Why Study in Canada?

Canada beckons with its prestigious universities, renowned for academic excellence. A multicultural melting pot, it fosters diversity, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. Its generous scholarships and work opportunities open doors to success. Embracing innovation, it fuels intellectual development and future prospects. A safe and welcoming haven, it offers breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, creating an extraordinary educational adventure. From pulsating clubs to cultural celebrations, students bask in the splendour of social encounters, forging lifelong connections amidst a tapestry of elegance and revelry.  In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide to studying in Canada, covering essential topics such as visas, popular courses, tuition fees, cost of living, and study intakes.

Student Visa for Canada

A student visa in Canada, also known as a study permit, is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the country. It serves as both a student visa and a permit to study. The study permit grants temporary residence and permits educational activities during the duration of the program. It may also allow students to work on or off-campus while studying. Before planning your studies in Canada, it is crucial to understand the visa requirements.

The fee for a study permit (student visa) in Canada is CAD $150 per person.

To obtain a student visa for Canada, follow these key steps:

1. Find a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. Apply and get accepted by the DLI.
3. Gather the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, letter of acceptance, etc.
4. Complete the study permit application online or through a paper application.
5. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
6. Wait for a decision on your application.
7. If approved, you'll receive a letter of introduction confirming your study permit.
8. Make sure to also check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitor visa.
9. Travel to Canada with your study permit and other required documents.

Study Intakes in Canada

In Canada, universities and colleges generally have three main intakes for international students: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The best intake for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It's important to consider factors like program availability, your personal schedule, and your preferences for weather and activities when choosing an intake. Application deadlines for study intakes in Canada are often several months in advance. It's advisable to start the application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for preparation.

Intake	Duration	Availability
Fall Intake	September-December/January	This is the most popular intake for getting admission to Canadian universities. The Fall semester begins in September and students have the option to apply to a huge number of courses and degrees in this term.
Winter Intake	January-May	Those students who missed applying in the Fall intake apply in January.
Summer Intake	May-August	In this intake, students can apply to a restricted number of courses and colleges.

 

Popular Courses in Canada

These courses have traditionally attracted a significant number of students due to their career prospects, industry demand, and the reputation of Canadian institutions in these fields. It's important to conduct thorough research and consider your personal interests and career goals when choosing a course of study. Here is a list of top 10 popular study courses in Canada:

1. Computer Science and Information Technology
2. Business Administration and Management
3. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
4. Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, etc.)
5. Environmental Science and Sustainability
6. Data Science and Analytics
7. Psychology and Social Sciences
8. Media and Communication Studies
9. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
10. Finance and Accounting

English Language Requirement

The most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests in Canada are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). some institutions may accept other English language proficiency tests like the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). It's important to note that each institution may have its own specific requirements, and the scores mentioned above are just a general guideline.

English Language Proficiency Test	Minimum Required Score (Undergraduate)	Minimum Required Score (Graduate)
IELTS	6.0 - 7.0	6.5 - 7.5
TOEFL iBT	80 - 100	90 - 100
CAEL	60 - 70	70 - 80
PTE Academic	58 - 68	65 - 75

 

Tuition Fee in Canada

Here's an approximate tuition fees for international students studying in Canada. Please note that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the university, program, and province:

Level of Study	Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (CAD)
Undergraduate Programs	$15,000 - $35,000
Graduate Programs (Master's)	$10,000 - $35,000
Graduate Programs (Doctoral)	$10,000 - $35,000
MBA Programs	$25,000 - $60,000
Medical Programs	$20,000 - $80,000

 

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on various factors such as the city or town you choose to study in and your lifestyle choices. Generally, the cost of living in Canada is considered to be moderate to high. Here are some of the major expenses you should consider when estimating your cost of living as a student:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (in CAD)
Accommodation	$600 - $1,500
Utilities (electricity, water, heating)	$100 - $150
Internet and Mobile Phone	$80 - $100
Groceries and Food	$200 - $400
Transportation (public transit)	$70 - $120
Textbooks and Supplies	$100 - $200
Health Insurance	$50 - $100
Entertainment and Leisure	$100 - $200
Miscellaneous (personal expenses)	$100 - $200

 

Scholarships to Study in Canada

At the time of deciding to study abroad, one thing that remains generally in the minds of international students is the cost of studying. You can apply for the scholarship and can bring down your educational expenses. However, the tuition fee in Canada is less than any other popular developed countries.  There are number of scholarships for study in Canada and here are some popular scholarship programmes for Indian students to study in Canada.

Scholarship Name	Description	Funding Amount
Ontario Trillium Scholarships	Fully funded scholarships offered by the Government of Ontario for international students	CAD 40,000 per year
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	Prestigious scholarships for Ph.D. students	CAD 50,000 per year
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Award	Merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students at the University of Toronto	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award	Scholarships for international undergraduate students at UBC	Full tuition, living expenses, and other costs
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships	Merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students at Carleton University	Varies (up to CAD 20,000 per year)
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships	Scholarships for international students at Humber College	Varies (up to CAD 5,000 to CAD 7,000)
University of Alberta International Scholarships	Scholarships for international undergraduate students at the University of Alberta	Varies (up to CAD 9,000 to CAD 26,000)
Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students	Merit-based scholarships for international students studying in Quebec	Varies (up to CAD 25,000 per year)
Simon Fraser University Financial Aid and Awards	Scholarships and awards for undergraduate and graduate students at Simon Fraser University	Varies (up to CAD 10,000)
Manitoba Graduate Scholarships (MGS)	Scholarships for international students pursuing graduate studies at Manitoba universities	Varies (up to CAD 15,000)

 

Part-time Work Permit in Canada

In Canada, international students with a valid study permit are generally allowed to work both on and off-campus while studying. On average, the rate of pay is around 13 USD to 18 USD per hour.

On-Campus Work: You can work on the campus of the institution where you are enrolled without a work permit. There are no specific restrictions on the number of hours you can work on campus.

Off-Campus Work: As an international student, you can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, you can work full-time (30 hours or more per week).

Co-op and internships: Some programs in Canada include mandatory work terms as part of the curriculum. In such cases, students may be eligible to work full-time during these periods.

Post-Study Work Permit in Canada

Obtaining a post-graduation work permit while studying in Canada depends a lot on the course and its duration. A work permit under the PGWP is generally issued for the length of the study program. The maximum length of PGWP in Canada is of 3 years.

A post-graduation work permit in Canada allows students to stay there and gain some work experience after completing their graduation. In the long run, getting a skilled Canadian work experience through PGWP allows graduates to qualify for PR in Canada within Express Entry.

Top Cities preferred by Students in Canada

Canada is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world as per many global ranking providers. In addition, these cities offer a lifestyle similar to that of the U.S. and provide employment opportunities to students.

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver
• Ottawa
• Quebec
• Edmonton
• Winnipeg
• Calgary
• Saskatoon

Student life in Canada

Immersing oneself in the exquisite student life in Canada reveals a tapestry of captivating fun and an enchanting night culture. The glittering metropolises of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer a kaleidoscope of vibrant nightlife, where pulsating clubs and chic bars provide a haven for revelry. Breathtaking festivals and jubilant celebrations showcase the nation's rich diversity and ignite a vibrant cultural tapestry. Outdoor pursuits beckon adventurous souls, from the majesty of skiing and camping to the serenity of hiking through awe-inspiring landscapes. Student discounts unveil a realm of indulgence, while engaging in social encounters and forging invaluable connections enhance this enchanting journey. Canada's student life epitomizes sophistication and delight.