Study in Canada

Overview

Canada is among the top destinations in the world for international students. The foreign student population in Canada has grown six-fold in the last two decades and the number has tripled in the last 10 years alone. In fact, a recent report has revealed thatCanada has witnessed the fastest rate of growth in its population since the start of the pandemic, in the first quarter of 2021 - all thanks to international students andmigrant skilled workers. See detailed report.

According to Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) research, Canada is a popular choice among foreign students because of various factors such as the countrys strong quality of education, multicultural environment, and its reputation as a tolerant, safe and non-discriminatory society. It is also home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world and offers post-study work options andimmigration opportunities.

A recent announcement regarding Canada's 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan revealed that the country aims at welcoming over 400,000 immigrants every year. This means that the number of new permanent residents in Canada will further increase from 401,000 in 2021 to 411,000 and 421,000 in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Another reason for international students to choose Canada is that the overall expenses are lower compared to many other countries.

CBIE has also reported that some 60% of international students have expressed interest in becoming permanent residents of Canada after completing their higher education.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data suggest that 827,586 international students held valid study permits in Canada in 2019. Of these, 402,427 new study permits were issued (a 15% increase from 2018). In 2019, 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency.

After the United States and Australia, which have an estimated 1.1 million and 700,000 international students respectively, Canada ranks third globally in terms of foreign student attraction with over 642,000 international students.

For international students, the famous Canadian provinces for higher education are Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario. These provinces are home to most of the top-ranked universities in Canada.

Some of its popular universities that consistently rank among the top 100 in the world are University of Toronto,McGill University, University of British Columbia, Universit de Montral, and University of Alberta.

Why Study in Canada?

Canada attracts international students from various countries across the globe. In other words, Canada is regarded as an education superpower. The country offers a sound education system, an immigration system open to everyone and a student-friendly environment. Some of the major benefits of studying in Canada are –

• Quality Education: The quality of education in top universities across Canada and living standards are the highest in the world. Canada’s academic standards are high with rigorous quality controls. The degree earned from top Canadian universities will have a greater value in the job market.
• Affordable Education: The cost of education and the cost of living in Canada is generally affordable. The tuition fee in most universities is low when compared to other countries. With a reasonable cost of education, one can get access to quality education in Canadian universities.
• Immigration Policies: Canadian government permits students to stay in Canada for up to three years after graduation, which is more than enough for a graduate to find employment and settle in Canada. Once you secure a job in Canada, it is very easy to obtain a permanent residence visa in Canada.
• Abundant Research Opportunities: Research is one of the key components of the Canadian education system. There is a scope to pursue research in diverse fields in Canadian universities due to the availability of various scholarship schemes.
• World-Class Language Education: Canadian Universities teach both French and English as the first and second languages. It helps international students to gain excellent command over the language so that they can find better employment opportunities.
• Potential for Growth: As an international student in a Canadian university, you will have a lot of potential to grow yourself both personally and professionally. There are vast employment opportunities for graduates of Canadian universities.

Top Courses to Study in Canada

Canada gives international students an opportunity to choose froma wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.There are 96 public universities in Canada offering more than 15,000 programmes. The types of courses offered include undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate courses, short-term courses, and co-operative education.Students can also choose to study online or via distance education.

Here you can check the list of some of the top courses to study in Canada:

Education System in Canada

The education system of a country varies from country to country. In Canada, students are encouraged to pursue higher education at different levels on the basis of their competencies and interest. Listed below are the types of Canadian higher education that you must be aware of:

• Certificate level (One year) It is a qualification that is awarded upon the successful completion of a program which is usually one year in length.
• Diploma level (One or two years) It is a qualification which is awarded on the basis of one or two years of successful study.
• Advanced Diploma (Two or three years) Typically athree-yearprogram, some of which may lead to a Bachelors Degree.
• Bachelor Degrees (Four years of full-time study) These are awarded by Universities/ University Colleges/ Community Colleges after four years of full-time study whichfurther leads to graduate-level studies.
• Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates (One or two years) It leads to a Masters degree. These programs have work terms which provide full-time opportunities to gain practical experience along with theoretical studies. A typical term lasts 12 to 17 weeks. The prerequisiteto participate in these programs isa Bachelors Degree of 3 or 4 years duration.
• Masters degrees (one to two years) Graduates who have an interest in further learning and pursuing research and those who want to broaden their career possibilities can go in for a Masters degree. It is for 2 years duration and can be pursued after a 4 years Bachelors's or a 3 years bachelor's and a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma from Canada.
• Doctorate or PhD(four to seven years) It is a degree that ranks above the Masters degree and generally requires four to seven years to complete.

