Canada is known as one of the most popular countries to offer high quality education with affordable tuition fee for degrees that are globally recognised. Canada is a great study destinations for international students who want to start their undergraduate and masters degree, it is an interesting place to study. It host nearly half a million international students, and it adds to an excellent quality of life, immense post-study work and immigration opportunities.
AN OVERVIEW OF STUDYING IN CANADA
Canada has welcomed students from all around the world for many years.
The high emphasis on research and development in Canadian education is one of the main factors that sets it apart from other systems. There is no better country than Canada if you are a research scholar. Research in the fields of medical, telecommunication, agriculture, environmental science, and technology is generously supported by the Canadian government.
When compared to institutions in the US and the UK, Canada’s tuition is somewhat less expensive.
International students increasingly choose Canada as their preferred study abroad location to quicken their learning curve. Students have the opportunity to enrol in the top colleges in the world. On the list of top universities in the world that provide degrees that are acknowledged throughout the world and whose education is highly regarded internationally are Canadian universities. In a variety of industries, including engineering, telecommunications, aerospace, and other areas of education, Canadian schools have established their superiority.
There are certain things a student who wishes to study in Canada should be aware of. They are;
- Canada’s Tuition is affordable and accessible. Studying in Canada is very affordable and their fees are relatively low with quality education. So also international students have access to financial aids such as grants, loans and scholarships for graduate and undergraduate programs.
- The financial aid is available for all students from different parts of the world. There are several forms of financial aid a student can apply for in a university in Canada
- The official language in Canada is English language and french
- The weather in Canada is very cold and you must prepare to be fully kitted with clothes such as coats, winter boots, Muffler, socks, winter jacket, gloves, etc. This also affects transportation.
- You can work while studying if you have a valid study permit. Canada does not restrict a student and allows its students to get a job during their program and work for stipulated hours.
- There are several universities in Canada, and a student has several choices. Although there are top universities in the country
- You must obtain a study permit to study in Canada. You will also require a resident permit and also meet the submission requirements by providing:
- A letter of acceptance from the University
- Evidence on how you intend to pay your tuition and other living expenses
- A medical report
- It is easy to get accepted into Universities in Canada. The basic requirement is proof of proficiency in English and a high school certificate
- International students may be permitted to bring their families along with them while they study. Those whose visas are approved along with their family can study in Canada and their spouse can work full time in the country
- An international student must be covered by Health Care insurance
WHY SHOULD YOU STUDY IN CANADA?
- Canada is open to all students. An international student who intends to study abroad will enjoy Studying in Canada. The people of the country are calm and welcoming with no discrimination. It is a safe space for international students.
- The Universities in Canada have qualified and highly trained tutors throughout every phase of the education so as to impact Knowledge in students and help students in the process of learning.
- You are opportuned to work while studying in Canada as a student in any program.
- Cost of studying in Canada is affordable and education is accessible
- Canada is a place with diverse beautiful places. A student can have access to a serene environment, wild life, the seas, Nature and centers of tourist attractions.
- Universities in Canada are advanced in technology which is beneficial to a prospective student. They are known for contributions in Engineering, animation, production of medical devices, development in transportation, etc.
- Canadian Universities offer quality education and conduct extensive research in their academic areas
- Canada is a country rich in culture. There are diverse cultures, ethnicity in Canada where you can relate with people from different cultures in the world.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ADMISSIONS INTO CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES
It is not difficult to get accepted into Universities in Canada. Generally admissions into Canadian Universities require you to:
- Apply for your choice of course for the program
- Submit all required documentation during the application including; Academic records, letter of recommendation and motivation, your portfolio an official transcript, evidence of proficiency in English ( for International students who is not a native speaker of English)
- Submit the documents specifically required by the university you are applying to, available on the college website and also according to the procedures laid down by the university.
