Canada is One of the Most Popular Countries in recent times. Whether you say Study or Settlement or Work Permit or Permanent Residency, this country is the most preferred destination. In the decade or so this country has groomed itself and become the premium choice among the Migration-Oriented People. Whereas, the vibrancy of their visa issuance has attracted the entire world.
In the deep down there are many tactful reasons for their progress but some of the basic reasons help them to win attention. For instance, the country holds the biggest geographical land area and less population which creates a huge demand for migrants. On the other hand, inviting international students in huge numbers is one of the boosters for their economy. Here in this section, we try to elaborate each angle which helps you to understand the Canada Study Visa precisely.
Why Study in Canada?
There are many good reasons which may gain your interest to Study in Canada. With our analysis, we have figure out some of the genuine reasons for a Canadian Student Visa.
- Canada Education System: Canada is a hub of world’s best universities and colleges. Nearly 100 universities and more than 170 colleges are there which give you the range of course options. That includes universities, community colleges, private language schools and corporate training facilities institutes.
- Their education system has divided into stream segments. That means they have separate technical institutions, community colleges, university-based colleges, and universities.
- Students can opt for the courses according to their choice like short-term and long-term courses.
- As compared to other countries the fee range is quite moderate in Canada.
- Specialized courses can bring the benefit of early job opportunities and easy settlement options.
Basic Requirements of Canada Student Admissions
Education Requirements
For Diploma Programs
- Students should have at least 55% in the 12th standard to get admission in any diploma course.
For Bachelor Degree
- To take admission in Bachelor’s degree courses, students need to have at least 65% in their 12th standard.
For Post-Graduate Degree
- 55% in the bachelor’s degree are necessary to take admission in the PG Diploma course.
For Master Degree
- The Master’s course has the highest requirement of the percentage. Students need to have a minimum of 70% in their bachelor’s degree.
A Valid Education GAP for Canada Study Admission:
- For the bachelor’s degree maximum 2 years of study gap will be valid.
- Whereas, maximum 5 years of study gap will be acceptable after bachelor’s degree to secure your admission in Post-Grad and Master’s courses.
- The gap will be considered only by Canada Immigration when all the documents are precisely arranged and validate your gap.
- There are few colleges that are also considered your more than 5 years of education GAP. But they require accurate documents which can support and justify your gap.
Backlog/Top ups Acceptable for Canada Student Admission
- Canada accepts backlogs in very limited numbers. For the 3 years bachelor’s course in Canada only 4 backlogs will be acceptable. While, for 4 years of bachelor’s degree course only 8 backlogs will be accepted.
- Just few Canadian Institutes are accepting more than 8 backloDocuments Requirements for Canada Student Admission and visa application
- A valid Passport
- All the Education Documents including (all the transcripts, certificates, provisional certificates, extra-curricular certificates, etc.)
- All the work experience documents (offer/appointment letters, experience letters, increment/promotion letters (if any), payslips, bank-statements, ITRs)
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS / CELPIP)
- Statement of Purpose (As per the Institutes &Programs requirements)
- Latest CV
Canada Student Visa File Process Steps
- Document Preparation
- Course and Institute Finalisation
- SOP and LOR Preparation (In Case of University Application and Few Colleges)
- Offer Letter (Conditional / Non-Conditional)
- Fees Payment
- Medical Test
- Financial Documents Preparation
- Visa Application
- Visa Outcome
Canada AT GLANCE:
The Canadian motto “from sea to sea” sums up this country very well. Second, only to Russia in land mass, Canada stretches over an enormous territory from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Atlantic in the east. With nearly 10 million square kilometres, this huge, multicultural nation has a remarkably small population, with only 34 million inhabitants.
Canada is a democratic constitutional monarchy, so the head of state is the British monarch, and the government is led by a Canadian Prime Minister. Canada is governed at the federal level by an elected parliament, based on the British model, and federal, provincial and territorial governments share the responsibilities of administering different state mandates.
Territories and Provinces
The country is made up of 10 provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Quebec. Further, Canada’s north is divided into 3 territories: the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon.
Canada’s capital is Ottawa, situated in the province of Ontario, and its major urban centres are Toronto – Montréal – Calgary & Vancouver.