Types of Universities/Higher Education Institutions in Canada

If you choose Canada as your future study-abroad destination, then you will be offered a number of institutions to choose from. Higher education institutions ranging from Universities to Community Colleges, Applied Arts and Applied Science Schools offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in different fields of study.

It should, however, be noted that depending on the type of higher education institution, students will be able to access undergraduate or postgraduate studies. For instance, Universities are more popular for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, while community colleges and different schools are renowned for their undergraduate programmes. Here are some of the things that you need to know about higher education institutions in the country.

Universities

Universities are recognised as more popular choices among the international student cohorts, with a large number of international applicants choosing universities. Reasons behind choosing a University can range from a variety of scholarship opportunities to a variety of programmes offered. Universities are also one of the top choices for graduate students who wish to pursue research or doctoral studies in Canada. 

Community Colleges

These are provincially-run higher educational institutions offering a range of certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor's degrees in different disciplines to students. While you may see fewer international students in these colleges, Community College degrees also offer good career opportunities as well.

Technical and Applied Arts or Applied Science Schools

These are discipline-specific colleges and higher education institutions offering a range of degrees and diplomas. Students interested in specific subjects and fields of study can choose and select one of these institutions as their university in Canada and complete their desired degree and course.

CEGEP or General and Vocation College

These colleges are particularly found in Quebec and offer all university-aspiring students a pre-university course, which is mandatory. Out of a total of 48 CEGEP Colleges, 42 CEGEPs are taught in French, while the rest 6 are English Language institutions. 

Colleges

These higher education institutions offer degree subjects and can behave as tertiary educational institutions or even offer vocational degree courses. Those interested in studying in Canada will come across a number of colleges offering a number of certificates, diplomas, or degree courses.

Curriculum And Degrees Offered In Canada

Canada has been one of the options to study abroad destinations for students across the globe, especially Indians. Several reasons can be associated with the high attraction of international students. However, the variety of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees and courses offered in Canada to international students is among the top reasons why the country is one of the top study-abroad destinations.

The curriculum and degrees offered in Canada have led to highly-qualified and skilled graduates who have become some of the most highly-sought graduates in the world by companies and multinational organisations across the globe. International students who have graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree from Canada have been recruited by some of the top industry players, that too at lucrative positions.

In a bid to retain its position as a top study-abroad destination, Canadian universities and colleges have and continue to introduce a number of new and highly-demanded programmes and degrees. The world-renowned curriculum and degrees offered by universities in Canada keep the country at the top position.

Undergraduate Degrees in Canada

Students who have completed the secondary school program are eligible to enrol in the different undergraduate degree programmes offered in Canada. Only accredited universities in Canada are permitted to award various bachelor's degrees to both international and domestic students. The length of an undergraduate degree programme in Canada is usually between 3 to 4 or years, depending on the university and whether the course is general or specialized. However, a few bachelor’s degree programmes can be completed within 2 years. 

Commonly, the top universities in Canada offer bachelor’s degree programmes as four-year courses which is a preferred choice among international students. Moreover, the four-year bachelor’s degree programmes are divided into 120 credits that all students need to complete in order to receive their degree.

For those looking to get a PR in Canada, a 4-year bachelor's degree is a necessary criterion that all applicants need to meet. Additionally, an undergraduate degree earned in Canada is known to be comprehensive and valuable for students.

Graduate Degrees in Canada 

Graduate or Master's courses in Canada are some of the highly demanded higher education programmes among international students. Universities across Canada offer a range of graduate courses that attract thousands of international students from different corners of the world, as a result of the variety of opportunities available to students and graduates of a Canadian master's programme.

Interested international students can apply for a Master’s degree programme in Canada with a valid Bachelor’s degree. The duration of the Master’s degree programme in Canada depends on the course and college chosen. Usually, it lasts between 18 months to 2 years, depending on the course and the university offering the programme. Generally, an MS course in Canada can be completed in 2 years, while some other courses like MBA, and MBA Executive in Canada can be completed within 1 year.

Note: International students must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution to pursue higher studies in Canada, be it for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. A Canadian study visa is approved only if the student has an approved offer letter from DLI. A DLI is an educational institution in Canada approved by the Government of a specific province or territory in Canada to host international students.

Grading Scale In Canada

Each province in Canada follows a different grading scale. Check the following table to know the difference in grading scale:

Alberta

British Columbia

Ontario

Manitoba

 Saskatchewan

List of Higher Education Organisations in Canada

The list of Higher Education Organisations in Canada that have and continue to structure the higher education sector can be broadly divided into:

• Ministry of Higher Education
• Rectors' Conferences or Councils
• Accreditation Agencies
• University Associations
• Qualification Authorities
• Other organizations with local, regional, national or international coverage.  

