Study in Canada

About the country

Canada is a multicultural country that is inclusive and respectful of all its citizens irrespective of their race, ethnicity, language or religious orientation. It ensures equal right in front of law and equal opportunity irrespective of their country of origin. This makes Canada to be one of the favorite destinations for youth from all over the world. Canada is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the tenth highest nominal per capita income globally, and the eighth highest ranking in the Human Development Index. It ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.

Why study in Canada?

• Over 1,30,000 international students attend Canadian colleges and universities. Canada holds high international reputation for educational standard.
• More than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at more than 100 institutions nationwide.
• The tuition fee is lower than in other leading study abroad countries.
• International students are assisted by such resources and services as orientation sessions, support programs, academic advising, prayer rooms, safe walk programs, student clubs, and assistance with medical concerns or housing issues.

Living in Canada

There are a number of living options for international students in Canada. One of the options is Homestay. Canadian families welcome international students. This helps them to adapt the culture and attain proficiency in language. This arrangement is provided by the schools that make sure that the students and the families share common interests. Average cost of homestay accommodation: $400 – $800 CDN per month.

Apart from homestay, many schools provide accommodation conveniently located on or near their campus. Rooms can vary in size and in quality, and many dormitories have shared kitchens, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Average cost of residence/dormitory rooms: $3,000 – $7,500 CDN per school year.

International students can also rent out accommodations. However the cost may be much higher than the other options. Several private and shared accommodations are available for rent. Renting a house is usually too expensive for one student, but can be shared by two or more students who can share suites that include a self-contained unit with a kitchen, toilet, bath and bedroom within a larger home. Apartments are another option, where one has a kitchen, toilet, bath, and one or two bedrooms. Most rental apartments do not include furniture or meals. Some, however, include the cost of heater and/or electricity in the rent. Average cost of shared accommodations in Canada: $250 – $700 CDN monthly. Average cost of a suite or apartment: $400 – $1,500 CDN monthly.

Cost of Education in CANADA

Cost of education for an international student in Canada would include the entire series of the following expenses:

• Applying to the colleges and universities
• Taking the entrance tests
• Visa application
• Passage money
• Tuition fee
• Accomodation, food, medical expenses et al.

One good news for the international students is that Canadian institutions offer lower tuition rates than many other countries, which means international students can save considerably by studying in Canada. All Canadian universities receive public funding through their provincial governments, which allows for lower tuition fees and ensures all universities adhere to a code of academic standards.

Education Institions in Canada

Canadian government makes generous investment in its education sector making it to be a one of the world leaders in academic performances. The country also ranks among the top three in spending per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The tertiary education system in Canada is divided into:

• Certificate level, generally for a year
• Diploma level, for one or two years
• Advanced Diploma, generally two or three-year programs
• Bachelor degrees, awarded after four years of full-time study
• Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates, for one or two years of study
• Master’s degrees, available after a bachelor degree to excel in a certain subject, for one to two years
• Doctorate or PhD, generally four to seven years.

Entry Requirements

The student visa is known as study permit. This allows the students to enter Canada as a full time student at an accredited community college, university or any other institution. This visa entails the students to be enrolled in a program of study that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate under an institution that is listed under Designated Learning institutions (DLI) list authorized by CIC. The students can file their visa application under three categories namely, S.P.P., General and University. Visa applications may be submitted at any of the ten application centers across India. VFS Office provides information on procedures applicable to applicants who wish to apply for a visa to travel to Canada. Students have an option to lodge their Canada visa application through online link available at CIC website.

Documents required for visa application are as follows:

• Passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Unconditional letter of acceptance
• Fees receipt (recommended)
• Scholarship letter (if applicable)
• Any relevant correspondence with the institution
• Financial documents
• Academic documents
• Test scores
• Work experience certificates (if applicable)

Employement Oppurtunity

During your studies

Canada recently announced new regulations for international students. As of June, 2014, students do not need to apply for a separate work visa to work off-campus, and are eligible to work as soon as their program of study begins. Canada provides extensive work and career opportunities for all types of students. Many institutions in Canada offer a co-operative education program. This is a structured program where students alternate between periods of work and study. This integrated curriculum is achieved through a partnership between the educational institution and industry. After graduation

International graduates from Canadian higher education institutions also have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years following the completion of their program. To work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). If you would like to look into staying in Canada as a permanent resident after you finish your studies, there are several programs available, each with its own requirements.