If not all then half of a million international students will choose Canada over other developed countries in the world for learning. Because of the many opportunities and chances that the country offers to international students. Canada is a first choice for many international students who like an enabling environment that allows them to be at their best. Canada has an international and quality education system which is developed by modern technology and a good structural system.
In addition, Canada has many scholarship programs that are available to every international student to assist them with their tuition fees, thereby easing their financial burden. Another big advantage is that international students can work while studying to cater to their daily needs and the country even gives you various job opportunities after your studying period. There are a lot of benefits to enjoy from studying in Canada, we will explore all of these in this article including the eligibility criteria and requirements.
Why Should You Study in Canada?
- A popular destination for International students: More of the reason why students choose Canada is the warm and welcoming attitudes of the people of Canada. This makes them feel accepted and welcomed into the country.
- Numerous Job Opportunities: Even while studying, you can still work to provide for your needs. After your graduation, there are many job opportunities for you, your fields, and others.
- International and Quality Education System: Canada’s education system is considered one of the best education systems in the world which makes it very attractive and a first choice to students.
- Cultural Diversity: Canada accepts everyone’s cultures irrespective of their social class, race, language, or religion. And Canada as a country also has many cultures and norms which you can learn from and have a beautiful experience.
The Basic Eligibility Criteria and Requirements of Studying in Canada
To study in Canada, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria and requirements before applying for a study permit. Below are the basic requirements:
- Valid ID passport: You must possess a valid ID passport that ties you and identifies you with your local country. Your passport must be at least 6 months away from the expiration date before application.
- Medical exam: You must also be in good health and medically fit to go through the hardship of learning. This requires you to go through the medical exam, obtaining a positive result that you are healthy and do not possess any threatening diseases condition to the people of Canada
- Academic documents: Some specific documents are going to be requested by your institution and immigration board. These include your transcript, secondary school leaving exam results and certificates, etc.
- Criminal record: You must have no criminal record or be involved in any related crime and immigration issues.
- Language Proficiency: You must also be able to speak, and understand either of the two Canadian official languages i.e. English or French Language. This is very important because you must be able to communicate with everyone and understand the language to study in Canada.
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Five Major Steps To Study in Canada
STEP 1: SEARCH FOR A WORLD CLASS SCHOOL/INSTITUTION
There are many Canadian universities that you can easily apply for but not all of them are suitable for several factors like location, the amount of tuition fees, the availability of courses, etc. And you must also note that the choice of your institution will determine a lot like the number of opportunities and choices you will be able to get. So you must choose very well and do so by strictly adhering to your preferences. Examples of top universities in Canada you can consider: are the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, the University of Alberta, the University of Waterloo, the University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, etc.
STEP 2: SELECT YOUR COURSE PROGRAM
There are many programs to choose from to study in Canada and they are fully available with the best modern facilities. Most program periods of learning are different from each other. Many of the courses require only 4-5 years for completion while others require more than 6 years with an internship. You must know not only the course but also other things like the period of completion, tuition fees, the mode of admission and requirements requested from the University.
STEP 3: KNOW YOUR BUDGET
There are many costs to be included in your journey of studying in Canada. These include your tuition fees, housing, food, transportation, health insurance, miscellaneous, etc. You must know all the costs of these expenses to plan for the amount of money you will need to study. But in Canada, there are three major ways to help decrease the financial burden which are:
[A] Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships: In Canada, many scholarships and grants are given to students to help them focus solely on their studies. Below is the list of scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants for International students in Canada:
- Canadian Commonwealth: This scholarship scheme targets students from commonwealth countries (e.g Gambia, Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana, Botswana, Grenada, Malawi, Australia, Cameroon, etc) with high grades and other skills who are applying to research programs and advanced programs at the Master level.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program: This scholarship scheme is particularly for students who have graduated and are ready to continue their learning.
- National Research Council of Canada (NRCC): This is for holders of master’s degrees in engineering and also Ph.D. holders of natural science and any of engineering courses.
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: For students who are studying in Quebec.
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Partnership Grants: This grant is specifically for Ph.D. students.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: This scheme is sponsored by the Canadian government for international postgraduate students of these disciplines (social science, healthcare research, natural science, etc.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: This scholarship scheme is sponsored by the Canadian government for International postgraduate students who are willing to continue their learning at the doctoral level at a Canadian Institution.
[B] Working while studying: It is allowed that International students can work while they are studying in any of Canadian institutions. They can either work on campus and off campus i.e within the buildings of the schools and outside the school buildings. You can work at least 24 hours per week outside the campus. You can without a work permit but only if you meet the requirements below:
- You must be a full-time student at any of the Canadian institutions and must be studying any vocational, professional or post-secondary program.
- You must have a social insurance number (SIN).
- Your study program must be at least 6 months old and longer and can either be a degree, diploma, or certificate training program.
- And you can also work full time during the official school breaks (the winter and summer holidays)
- You can also work full time after you are done with your study and also get a non-student work permit.
[c] Family/Spouse Sponsorship: You can get financial support from families, partners and friends who are willing to support your dream of studying in Canada.
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STEP 4: SHOW YOUR INTEREST IN A SCHOOL
You need to show interest in studying in your school by applying. During your application, you must submit the right documents, the correct information and avoid all kinds of errors and mistakes. Even though your school will be the one to request the type of documents needed for your application. But the following documents are likely to be requested and you must prepare them even before application: academic transcript, credentials (certificates and results), report card, etc. You must respond quickly to all the emails and updates to avoid unnecessary delays or missing out on the admission calendar.
STEP 5: APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT
When your preferred school has successfully granted you admission via an acceptance letter then you need to find out whether you need a study permit on the IRCC portal. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada immigration board will determine whether you need a study permit or not depending on your course programs. They will also be the ones to approve your study permit and grant you entrance into the country.
STEP 6: PREPARE YOUR LANDING IN CANADA
Once your study permit is approved, you must immediately prepare for your landing in the country by:
- Packing your luggage and documents (letter of acceptance, medical records, and proof of immunization) to be needed during your stay in Canada
- Arranging your housing and accommodation plans
- Book your flights and know the flight rules and regulations including baggage limits.
- Make sure you have enough money in your pocket for miscellaneous costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the top courses to study in Canada? Below are the top courses you can study in Canada:
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Physiotherapy
- Information technology
- Animation and gaming
- Computer science
- Business
2. What are the entrance academic exams required to study in Canada? Below are the entrance academic exams to be written before admission:
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
3, Are Canadian Degrees recognized globally?
Yes, Canada offers one of the best education to their students in the world. Therefore, a Canadian institution degree is very much recognized around the world.