Canada is divided into provinces and territories, each with its government. The Constitution of Canada gives the provinces jurisdiction over education and, under the federal laws that created them, the three territories have comparable delegated powers. As such, provinces and territories are responsible for setting and regulating education standards for their respective educational institutions.
No matter what city or province you choose to study in, you can be assured your program, curriculum, degree, diploma or certificate you receive reflects a standard and quality of education that is recognized all over the world.
Discover the many education institutions available in each province or territory
Want to study abroad in Canada and have a particular region in mind? Maybe you want to experience life on the West Coast with its majestic Rockies or immerse yourself in French-Canadian culture in the heart of Quebec. Find out more about living and studying in each province or territory below:
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon
Official Languages:
English and French are the 2 official languages of the country. New Brunswick is the only Canadian province with full bilingual status. Quebec is officially a French-speaking province, while the rest of the Canadian provinces function in English.
One of Canada’s most recognizable symbols is the maple leaf. Officially adopted in 1965, the Canadian flag features a red maple leaf at its centre. Another endearing and enduring symbol is most certainly the beaver, the largest of rodent species, integral in trade and exploration throughout the early history of Canada. The beaver was declared Canada’s official emblem in 1975
Canadian Education System:
Canada has a strong and well-funded system of public education, largely managed provincially. Consequently, some aspects of the education system can vary between provinces. However, as education is overseen by the federal government, the standard of education remains consistently high throughout the country.
Post-Secondary Education in Canada
College and University
Once students successfully graduate from high school (Secondary V in Quebec) they are free to apply to the college or university of their choice. In Canada, the term college usually refers to a community college or a technical, applied arts, or applied science school. These schools are post-secondary institutions that grant vocational certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Many students use college as a way to prepare further for university education, gaining transferrable credits that can be applied once they transfer. Other students use college to prepare for trade or vocation, earning a diploma or certificate that would allow them to immediately pursue employment opportunities following the completion of the program.
A university in Canada is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is a corporation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education. The degree structure at Canadian universities is very similar to that of the United States
Study Levels and Courses:
Since the education system in Canada is managed by the provincial governments, the study levels and educational stages may lie in different clusters with different names. Here’s a synopsis:
| Qualification | Duration | Description |
| Certificates and Diploma | 1 to 2 years | Vocational and job-oriented programs, mainly technical |
| Associate degree | 2 years | Equivalent to the first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree |
| Bachelor’s degree | 3 to 4 years | An undergraduate degree requires successful completion of secondary school. The duration of your course depends on the province and type of program although most courses last for 4 years. Certain provinces like Quebec have bachelor’s degrees of 3 years. |
| Bachelor’s Honours degree | 4 years | This will require getting a specific GPA or credits, a major or a specialist program |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 1 to 2 years | A post Bachelor’s degree qualification |
| Master’s degree (by thesis) | 1 to 2 years | Often referred to as research masters, this requires mandatory submission of thesis for assessment and course completion |
| Master’s degree (by non-thesis) | 1 to 2 years | This is a taught master’s degree, not requiring thesis submission |
| Doctorate or PhD | 4 to 7 years | PhD is awarded when students complete the dissertation and successfully defend their work before a panel of faculty members |
| Post-Doctoral Programs | No time limit | Specialised research-oriented programs |
Academic Year
Most colleges and universities typically offer classes from early September until the end of April or early May. The winter session is usually divided into two terms that operate from September to December and then from January to April. There are several different kinds of summer studies offered between May and August. There are also a few select schools in Canada that offer year-round schooling.
Depending on the university, undergraduate degrees can take either three or four years to complete. Depending on the type of degree, postgraduate degrees take between one and two years to complete. Master’s programs generally take between one to two years and PhD programs are longer than in other countries. They usually take between four and seven years to complete.
University students can also pursue any number of advanced specialized degrees in fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Law.
Eligibility criteria for admission to Canadian University
The following are the basic eligibility criteria for seeking admission to a Canadian university:
For Bachelor’s/Diploma/Certificate courses
- Flexible Admission
- IELTS score: 6 / 6.5 overall – As per the course and institution requirement
- TOEFL: PBT: 550 min. CBT: 213 min.
