Study In Canada

Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world. Every year the country welcomes nearly 5,00,000 students from across the globe. Canada is currently considered the #1 country in the world in terms of quality of life and social purpose. Academic excellence, agility, entrepreneurship, and business opportunities are a few more factors that attract international students to this country.

There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada. Each province follows a different education system. The study levels may vary across these provinces. The students can enroll for the following programs. 

• Associate Degree: The students must study for two years to earn an associate degree. 
• Certificates and Diploma: These programs are job oriented and vocational and may last for a year or two. 
• Bachelor’s Degree: This is an undergraduate program where students have to study for four years to earn their degree. In provinces like Quebec, this duration is usually three years. 
• Bachelor’s Honors Degree: The program duration is usually four years and students can specialize in the subject of their choice. 
• Master’s Degree by Thesis and Non-thesis: The duration of a master’s degree by thesis may be a year or two, depending on the subject. It requires the students to submit a thesis to earn a degree. However, a Master’s Degree by Non-thesis is a taught program, where students can earn a degree by attending their course regularly. 
• Graduate Diploma: This is a specialized job-oriented program, which is undertaken post bachelor’s degree. The program duration may be a year or two. 
• Doctorate or PhD Programs: The students earn their degree on submission of a thesis, and it may take 4-7 years to earn it.

Students can earn their degrees or diplomas by enrolling to the following: 

• Universities: They offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs as well as diplomas, certificates, doctorates, and professional degrees. 
• Career and Technical Colleges: They offer specialized diplomas and certificate courses. 
• Community Colleges: These colleges offer diplomas, certificates, associate degrees, graduate diplomas, and undergraduate degrees. 
• University Colleges: They host students who may be part of university transfer programs or wish to continue diplomas in specialized subjects.

There are several popular universities in Canada that regularly feature in various world rankings. Below listed as some of the best colleges in Canada:

In addition to the universities, the following are some popular colleges for pursuing diploma,  graduate diploma, and MBA in Canada.

IELTS is one of the requirements to study in Canada. However, some universities in Canada may admit students without IELTS/TOEFL. Does that mean English language proficiency is not an important requirement to get admitted to these colleges or universities? No, language proficiency is still an essential requirement, but you can submit alternate test results. The following are a few popular universities in Canada accepting alternative English proficiency scores.

Education in Canada is expensive, however, many leading Canadian universities offer affordable education. The following are a few prominent ones among them: 

Want to get admitted to a leading Canadian university?  The following steps will simplify the process. 

• Choose your program and list 6-8 colleges and universities. 
• See the eligibility requirements and gather paperwork such as LOR, bank statements, SOP, updated resume, essays, and official transcripts of academic degrees. 
• Attempt standardized tests such as GMAT, PTE, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL, depending on the application requirements. 
• Arrange for finances required to pursue studies, such as applying for loans and scholarships. 
• Submit the duly filled application form on the website and pay the fee. 
• Check the application results by the end of Spring. Many universities will send you visa. 

The universities in Canada follow the following intakes:

Fall: This intake starts in September and is the most popular among international students. The students can apply to a wide range of courses across well-known universities and colleges. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.

• April – August: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
• September – November: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
• December – January: Fill out the form and submit your scores and documents to the university.
• January – February: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
• February -April: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• May – June: Apply for the student visa!
• August -September: Book your tickets and get ready for the departure to start your new semester in Canada.

Winter: It starts in January and usually, students who miss their Fall intake opt for this intake. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.

• January to April: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
• July – August: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
• August – September: Fill out the form and submit your scores and documents to the university.
• September – October: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
• October – November: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• October – November: Apply for the student visa!
• November – December: Book your tickets and get ready for the departure to start your new semester in Canada.

Summer: This intake usually begins in April and May, and is only available for limited programs. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.

• January to April: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
• August – September: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
• October – December: Fill out the form and submit your scores and documents to the university.
• December – January: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
• January – February: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• January – February: Apply for the student visa!
• March – April: Book your tickets and get ready for the departure to start your new semester in Canada.

Here we have included the average annual cost of education in CAD ($). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in Canada.

The Canadian Study Permit allows Indian nationals to study in designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. You will need a student visa to enter the country. You can apply for the study permit by paying a fee of CAD 150. The processing time can vary across the country. If you are an Indian, you can obtain your Canadian Study Permit faster through the Student Direct Stream by following the below link. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/student-direct-stream/apply.html

Eligibility requirements and application requirements for undergraduate and graduate courses vary in Canada. 

Undergraduate :

• 70% marks in 12th grade 
• 12th grade mathematics 

Diploma Programs:

• 60% marks in 12th grade
• IELTS Score: 6.5 for overall and 6 in each section 

Master Degree Programs :

• 2-3 years work experience 
• GMAT – 580 to 600 minimum 
• Some institutes may require you to submit samples of published portfolio/work

Canada is known for its metropolitan cities that welcome thousands of international students annually. These cities assure a well-planned lifestyle, including subsidized public transport systems, part-time work opportunities, healthcare facilities, and so on, which most students find appealing. The following are a few popular best student cities in Canada. 

Diploma vs degree has been a point of consideration for many students going to Canada for higher studies. The following differences will ease the confusion.

Students applying to Canadian universities are required to submit scores of language proficiency and standardized tests.

Language Proficiency Tests: English and French are two official languages of Canada. Most universities would require you to submit scores of these languages depending on the program.

As proof of English language proficiency, the students must submit scores of: 

• IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is conducted by British Council and assesses a candidate’s English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The scores of this test are accepted by more than 300 DLIs in Canada. 
• TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It analyzes a candidate’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. An undergraduate candidate has to earn 79 or higher points and a graduate student earns 80 or higher points to secure admission. 
• CAEL: This stands for the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test, which checks the student’s proficiency in four constituents – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

As proof of French language proficiency, the students must submit scores of: 

• Test de Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ): This test is relevant for students wishing to relocate to Quebec, which is a French-speaking region. There are four modular tests such as oral presentation, written expression, oral comprehension, and reading comprehension.
• Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF): This test is essential for students who want to pursue French education at any Canadian university. The University of Montreal requires students to submit a score of 400 for admission.

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): The students seeking admission to undergraduate courses must submit the results of SAT. This is a paper and pencil test, which analyzes a student’s analytical thinking capabilities. 

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): This test is conducted by the Education Testing Service (ETS) and assesses the student’s readiness to attend a graduate program in Canada. 

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This test is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is required for seeking admission to MBA programs. 

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students graduating from Canadian colleges and universities to work for up to 3 years. The students who have completed a degree, certificate, or diploma lasting at least 8 months can apply for PGWP. 

A student has up to 180 days to apply for a PGWP after graduation. During the application, the candidate must confirm the program’s name, duration, and completion status. 

If the study permit expires before you apply for PGWP, you have two options – you can leave Canada and apply for PGWP or apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in the country. 

You cannot apply for PGWP if:

• Your study permit expired 180 days before your application 
• You have enrolled for self-improvement or general interest courses 
• You have participated in the Global Affairs Canada’s Government of Canada Awards Program; however, you can apply for PGWP if you have received a study in Canada scholarship
• You have studied English or French as a second language 
• You have completed the study at any Canadian university through e-learning, online courses, or correspondence 
• You have completed a study program at any institution managed by non-Canadian management while living in Canada

Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of the organization you work for.

Studying in Canada can be a life-changing experiences for most Indian students. There are various things that students need to know to pursue their education. Here, we have included some common questions and their answers for students planning to leave for Canada for their higher studies.