Top Reasons to Study in Canada For International Students

Canada is undoubtedly among the most popular higher education destinations at present. Not only does Canadian higher education come with the promise of world-class quality, but also value for money. In addition to these benefits, Canada has a vastly multicultural atmosphere and welcomes people from all over the world.

Beneficial laws and policies, quick visa processing, an easier path to permanent residency, a thriving job market and high living standards, contribute to making Canada such an attractive destination for students.

The higher education system in Canada is quite similar to the higher education system of the US, but with British influence. Universities in Canada, like all educational institutions, come under the province they are located in, and the province is responsible for ensuring that the high standards of education are adhered to by each institution. There is no federal accreditation.

Canadian universities offer a range of courses in various fields. Some of the most popular fields include:

• Engineering
• Information technology
• Nursing
• Business management
• International Business
• Project Management
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Hospitality management
• Health Science
• Pharmacy technician
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Social Science
• Environmental Sciences

Consider these tips to increase your chances of admission to a Canadian university:

• Apply Early.
• The higher the GPA, the greater the chances of admission at a good university.
• Prepare well for the GRE or GMAT exam. A high score increases your chances of getting admission.
• Build a portfolio of volunteer work, leadership experiences in college or school, and participation in extracurricular activities and sports.
• Work on writing an impactful Statement of Purpose.
• Ask for Recommendation Letters from your professors, teachers, and colleagues.

Suggested: MBA in Canada

If you are interested in a scholarship to help ease your finances, you can search for these on university websites. In addition to university scholarships, you can also search for scholarships offered by corporates, the government, trusts, and foundations. You can receive either a partial or full scholarship in Canada. Some of the trusts and programs that offer scholarships to know more about scholarships in Canada.

• Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program

Scholarship deadlines are not the same as the university application deadline. International students will usually have to submit their application for financial aid before they submit their university application.

Most scholarships have eligibility criteria that you have to meet. Some of these include:

• You should be enrolled in a full-time accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a Canadian university or college.
• You must have an excellent academic record.
• You must demonstrate an interest in pursuing your studies and career in Canada by writing a Letter of Intent (LOI).
• It will be beneficial to have work experience in Canada or abroad (work, internships, volunteering, study exchanges).
• You must provide good Letters of Reference.
• You must demonstrate leadership qualities.
• You should write a compelling Essay/ Statement of Purpose, cover letter and submit a completed application form.

The expenses you incur while studying in Canada will differ according to the university, program, and city you choose. To give you an idea of these costs:

• Administration fees - (approximately CAD100)
• Application fees - (approximately CAD250)
• Compulsory student services fees - (approximately CAD500 – CAD1,000)
• Processing fees for a study permit - (approximately CAD150 – CAD235)

• Diploma Programme CAD 12,000 – CAD 15,000 (approximately)

• Bachelor’s Programme CAD 18,000 – CAD 35,000 (approximately)

• Master’s Programme CAD 22,000 – CAD 40,000 (approximately)

• Post-Graduate Diploma Programme CAD 15,000 – CAD 20,000 (approximately)

Living expenses may vary depending on the area - CAD 10,000 per annum

As we mentioned earlier, the visa processing for Canada is quite fast. You can also apply for your visa through SDS (Study Direct Stream), which will fast track your application if you have a minimum IELTS score of 6. However, keep in mind that if you decide to apply through this stream, you will have to pay the first year tuition fee upfront. The Visa Applications centers (VFS) will process your visa. The VFS centers in India are located in the cities of New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kolkata.

Apply for your student visa well before 60 days of your course’s commencement date. As a part of your visa application, you will have to submit your health test results. The VFS website provides a list of physicians and medical centers that they recognize to conduct your medical health test. Make an appointment with the hospital, and once you are at the hospital, they will ask you to fill a form and ensure you take all the necessary tests. The hospital will directly mail your test results to the VFS center.

Ever since 2014, international students in Canada can work on or off-campus without a separate work visa, while they pursue their educational program. Getting a part-time job will help you manage your finances a lot better. In addition to this, you’re in for a world of experience. Even if your part-time job is not directly relevant to the career your hope to build, there are so many personal and professional lessons you can still take away from the part-time job that will benefit you.

After you complete your program, you can apply for a permanent residency visa. The most lucrative careers in Canada are in the fields of computer science, science and technology, agriculture, medicine, and telecommunications.