For Undergraduate/Bachelor’s level
- 70% in 12th grade
- TOEFL: PBT: 580-600 min. (depends upon course)
- CBT: 237-250 min. (depends upon course)
- 12th-grade level Maths
For Post-Graduate/Masters’s courses
- 2-3 years of full-time work experience
- GMAT: 580-600 min.
- IELTS score: 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6 / As per the course and institution requirement
- TOEFL: PBT: 580-600 min. (depends upon course)
- CBT: 237-250 min. (depends upon course)
- 4 years Bachelor’s degree, 70% over.
- Some institutions may require written samples/copies of published work/Portfolio
Regulation and Accreditations:
All college and university education in Canada is the responsibility of the individual provinces and territories.
Provincial governments provide the majority of funding to their public post-secondary institutions, with the remainder of funding coming from tuition fees, the federal government, and research grants. Nearly all post-secondary institutions in Canada have the authority to grant academic credentials (i.e., diplomas or degrees). Generally speaking, universities grant degrees (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees) while colleges, which typically offer vocationally-oriented programs, grant diplomas and certificates. However, some colleges offer applied arts degrees that lead to or are equivalent to degrees from a university.
Although the college and university system of Canada is very similar to that of the United States, unlike the U.S., Canada has no accreditation body that oversees its universities. Institutions of higher learning in Canada have degree-granting authority via an Act of Ministerial Consent from the Ministry of Education of the individual province.
In Quebec, post-secondary education begins with college, right after graduation from Grade 11 (or Secondary V). Students complete a two or three-year general program leading to university admission, or admittance into a vocational professional program that leads directly into the labour force. In the majority of cases, bachelor’s degree programs in Quebec span three years instead of the usual four; however, in many cases, students attending a university in Quebec that did not graduate from college must complete an additional year of coursework.
Only one federally-funded university in Canada possesses degree-granting power: The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). The RMC is the military academy of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Teaching and Learning Style
As well to Canadian universities being devoted to research and high-quality teaching, they also aim to provide opportunities that improve students’ learning, career and life. Classes at university are a combination of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are taught by professors and can contain anywhere between 30 to 200 students. They usually have a linked component such as a lab or a tutorial.
A tutorial or lab allows a more in-depth discussion of topics within a course. The sizes of tutorials generally range anywhere from 20 to 30 students.
Scholarships in Canada:
Education costs
There’s no doubt that it can be expensive for students to study overseas. However, in comparison to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US, Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for foreign students. To cover tuition fees, you will need between CA$7000 and CA$29,000 a year. However, this is a general guide only and the cost varies on the institution and program you are applying for, as well as the location and lifestyle.
Generally speaking, humanities, education and art courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at the postgraduate level, the tuition fees are typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs is around CA$42,000.
Scholarships
Some Canadian universities and schools offer scholarships and awards for international students who achieve outstanding results. The amount of money available and the type of award varies between the various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and you must generally apply directly to the school that offers them.
Listed below are some of the more popular scholarships.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
This program is designed to enable students to pursue programs of advanced study and research at the masters and PhD levels in Commonwealth countries other than their own. The award comprises travel, living allowance and all compulsory tuition fees.
National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
Research associateships are offered to Master’s degree holders in engineering and PhD holders in natural science or engineering disciplines.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
For graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines. Students must accept an offer from a university in Ontario and obtain a valid student permit (visa).
NSERC
Supports both basic university research through research grants and project research via partnerships of universities and industry.
Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
For students studying in Quebec. Financial assistance is available to students studying master’s level or above. Each application is assessed on its merit.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
First announced in November 2010 for the best doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario. Each scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years. 75 scholarships are awarded each year.
Ontario universities are responsible for selecting and awarding scholarships to international PhD students based on merit and program
International student life in Canada:
The 500,000 international students who come to Canada every year for college and university studies are just the tip of the iceberg. Thousands more travel here to go to elementary or high school, to take part in exchange programs or attend language school. Canada is a great place to grow and thrive as a student.
