live. A tenancy agreement will usually be required of you; please read it thoroughly before signing.
Orientation
Because orientation week is compulsory for international students, you should be careful to arrive before it starts. At this time, you will sign up for classes and receive a tour of the campus and its features. Your guidebook, which the college will provide for you, must be read. Each step in the admissions process is described in the guidebook.
Activities
In addition to athletics, colleges offer extracurricular activities that expose students to a wide range of experiences. Through their music, theatrical, scientific, and literary clubs, colleges provide opportunities for outdoor learning and other recreational activities. Going to plays and concerts, as well as places relevant to the subjects being studied, such as art galleries and museums, historical or religious locations, scientific businesses, and projects, are all part of college life.
While some colleges also start in May, July, and October, September and January are when most colleges start their semesters. September is the major intake season for the best courses in Canada, whereas January is the minor intake season, which is meant for a relatively limited number of courses.
You should start the admissions process about six months before the application deadline. Most universities have three deadlines, which typically fall between October and January. The pupils can choose whatever deadline they like as their goal. You should have passed your language and aptitude tests three months prior to the deadline. The application must have been correctly filled out throughout the previous three months.
It is imperative to complete the "whole application procedure" by June or July for the September intake, which includes interview appearances and visa application processes.
The majority of students enroll in prestigious colleges and programs during the autumn semester, which starts in September. Depending on the course you want to enroll in, you may or may not be able to do so in January.
If you're interested in enrolling in a vocational course, admissions may be open as early as January and potentially even in May or July.
You may also be interested in: Should I Select a Spring or Fall Intake Season?
How are the lives of Indian students in Canada?
Indians make up the majority of the population in larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where they reside in excess of 70% of the population. The smaller areas of Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal are all growing. Indians in Vancouver are from many parts of the nation. Toronto has a section of Gerrard Street, whereas Vancouver has a place named Little India. Indians are mainly found in Surrey, a neighborhood in Vancouver, and Abbotsford, a nearby neighborhood.
Students from India made up the highest portion of international students that were granted study visas in 2021. During this time, more Indian students—over 217,000—than Chinese—received study permits.
Student's Guide for Canadian Language Exams
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English are the three required standardized language assessments for college admission (PTE). These follow a variety of formats, organizational frameworks, and outcome bands. Many colleges still demand the results from any of these exams, despite the fact that each one is distinct in its own manner. Therefore, the decision of which exam to take is left to the student.
The IELTS exam may be taken as many times as you'd like. You may retake the TOEFL as often as necessary, but only once every 12 days. The same is true for PTE; it can be taken whenever you like. You must wait until you receive your results before planning your next exam.
In terms of standard fees, IELTS is INR 15,500, TOEFL is INR 15,700 (US $190), and PTE is INR 14,700.
It is best to take these tests before November of the year preceding if you wish to apply for the September intake so that you can do so before the first deadline. The universities to which you will be applying will specify which exam scores are acceptable. If they give you the choice to select one of them, the final decision is yours. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE preparation times will vary depending on your level of English language proficiency. Before the exam, you may need two to four months of preparation.
General examinations
The goal of the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is to evaluate a prospective MBA candidate's aptitude for pursuing additional education in the business or management sectors. It assesses a student's aptitude in logic, English, and mathematics.
The GRE, often known as the Graduate Record Examination, is required of students applying to graduate programs to pursue an MA or MS. As part of the application process for MBA admission, more and more business schools are taking GRE scores into consideration.
The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is a prerequisite for applying to law schools. It provides a test of verbal reasoning and reading comprehension that law schools may employ to assess applicants.
The SAT is known as the Scholastic Assessment. The literacy and writing skills required for success in college are put to the test in exams. The analytical and problem-solving skills that test takers developed in school and will need in college are evaluated by this exam. The SAT is typically taken by high school students to be admitted to university institutions.
The university to which you are applying will specify which exam results will apply to the programme of your choice. The decision is ultimately yours if you are given the chance to select either of them.
Repetition and Fees: You can take the GMAT as many times as you'd like, as long as you wait 16 calendar days between exams and don't take it more than five times a year. You have 30 days after your original examination to retake these exams. The GMAT costs INR 22,750 ($275), the GRE costs INR 18,850 ($228), and the SAT is roughly INR 8,600 ($104). If you are looking for September admission, it is preferable if you take these examinations by November of the previous year in order to submit your application before the first deadline. Between four and six months are normally needed for preparation.
Average Scores: Universities frequently accept GMAT scores of 540. The typical GRE writing, quantitative, and verbal scores are 3.5, 146, and 151. Universities typically accept LSAT scores up to 162, so.