- complete your application forms and mail the application to the university
- After getting accepted, apply for a study visa timely. It could be as soon as you get accepted into the school
There are documents a student is required to submit while applying for admission into Universities in Canada. These are;
- A valid passport
- Academic Records, transcript, High school certificate, Bachelor’s degree certificate and other relevant certificate
- Letter of motivation (optional)
- Proof of proficiency in English language or French
- Resume/cv/ portfolio (optional)
- Financial statement of your sponsor
- Letter of acceptance by the University
To qualify for a proof of proficiency in the official languages , you must have taken the required tests in English language. The required exams are; TOEFL, CAEL, PTE and IELTS and other additional tests depending on the course program. For undergraduate and diploma programs, a student must have an overall minimum IELTS score of 6.0 and above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four bands.
THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN CANADA COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES
The bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are the three degrees available in the Canadian educational system. In addition, there is also an MBA. Canadian MBA can help you develop your business abilities and give you the knowledge you need to succeed in the corporate world. You are more than welcome to complete all or a portion of your studies in Canada as an international student. There are both public and private universities, just like in other nations.
Public university tuition ranges from 7,500 to 22,500 CAD annually, although private university tuition is typically substantially higher. With very few exceptions, degrees obtained in Canada are accepted worldwide. The language of instruction in Canada’s degree programs is English. Students from nations where English is not the first language will therefore need to
Compared to other countries, Canada:
- Has an exclusive budget for the expenditure on the students at the primary level. The annual budget cut across all spending on schooling, stationeries, facilities and teachers salaries.
- Graduates have access to employments for both the Bachelor’s degree holders and Canadian Master degree holders
- Canada has a high percentage of international students because of its educational system and they offer the same opportunities to citizens and immigrants.
- The Canadian Government prioritize education, this is reflected in the annual budget of the country
- Canada in addition to learning in the classroom offers skill acquisition training via vocational schools. This gives students an opportunity to learn new skills or a trade outside the classrooms registered with the ministry of education in the province.
BEST UNIVERSITIES IN CANADA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Among English-speaking nations, Canada is renowned for having among of the lowest university tuition costs. Canada has an extensive selection of educational options that has something suitable for everyone, no matter what their financial situation. To create your budget, do some research on the cost of post-secondary education and daily living costs in the city or town of your choice.
Canada is now the greatest country in the world for quality of life and consistently ranks among the finest nations in the world. Studying in Canada gives access to some of the best professors and educators in the entire world, giving you an education that is renowned across the globe. Your experience will be the same whether you decide to attend school in one of the big, bustling cities or on a small campus in a friendly neighbourhood. Canada is a popular destination amongst students for higher education. It is rated one of the best places to study in the world amongst other countries. Canada offers exclusive public schooling with an excellent education system.
1. UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO: It was founded as a king’s college in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The University of Toronto is Canada’s leading institution of higher education. It is ranked amongst world class universities in the world. The students from the University are taught by educated and innovative tutors and experts. The university of Toronto is popular for its development in research and invention.
The University of Toronto is ranked among the top ten universities in North America because of its academic excellence in research development. They deliver excellence with the courses ranked top 10 including; psychology, space science, Arts and Humanities, Clinical Medicine.The university of Toronto majors in Commerce and Management, Architecture, Biology, Computer science, Arts and Humanities, Social science, physical Education and kinesiology, Medicine, Mechanical engineering, Nursing, physical science, and Mathematics.
2. McGILL UNIVERSITY: Is a public university founded in 1821 Montreal, Canada. It is famous for its reputation in Chemistry, Medicine and Biology. It is one of the best universities in Canada for higher learning. The university has a high percentage of students in its post graduate programs. McGill University offers Masters program in
- Economics
- French language and Literature
- Kinesiology and physical education
- Bioresource Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
- Human Nutrition
- Plant science
- Physiology
- Parasitology
- Physics
- Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery)
- Public health
- Arts
- Animal science
- Chemistry
- Physiotherapy
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- Medicine
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Music
- Geography
- Communication sciences
- Law
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
- Civil Engineering
- English, etc.
McGill University offers more than 300 courses for undergraduate programs in various fields and about 400 courses for postgraduate studies.
3. UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: It was established in 1908 Vancouver, Canada. It is a center for learning and research. In addition to it being an Ivy league University in Canada, it is one of the top Universities in Canada and globally. The university offers Bachelor’s degree programs, Masters, Joint academic programs, exchange programs and Distance learning. UBC breeds a student to inculcate the basic skills and professional experience and exposure.
