Before going to study in Canada, you should mentally prepare yourself for the changes that may come with moving abroad to pursue your education. There are many things that overseas students are unaware of before leaving to study in Canada.
International students come to Canada for various reasons, including its excellent educational system, welcoming culture, and much more. More than 450,000 overseas students will come to Canada in 2021. Many people view studying in Canada as the ideal first step toward obtaining permanent residency.
College Rankings
Canada is home to some of the world's most renowned and highly rated universities. The QS World Ranking of the Best Universities annually recognizes several Canadian institutions for their outstanding co-curricular offerings and strong academic programs.
On the 2021 University Rankings, the University of Toronto comes in at number 25, McGill University comes in at number 31, and the University of British Columbia comes in at number 45. If you want to study in Canada, there are many universities to select from, so do your homework and choose wisely.
Learning is affordable in Canada
Canada has reasonably low undergraduate tuition costs when compared to other competitive nations. The annual cost of undergraduate tuition to study in Canada normally ranges from 12,000 CAD to 18,000 CAD. Depending on where you choose to reside, the monthly rent for an apartment might range from 400 CAD to 1,500 CAD.
Multilingual Country
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Even though Quebec is home to most French speakers in Canada, don't be shocked if you hear it elsewhere will likely need to learn French in addition to your English language skills if you intend to attend school in Quebec.
The Climate
If you study in Canada, you should be ready to endure several months of frigid weather. A good winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof winter boots, etc., are necessary. Watch out for snow-covered routes, as there will be delays in winter.
Working while Studying
International students studying in Canada are eligible to work on or off campus as long as they have a valid study permit. All full-time students with valid study permits are permitted to work part-time (20 hours per week) on or off campus during academic semesters and full-time (40 hours per week) during breaks between semesters. If a student has received financing to study in Canada, however, some courses may require that they work no more than 10 hours per week throughout the academic year.
Intake Method
There are three main study intakes for international students in Canada: January, May, and September. The fall intake takes place in September and is considered the largest intake. To be eligible for September admission, students must begin their application process more than 1.5 years before admission and complete it 5-6 months before admission begins. The intake for September or the fall intake closes from December to January, the intake for January closes between August and September, and the intake for May closes between September and November.
Read More - All You Need To Know About Study Abroad Intakes In 2023
Health Insurance for Students
Basic and extended health insurance is a requirement for all international students wishing to study in Canada. You might be eligible for provincial health insurance in your area, or you might need to purchase university-provided or personal health insurance.
Depending on your jurisdiction, provincial health insurance only covers the essentials of healthcare and may not cover dental treatment, vision care, or other specialized health issues. International students with valid study visas may be eligible to get provincial health insurance cards in various provinces.
More individualized insurance solutions are available through private health insurance to meet your unique long-term needs. To cover additional medical expenses, some colleges provide student health insurance plans. To learn more about your best options for health insurance, contact the department of international students at your institution.
PR in Canada
A student can receive a PR within a year using the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Following one year of study, students are eligible to apply for a PR permit in the following provinces, each of which has its own set of regulations -
- British Columbia - International Graduate under Express Entry
- Manitoba - International Education Stream
- Newfoundland & Labrador - International Graduate Program
- The Ontario Immigration Nomination Program
Read More - PR in Canada for Indian Students
Permission for Study
You must have a study permit to remain and pursue your studies in Canada. It is distinct from a student visa, which is what grants you entry to Canada. A study permit is roughly 150 CAD.
Following this checklist's first three steps, you will have the required paperwork to apply for your study visa. In summary, you require
- Acceptance Letter
- Evidence of identity (passport)
- Adequate Financial Documents
You might also need -
A Letter of Explanation or Statement of Purpose
This letter will help the visa officer understand you and your objectives. It is also called a Letter of Declaration or Statement of Purpose. It clarifies your motivation for choosing Canada as a study destination, demonstrates how the course of study will advance your professional objectives, and shows the officer that you are aware of your academic obligations.
If you wish to study in Quebec, you must get a certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), given by the provincial government. You can get all the information you need on how to apply for the CAQ from your school.
For minors only, a custodian declaration is required. You must submit the form together with your application if you are a minor studying in Canada and need a custodian. It consists of two papers, both of which must be notarized before being submitted with the application for a study permit.
Read More - Steps to Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose
Canada has developed a reputation as the world's centre for international education. More than 600,000 international students live in this country, praised for its excellent education system and first-class student services. The friendliness of its citizens, the affordability of its universities, the diversity of its society, and the abundance of job prospects have helped Canada become quite well known among international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.1) How can I prepare for study in Canada?
You must have a study permit to remain and pursue your studies in Canada. It is distinct from a student visa, which is what grants you entry to Canada. A study permit is roughly 150 CAD.
Q.2) How much money do I need to study in Canada?
The annual cost of undergraduate tuition to study in Canada typically ranges from 12,000 CAD to 18,000 CAD. Depending on where you choose to reside, the monthly rent for an apartment might vary from 400 CAD to 1,500 CAD.
Q.3) How many hours can a student work in Canada?
All full-time students with valid study permits are permitted to work part-time (20 hours per week) on or off campus during academic semesters and full-time (40 hours per week) during breaks between semesters.
Q.4) Which intake is best for Canada?
The fall intake takes place in September and is considered the most significant. To be eligible for September admission, students must begin their application process more than 1.5 years before access and complete it 5-6 months before entry begins.