Student Exchanges:
Student exchange programs in Canada
Are you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Canada, where you can take part in an exchange program and live among Canadians. Our people are friendly, and our lifestyle is envied by many. Canada is a safe country that embraces cultural diversity. Our wide-open spaces and cosmopolitan cities are all waiting to be explored. So, pack your bags!
Exchange programs may take place over several weeks, months or up to a full year. Many offer opportunities to live with Canadian families while you attend language school, high school, college or university.
Rich with diversity and opportunity
Whether you want to immerse yourself or your child in a new language, or simply experience another part of the world, we have exchange programs to suit every need and budget. Choose from our high school, university and summer exchange programs, and experience all the wonders Canada has to offer.
Endless possibilities
There are many exchange programs available to you if you wish to study in Canada and immerse yourself in the culture. Most are run by non-profit organizations and private sector companies, which you can locate through a search online.
The Government of Canada offers International Experience Canada, a program that allows youth from certain countries in the world to travel and work in Canada on a working holiday, as a young professional or on an international co-op placement.
Cost of student exchange programs in Canada
The costs of student exchange programs vary depending on the organization offering the programs and their fee structure.
Working in Canada:
Work in Canada as an international student
Many international students decide to work part-time while they attend university or college in Canada. Many begin to find local leads to a successful career after graduation. This section will lead you to information about working during and after your studies, wages in Canada, opportunities for your future career as well as advice to guide your job search and work life.
Work while studying in Canada
Do you want to work while you study in Canada? Do you have a spouse or common-law partner who would like to work during your time here? Both of you can work while you study in Canada. Working in Canada can help you develop business contacts and gain practical experience for the future. It can even help you immigrate to Canada after you graduate.
There are many ways to work in Canada while you complete your education:
• On-campus work
• Off-campus work
• Co-op placements
• Internships
Wages or salaries for work in Canada will depend on the skills required for your position and the employer. The minimum wage varies by province. Find out about minimum wage across Canada.
Work in Canada after your studies
If your time as a student in Canada gives you a taste for butter tarts, poutine and the good life, you may want to stay here to work. If you do, we want to make sure you benefit from your education by working in a sector and career you love.
Yes, you can work in Canada after you graduate. There are 3 ways to make this dream a reality:
• Post-graduation work permit
• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Program
Post-graduation work permit
This Government of Canada program allows students who have graduated from certain post-secondary schools to get valuable work experience in Canada. The post-graduation work permit is temporary.
The Canadian work experience you gain through a post-graduation work permit can help you qualify for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry.
Paths to permanent residency in Canada and immigration
As an international student who has come to know and love Canada, you may decide you want to extend your study permit. Or perhaps you want to live and work here after you graduate.
Canada welcomes you. After all, Canada is a country built on immigration.
Discover more about:
• Extending a study permit
• Renewing a temporary resident visa
• Applying for permanent resident status
Study Permits and Visas:
How to get a study permit
Before you apply for a study permit, you need:
• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• A valid passport or travel document
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, such as a college or university, make sure it’s on the list.
If you need to take certain courses before you are accepted into your program (conditional acceptance), you’ll be given a study permit for the duration of those courses. Once the college or university accepts you into your chosen program, you must apply to extend your study permit.
If you plan to attend a college or university in Quebec, current provincial rules state that international students can only attend a designated learning institution chosen by the Quebec government. You’ll also need a study permit from the Government of Canada to study in Quebec.
About your study permit
As an international student with a study permit, you must:
• Always be enrolled at a designated learning institution
• Make progress toward finishing your study program
• Respect the conditions listed on your study permit
• Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
• Leave Canada when your permit expires
How to apply for a travel or work visa
Not everyone needs a travel or work visa, but before you arrive in Canada, you should determine whether your plans require you to get a travel or work visa.
Stays less than 6 months
If your time in Canada will be less than 6 months, you’ll need one of the following visas as an international student:
• A travel visa in your passport if you expect to study in Canada for less than 6 months
• An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if your passport is from a designated country
• Work visa during your studies and beyond
If you are attending a post-secondary program in Canada, and you want to work, you can. International students with a study permit may work part-time (less than 20 hours a week) without a work permit.
A study permit conditions can change quickly; you will need to make sure you follow up with date advice. The best place to find this advice is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.