It is crucial to remember that these numbers are only intended to serve as a general guide; actual scores may differ from university to university.
foreign students' living costs in Canada
Where you choose to reside in Canada and your level of social activity have a big impact on how much it costs to live there. Some essentials for an international student's daily life in Canada include the ones listed below:
Rental fees for lodging ( on campus or off campus )
services like electricity, water, gas, and the internet, as well as food and foodstuffs
Phone bills
dictionaries and textbooks
the cost of a round-trip ticket to India
In addition, the following variables can differ from person to person:
Vehicle rental and insurance for vacations
Cable Internet connection
Housing Prices
An average student spends about Rs 7.1 lakh per year. However, a student's place of living also affects the price. If a student chooses to stay in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver instead of the suburbs, where expenditures are typically CAD 8,000–10,000 per year, their expenses could reach CAD 15,000.
Health Insurance
International students are required to spend a considerable amount of time abroad, so insurance is necessary. Before acquiring an insurance policy, be sure it covers things like medical expenses, personal injuries, dental treatment, interrupted studies, lost passports, etc. Due to the fact that insurance is virtually cashless, a student does not need to pay cash at the time of hospitalization. All international students are required to have either fundamental or comprehensive health insurance. Your university will provide you with full details regarding the health insurance.
Canada's cost of education
Depending on the city, the program, and the university, many factors affect the cost of tuition. In Canada, the average cost of tuition for a bachelor's degree is Rs 21.91 Lakh per year. In addition, a postgraduate program would typically cost around Rs. 11.28 lakh per year in tuition.
Note: The average first-year tuition expenses in Canada are based on the 522 BE/Btech courses (Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Note: To get the average first-year tuition costs in Canada, 587 MS courses were used (Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Scholarships for Universities in Canada
There are merit- and need-based fee waivers available for international students. Candidates are eligible for financial help and scholarship awards if they demonstrate academic excellence, score well on standardized examinations, and have extracurricular successes. One must make sure that all required documentation is provided by the deadlines in order to take advantage of these opportunities. The presentation of the application is also very important because one is evaluated based on the impression they give.
Documents required: A scholarship application normally needs the following documents:
copies and transcripts from school
latest resume and a cover page-style intent letter
certification of language ability (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
Reference documents (LOR)
Loans
Student eligibility requirements The first step is to determine if you are eligible to apply for a loan in Canada. All banks adhere to the general qualification requirements listed below:
You ought to be an Indian national.
You must have a strong academic background.
You must be enrolled in a professional, technical, or other course of study in order to be eligible for admission. Most banks believe that the chosen course should focus on a career.
You need to have already been accepted to a foreign university.
Your parents may apply for the loan on your behalf if you are younger than 18.
You must present both the fee schedule and the acceptance letter the institution issued you confirming your selection for the course. You must also show your most current qualifying exam mark sheet to prove your academic standing.
Because different banks have different documentation requirements, you must first confirm with the bank.
Reimbursement: Reimbursement doesn't start until the course is over. When the month from the date of employment has passed, the payback period will start if the student finds employment within a year of finishing the course.
If you do not find employment within a year of finishing the course, repayment will start whether or not you are currently employed. The loan must typically be repaid within 5-7 years of the repayment period's beginning. If the student is unable to finish the course within the given period, an extension of time for completion may be granted for a maximum of two years. Typically, you have up to 10 years to repay the debt.
Proof of acceptance: If you plan to enroll in any school (primary or secondary), college, university, or other educational institution in Canada, the school must complete and provide you a letter of acceptance. You must include the original letter with your application for a student visa.
This includes proof of identity, such as a current passport.
You must show that you have the financial means to support the family members you are bringing to Canada.
During the in-person interview, the interviewer could request additional papers. These could be documentation proving one's financial or academic position. These could include:
diplomas, certificates, and transcripts from the schools you attended
Results of the SAT, GRE, TOEFL, or GMAT tests
Upon completion of the study program, you intend to depart from Canada.
How you propose paying for all living, educational, and travel costs
How to Obtain a Canadian Student Visa
There are several steps involved in the visa application procedure.
Check the turnaround times by going to the website of the Canadian consulate because it may take 4 to 9 weeks to process your visa application. A student visa takes 9 weeks to process if you are applying from outside of Canada; if you are applying from within Canada, it takes 4 weeks. It is important to understand that the expected time is just that—an estimate.
Choose your application approach. There are two approaches to applying:
Apply online: In order to apply online, you'll need a scanner or camera to produce electronic copies of your supporting documentation that you may submit, as well as a working credit card to pay the application cost. Beginning on December 31, 2021, students from Asia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas will have to submit a finger scan at the local Visa Application Center (VAC).
personal application Get the application kit and read the instructions. In addition to instructions on how to complete your application, the instruction booklet contains crucial information about study permits. Read the guidebook in its entirety and make use of the document checklist.