The list of organisations that have and continue to contribute to the high standard of education maintained across universities in Canada is as follows:

Top Universities to Study in Canada

When planning to study in Canada, it is important to thoroughly examine the best academic institutions and their possible offerings in your selected field of interest. Take a look at the table below, which contains the rankings of some of the best Canada's top universities:

Best Places to Study in Canada

Choosing Canada as your Study Abroad destination is one process, choosing which province to study is the next step. Universities and Colleges in Canada are strewn across all provinces in the country, with many of them being home to the top universities of the world. Some of the popular study abroad destinations in Canada include:

• Montreal: Under the QS Best Student Index, Montreal was ranked as the fourth-best city in the world. It is also the largest French-speaking city in Quebec and the second-largest in Canada.

• Toronto: Capital of Ontario, Toronto is a melting pot of cultures with nearly half the population settled from outside the city. Toronto is also home to one of the best universities in the country, University of Toronto, which ranked 28th in the QS World University Ranking 2019.

• Vancouver: Located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver has been considered as one of the top choices as per QS. Operating from within Vancouver, University of British Columbia, ranked 46th in the QS World University Rankings 2019, and Simon Fraser University are among the top Universities in the city.

• Quebec City: Capital of one of the largest french-speaking provinces, Quebec City enshrines life from the 17th century. With its cobbled streets that surround the Chateau Frontenac and the dynamic lifestyle followed across the city, Quebec is an interesting place for those who love to explore.

• Edmonton: Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton is one of the northernmost major cities in the world. Home to the University of Canada, (4th best in Canada, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and many more, aspirants will have a number of options to choose from. While Edmonton is located far north, the weather is considered to be quite pleasant, even when compared to some southern cities.

Intakes to Study in Canada

In contrast to Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities have three intakes. In some universities, intakes are also known as semesters. There are three main intake options to study in Canada:

Admission Timeline to Study in Canada 

Here are the key admission intakes and the timeline for aspirants to study in Canadian Universities:

Note: The fall season is the most popular in the country, followed by the winter and summer seasons. Summer intake is the least popular due to the restricted number of courses and students enrolling to institutions.

Canada On-Campus Student Life, Athletics & Extra-Curricular Activities

Student life on-campus and off-campus in Canada is varied and exciting, especially for international students who are looking to experience Canadian culture. From extra-curricular activities on-campus in Canadian universities to experience the varied cultures across Canada and the thousands of tourist and undiscovered spots that are waiting to be explored.

On-campus, universities and colleges in Canada offer a variety of opportunities for students, ranging from participating in extracurricular activities and sports to joining a number of academic and non-academic clubs and groups, students can enjoy taking part in the things that they love. Through all this, students can use the opportunity to branch out and socialise with different students, learn and experience new cultures, food, activities and other experiences.

However, to truly enjoy life as a student in a foreign country, is to take a trip through the country they are living in, and enjoy the neighbouring communities, towns and cities. In the surrounding cities, towns and communities in Canada, wherever a university or college is situated, students will be able to experience varied cultures. Exploring the various attractions in the neighbouring places can be a good way to take a break from studying.

The experience of studying in Canada will be different to every other country as Canada is one of the top destinations for students, skilled migrants and people from all over the world. This has attracted millions of people from different countries, many bringing their cultures and traditions, which students can experience during their study abroad adventure in Canada.

One of the few attractions includes the varied foods available in Canada. While the stereotype of poutine and maple syrup may seem true, the French and British influence on the foods available in Canada has been immense.

Admission Requirements to Study in Canada

Enlisted below is a brief description of the admission requirements for aspirants to study in Canada:

• Bachelor's or Undergraduate Programmes: A bachelor's degree will take three years in Canada, however, a UG diploma will take six months to one year, depending on the university. To study in Canada for a bachelor's degree, aspirants will need more than 60% in 12th grade, as well as English Language Proficiency examinations like IELTS, TOEFL, and others, as well as entrance tests like SAT/ACT, if required by the university.

• Diploma Programmes: The admission requirements for diploma programmes in Canada are rather flexible. Aspirants may require at least a 60% in their 12th grade. Aspirants will also need English Language Proficiency exam results, as well as other admission requirements.

• Master's Programmes: Aspirants in Canada can choose between two types of Master's degrees. The first is Master's by thesis, in which you will be required to submit a thesis throughout your course, and the second is Master's by non-thesis, in which you will not be required to submit any thesis. As entrance requirements to study in Canada, aspirants may need two-three years of work experience and a four-year Bachelor's degree. Along with English Proficiency exam results like IELTS/TOEFL, they also require additional admission exam scores like GRE/GMAT, etc.