UBC ranks amongst the best in Canada because of its approach to research and sustainability in Land, Art and Cultural facilities. It offers programs to build athletic skills. The environment also encourages sporting as a result of its proximity to mountains. E.g Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, climbing, kayaking and Mountain biking.
4. UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL: It was established in 1878, Montreal, Quebec Canada. It is a french speaking university. To get accepted into University de Montreal, you just have to have basic knowledge of French. Although English is spoken by people in Montreal, in the local community it is rarely spoken. It is advisable to be knowledgeable in French to aid communication as a student in Montreal.
It is popularly known in:
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering
- Technology
- Life science
- Medicine
- Natural science
- social science
- Management
- Computer science
- Business
- Economics
The university also provides financial assistance to International students.
5. McMASTER UNIVERSITY: It is a public university founded in 1887 Hamilton, Ontario Canada. The University is ranked amongst top universities because of its innovative and exceptional education. It offers programs that cut across various fields like other Ivy league universities. McMaster has produced notable alumni including; Noble prize winners, Inventors and philanthropists. McMaster collaborates with researchers and experts to address society needs, improve production and develop new incentives to improve the quality of life.
SCHOLARSHIPS, FINANCIAL AID & BURSARIES IN CANADA
Financial aids are available for students in Canada. The government provides for several forms of financial aid. Such as Scholarships, loan programs and private or federal grants. Before applying for admissions into Universities in Canada, be sure you are capable of affording the tuition, and living expenses or you have access to financial aid to fund your schooling. Scholarships as a form of financial aid may be awarded based on academic ability, exceptional skills and athletic skills.
Scholarships may be awarded by organizations, companies, the Canadian government or the Government of your home country. You can apply for scholarships before applying to a university. Scholarships are awarded for different purposes. It could be based on Country, academic ability, skills and talents, and financial incapacity. So also, there are bursary options offered by organizations. For example The international council for Canadian studies.
- The loan could be a federal student loan awarded by the Canadian Government or a private student loan awarded by a private organization.
- You can apply for a scholarship available for the program. Universities also offer financial assistance to students.
- International students can apply via the official university website if you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Students who are awarded Bursaries are given based on their financial need. To qualify, you just prove that you have no access to funding for the program. Documentations can be produced to that effect.
- Bursaries are offered by Universities, organizations and foundations.
- Loans must be repaid and also paid with interest. Though loans offered by the Canadian government may not be available for international students.
- Loans are offered by Banks, but you will be required to have a Canadian citizen as your co-signer.
To qualify for admission into Canadian Universities, you need to write and get the score in any of these entrance examination that you require:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Graduate Management Aptitude test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Examinations
- Law school Admission Test (LSAT)
- Scholastic Assessment Test ( SAT)
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA PROCESSING IN CANADA
The Canadian study permit is issued by the Canadian Government and it serves as a temporary residence visa . An international student requires a visa for the duration of study.
You can apply for your study permit after getting accepted into a university in Canada. Your application will be supported by;
- Letter of acceptance from the University
- Evidence to prove your financial capacity
- Documentations to prove that you have no criminal record
- A medical report
- An affirmation during your visa interview that you will leave the country after the program
You can apply for your Student visa via the Citizenship and immigration Canada website.
POST STUDY OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
After the period of study, you can work in Canada. To work after studying, you will apply for a work permit through a post graduate work permit program. You are opportune to stay back in Canada to work after studying. The permit is issued for a period of 1-3 years to international students. Note that you will not be eligible to apply if you have received a post graduate work permit before.
To apply;
- You must have graduated from a designated learning institution
- You must have applied six months before graduation
- You must have paid the application fee
- You must have studied a program that lasted for more than 8 months
Check here for post study opportunities for international students in Canada
FINAL THOUGHTS
One of the most well-known nations for providing top-notch instruction at reasonable tuition costs for degrees that are acknowledged throughout the world is Canada. For overseas students looking to begin their undergraduate and graduate degrees, Canada is an excellent study destination because it offers a stimulating environment. Nearly 500,000 foreign students are enrolled there, which enhances the high standard of living and vast employment and immigration chances after graduation.
We hope you found this blogpost helpful and apply to study abroad in Canada