Pay the processing fee: Refer to the pricing schedule for details on the cost to apply for a study permit and how to pay. In all cases, the processing fee is not returnable. More than 90 countries will have more than 130 VACs for biometrics, and each VAC will be able to collect biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). To apply for a visa, Indian students must contact their local VFS office. A study permit costs CAD 150 (including extensions), and you must pay CAD 350 to regain your student status. (CAD 150 for a new study permit and CAD 200 for the restoration of your status).
If your spouse/common-law partner, children, or other dependents are traveling with you and you are applying for temporary resident visas, work permits, or study permits on their behalf, you are responsible for covering the necessary processing fees.
Send in your application and any supporting documents; your application cannot be mailed because it requires your biometrics. Your application must be submitted either online or in person at a VFS office. In either case, you will need to go to a VAC to present your biometrics.
Health Examination
A medical check is necessary for Indian applicants seeking visas to Canada. Your personal physician is unable to perform the medical checkup. The list of panel doctors is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca, the official website for Canada Immigration. A doctor on the list is one you must see. When your checkup is complete, the doctor will email CIC the results. It's possible to arrange the test either before or after completing your visa application.
Partner visa
Spouses are permitted to travel with full-time students on a Dependent visa. You only need to show that you have the money to support them. The spouse is permitted to work full-time if they remain for a year or more.
Before taking off
Sort your paperwork, then make copies to store in your luggage and at home. Below is a list of what students visiting Canada should pack.
The majority of students will go through periods of homesickness. It could occur immediately or even later in your first year. Being homesick will pass, so have patience. If you're feeling down, talk to your friends and let them know how you feel. Stay out of your room; hiding there will just make you homesicker. Find a counselor on staff with whom you can speak about your concerns or feelings of homesickness.
Frequent long-distance calls home may intensify your sense of homelessness. Most students who are homesick feel more homesick after receiving a call from home. Make an effort to limit your weekly calls to one each week. The sooner you become used to academic life, the faster your homesickness will pass.
When you first arrive in Canada,
Every new international (and Canadian) student has a hectic first couple of weeks of the semester as they get acclimated to the campus, settle into their classes, and meet new people. Learn as much as you can about your university:
Explore the campus to get a sense of where you should go to register for programs, attend classes, get meals, and meet new people.
You are invited by the international students' club.
Learn about the workshops and resources available to international students.
Obtain your student ID card; it will be your official means of transportation on campus. (If applicable)
Take advantage of the facilities offered to students, such as the library, bookshop, and gym at the recreation center.
enroll in a cooking class.
If you prepare meals for yourself, you'll spend less money. Indian food is expensive in Canada. When you're "homesick," making it yourself will satisfy your desire for "your supper."
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP Canada)
You should be aware that your study permit is valid for an additional 90 days after the completion of your course schedule. You have 90 days to prepare for your departure from Canada or apply for a visa extension. If you decide to stay in Canada, you must apply at least 30 days before your current student status expires.
Post-graduate students who attended a Canadian institution or university can gain Canadian work experience through the PGWPP. Thanks to work experience gained through the PGWPP, students will eventually be able to qualify for permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
A post-graduation job permit cannot be granted for a period of time that exceeds the student's course of study due to a time limit. Your work visa will be good for two years, for instance, if your post-graduate program lasted two years.
To qualify for a work permit, you must have been enrolled in a study program for at least eight months.
The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for a Post Study Work Permit in Canada (PGWP Canada):
You should have enrolled in a full-time program in Canada.
More than eight months should have passed by during your course.
You must have finished your coursework at a post-secondary public or private institution.
You must apply for a work visa within three months of receiving an official document from the Institute proving that you have successfully completed your studies (90 days).
You will only be given a work permit if you are in possession of a student visa.
The Standard Work Permit fee and the Open Work Permit Holder payment must both be paid in Canadian dollars, whether manually or electronically.
Your course cannot last longer than the validity of your work visa. If your course is eight months long, you will be awarded a work permit good for eight months.
Education Collaboration
In a cooperative program, there are alternating study sessions and work periods. The Student Co-op program, which has a structured structure, seeks out students in order to provide them permanent employment after they graduate. Co-op programs are widely provided by colleges and institutions. Indian students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program must submit applications for both a work permission and a study permit.
You must satisfy the conditions given below in order to be qualified for a co-op:
You must have a valid student visa.
The employment you want to pursue must be related to your Canadian academic program.
Your employment must be authorized by a letter from an appropriate university academic official and must be associated with your academic program.