Note: It should also be noted that all of these measures are relative and will vary depending on the course and university to which you are applying. Aside from these, students will need all of the basic requirements such as a student visa, DLI, documents, and so on.

What Exams are Required to Study in Canada?

Students who want to study in Canada should be aware of the various tests and exams that they may be required to complete and submit their scores as part of their admission requirements and evaluation. It is determined by the course and programmes they select. The following are some of the most well-known entrance and English language proficiency exams:

• International English Language Training System (IELTS)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Pearson Test for English (PTE)

• Duolingo English Test

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Documents Required to Study in Canada

For aspirants who are planning to study in Canada from India, here are the key requirements and documents that they need to keep in mind:

• All previous academic transcripts or marksheets for the degree/diploma.

• GMAT or GRE scores are required for MBA and master's programmes in Canada.

• ACT/SAT/LSAT scores for studying a bachelors programme in Canada.

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR),

• CV/resume

• Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Acceptable English Proficiency Examinations:

  • TOEFL

  • IELTS

  • C1 Advance

  • PTE

• Students must also submit French Proficiency Tests such as TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF if they are applying to a French-taught programme.

• Proof of sufficient financial funds to study in Canada.

• When applying for a Masters or PhD programme to study in Canada, students must give two letters of academic reference as well as past letters of employment.

• Those who have never studied in Canada before will require an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).

• Copy of a valid passport and Canada Students Visa

Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

The cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the type of qualification and institution chosen. You will require between CAD 13,000 and CAD 35,000 each year to cover this. Humanities, education, and arts courses are typically less expensive, but medicine and engineering are more likely to be more expensive. The tuition fee for postgraduate studies is normally greater, and the expenses vary based on the programme. MBA programmes, like those in most other countries, are frequently the most expensive.

Cost of Studying Undergraduate Courses

The average cost of earning a bachelor's degree in Canada is roughly around CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per year. Engineering and Medicine programmes in Canada are slightly more expensive than other undergraduate courses. The average tuition for these programmes is anywhere around CAD 25,000 - CAD 35,000 per year. Furthermore, Humanities, Business, and Management courses cost between CAD 15,000 and CAD 20,000.

Cost of Studying Postgraduate Courses

Aside from undergraduate courses, many students enrol in postgraduate or master's degree programmes such as MBBS in Canada. The cost of studying in Canada for international students will cost an average of CAD 18,000 per year. Management or MBA degrees, in particular, are quite expensive. While the average cost of Executive MBA courses is CAD 57,000, the tuition fee for a standard MBA programme is anywhere between CAD 28,000 and CAD 40,000.

Cost of Living in Canada

There is a significant contrast between living in Canada and living in your own country. When opting to study in Canada, it is critical to research the Canadian lifestyle and cost of living. Quebec is one of the most affordable Canadian cities, having much lower living costs than other cities. In addition, when applying for a student permit, students must demonstrate to the Canadian government that they have enough money to cover their living expenses.

The average cost of living in Canada for international students is between CAD 15,000 and CAD 20,000. The entire cost of studying in Canada is mostly made up of many aspects such as the chosen course, the place of study, accommodation, and so on.

Health And Support Services For International Students in Canada

The healthcare system in Canada differs from one province to another. International students moving to Canada for higher education must have an idea of the health care offered by their province. While some Canadian provinces cover international students under their health insurance plans, the majority of the provinces need students to register for private health insurance plans.

Some Canadian universities also offer health insurance packages for international students to register for. However, they may let one opt out of them if they can provide evidence of receiving private health insurance from another source.

Canadian Health Care

Although Canada is known for its free health care, the majority of services are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students are required to arrange for health insurance for the duration of their study/stay in the country.

However, they will have reasonable access to medically necessary healthcare services for free. Given that universal healthcare in Canada works at the federal level, healthcare programs are operated by the respective provinces and territories.

International students will be expected to pay out of pocket for medical services if they do not have private health insurance. For this, they may:

• Purchase private insurance from an insurance company.

• Register for insurance provided by their school.

• Receive health insurance from their employer, if they are working in Canada. 

Province-Wise Health Care System in Canada

In the table below, health care services offered in Canada by the province have been mentioned in detail:

Note: All Canadian provinces allow international students to enrol in private health insurance plans.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

With many Indian students applying to Canadian colleges, several amenities and concessions have been made available to them. These scholarships assist Indian and international students in minimising the fee and cost of living in Canada. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, academic achievement, or projected skills. Students must review the qualifying requirements for each award and apply accordingly. The following is a list of some of the most popular scholarships for aspirants to study in Canada:

You can also check out scholarships for STEM courses in Canada. STEM aspirants can get an extended stay on their student visa as per IRCC rules!

Canada Student Visa for International Students

Canada continues to attract a large number of international students, particularly Indians. To study in Canada, each international student must first seek or obtain a valid Canada study permit issued by the Canadian Immigration authorities. Students must have a great medical record, a clean criminal record, sufficient bank funds, and acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).

For countries such as India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the process is completed through SDS, which is a quicker option to obtain a student visa to study in Canada.

Documents Required for Canada Student Permit

Enlisted below are the important documents that candidates must carry or submit as a part of the visa application process to study in Canada:

• The complete application form along with the visa application

• A valid Passport

• A Letter of Acceptance from the respective university

• The Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (If applied for Quebec)

• English proficiency test score result/marksheet

• Academic documents

• Visa processing fees - Bank Draft

• Proof of Funds OR GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

• Recently clicked passport-sized photos

• Fee Receipt from the College/University.

Visa Process

Once you have all the financial documents for Canadian visa ready, you can begin the visa process as follows:

• Acquire a letter of unconditional admission from the university/college.

• Pay the first-year tuition fee as requested by the University/College.

• Provide confirmation of the purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution to cover living expenses for one year in Canada.

• Before submitting the study permit application, complete the medical examination by visiting one of the panel physicians in India.

• Submit visa application forms and supporting papers.

• Obtaining the passport from the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre when the application has been processed and a notification to collect the passport has been received.

Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada

A student visa in Canada has various advantages, such as a part-time work permit and the ability to stay in Canada for up to three years after graduation. It has been widely reported that Canada has seen an influx of international students from all over the world in recent years, and has provided numerous job opportunities to both students and working professionals. This means that international students will have plenty of work prospects both while studying and after graduating. International students can also find jobs that pay the highest salaries.

Furthermore, the Canadian government has enabled international students to work 20 hours per week while studying in the country. Furthermore, on-campus or off-campus occupations are available, and if you are a foreign student, your study permit must show that you are permitted to work.

On-Campus Jobs in Canada

Students can work without a work permit for their university/college, a faculty member, their own business, or a student organisation in this type of job. However, as post-secondary international students, they can only work if they have:

• A full-time postsecondary student enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• A current study permission

• A Social Security Number

Off-Campus Jobs in Canada

Students are permitted to work outside of school in such a position. Students can look for different types of part-time jobs like being a tutor, waiters, or any other temporary positions, but remember that they can only work when they have:

• A valid study permit indicating that they are permitted to work off-campus,

• Enrolling in a DLI (Designated Learning Institute),

• A 6-month programme leading to a degree, certificate, or diploma.

• Social Security Number (SIN)

Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Students who are studying in Canada are eligible to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Students have 180 days after earning their final grades to apply for the permit and work in the country for up to three years on the permit. An official letter from your school and an official transcript or copy to demonstrate that you have studied at the institution are essential documents. Candidates must have completed at least one year of study from a DIL-registered university in order to work in the country.

PR in Canada

After earning a degree in Canada, many students choose to stay and work in the country, thereby obtaining Permanent Residence. Many student pathways aid in the transition from a student visa holder to a permanent resident of Canada. Students with a Canadian educational degree, employment experience, and ties to a certain province have an edge when seeking permanent residency. The PR programmes that assist international students in becoming permanent residents in Canada are listed below.

• Post-Graduation Work Permits

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Note: The Canada PR visa does not grant aspirants Canadian citizenship. 

To be able to apply for a Canadian PR from India, a candidate must first grasp the various Immigration Programs available in the country. Every year, a large number of Indians travel to Canada in quest of a better life and profession. Here are some of the current immigration programmes offered by Canada:

• Federal Economic Class

• Family Class Sponsorship

• Quebec Immigration

• Business Immigration, including the Start-Up Visa Programme

• Provincial Economic Class

• Business Immigration, including the Start-Up Visa Programme

• Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence transition

Express Entry

One of the first steps in the Canada PR process is to complete an Express Entry profile. After completing the profile, a score is issued, rating the candidate within the Express Entry pool of candidates. Every two weeks, Express Entry draws are held, and individuals who score highly are asked to apply for permanent residency. In the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), international students with a Canadian education might earn an extra 30 points. Students must complete the application process within 60 days of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The completed applications will be processed in 6 months. The Canadian Experience Class programme is administered through Canada's Express Entry system, allowing graduates to become permanent citizens.