Study in Canada

Understanding Canada’s Education System

According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Canada is one of the world’s top when it comes to investing in education. It’s important for an international student to understand Canada’s education system, as to what makes it more competitive and attractive. Among the top three countries that spend on quality education, Canada is one. Therefore, Canada is one of the best destinations for studying as they make a large investment in their education system.

The post-secondary education system in Canada is divided into:

Pre-bachelors level: There are generally three levels that can be done before starting off with a Bachelor’s course, i.e, Certificate, Diploma and Advance Diploma. These courses are one to three years long.

Bachelor’s Level: Four Year full-time course

Post-graduate diplomas: One to two years course

Masters level: One to two years course

PhD or Research: Four to seven years

Generally, there are two major intakes in Canada, the Spring (January/February) and the Fall (August/ September). In few universities, there can be summer Intakes as well (May/June).

Canadian Universities have class sizes that range from 30 to 200 students. The classes are a combination of lectures and tutorials. The lectures can be to a larger audience whereas the tutorials can be for smaller audience.

Fee Structure: In Canada the average yearly tuition fee for international students is around CA$27000. This is much lower in comparison to UK, USA or Australia. However, the cost of studying varies according to the institution and program, one is applying for.

Scholarships: There are different types of Funding available according to the type of University, Program, Level, Research area, etc. Students can apply to various government and non-government Canadian scholarships available for international students. However, this needs to be done months before the course start date as it takes time.

Student Visa Overview

To study in any country, it is essential to obtain a valid visa. Generally, the visas are granted by the embassy of that particular country. Every country will have its own policies, when it comes to the visa type as well as the requirements. A student who wishes to study in Canada should also be well acquainted with the Canada’s Student visa Overview. This helps them to be well prepared with the essential documents well ahead of time. The visa grants might also take some time, a better understanding of the visa overview, will help us plan when would be the best time to start our application process.

In order to study in a Canadian Institution, one needs to obtain a Canadian Study Permit, i.e. a student visa. The visa can be either Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) depending on one’s home country.

Things to Remember:

• Canadian Study Permit- if an individual holds a study permit, do not mistake it to be a visa, this ensures that they must remain enrolled in a course and make timely progress towards completing their course.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – it is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada. It is valid for up to five years. It gives permit for multiple entry.
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)- citizens of some countries need a Temporary Resident Visa in order to enter Canada in addition to a study permit. This is for those who do not qualify for eTA.

The eligibility criteria for study permit is as below:

• Should have a valid passport
• Should have an acceptance letter from an educational institution
• Should have enough money as bank saving or education loan to pay for tuition and living expenses
• Should have proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
• Should have a clean Police Record
• Should have an appropriate requirement of IELTS to prove English proficiency
• Should have medical check up

Financial Documents:

• Before the issuance of study permit in Canada, the applicant needs to prove that he/she is financially sound and might be asked to provide the following documents:
• If money has been transferred to your Canadian Bank account, the proof of it.
• Documents related to education loan (if required)
• Bank Statements of more than 4 months
• A bank draft
• proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
• Affidavit of Support
• Proof of funding, if provided with scholarship

Cost of Studying in Canada

For an International student, the cost factor is always an essential aspect of studying abroad. Accordingly, it is important to be well aware of the cost of studying in Canada. In comparison to the UK, Australia, USA and New Zealand, Canada has low tuition fees for international students. The students should consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travelling along with the tuition fees while calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada.

Tuition Fees

Generally, the approximate tuition fee for undergraduate students, ranges between CA$12,000 and CA$ 25000 per year. It basically depends on the course and the institution. For all postgraduate courses, tuition fees vary by course provider but will be under CA$35000 per year.  However, the doctoral degree is quite reasonable at under CA$10000 per year. The expenditure on tuition fees varies according to the type of qualification and university. Medicine and engineering courses are likely to be expensive in comparison to the courses like humanities, education and arts. Likewise, postgraduate courses tuition fees are higher and the costs vary depending on the program.

Cost of Living

The cost of living varies according to lifestyle an individual want to live. But the students need to keep on track of their expenditures so that they do not over spend. Likewise, considering various expenses a single student budget in Canada comes around approximately CAD 15,000 (indicative)

Health Coverage

Canada has made it compulsory for all the international students to get a medical insurance before starting their program. Various Canadian universities and schools has started a comprehensive health insurance plans for international students. This is applicable as long as the program is ongoing and ends upon completion.

Likewise, there are some college that do not offer any insurance policies, and in that case students have arrange for private medical insurance. The average cost for medical insurance ranges between CAD 300- CAD 800 a year (indicative).

Student Visa Application Charge

The first step to study in Canada is to secure a valid study permit which costs approx. CAD 150.

Accommodation

There are various Universities in Canada that offer on-campus residence to international students. If a student wants to live on-campus then they need to apply for it separately. Living on-campus is a very affordable option for a student.

Likewise, you can also rent an apartment which will be a bit costly in comparison to on-campus residence as an individual has to pay their utility bills like electricity, internet, water usage and also tenant’s insurance.

Transportation

There are facilities of public transports in all the cities and major towns of the country. An individual can take regional trains, buses and subways to reach their required destination. The students can take monthly passes for travelling to universities which can be comparatively cheap. Likewise, if the college has the facility of shuttle service then the student can use it and have problem while traveling to the college.

Employment Opportunities in Canada

Employment opportunities are an important aspect to be considered when it comes to deciding upon a country for further studies. Generally, as a student, we should be aware of the part time job policies and options. During part time jobs, students can gain valuable insight about the career opportunities after the completion of the course as well as some experience that will help them to accommodate later in the work premises. Also, the money earned can be utilized as a pocket money for some recreation during holidays. After the completion of studies, Canada also has the provision of Post Study Employment opportunities.

Part time jobs in Canada

As a student you will be working as a part time employee which will be a great help for managing your living expenses in Canada. It will also provide you with the work experience which can be a great asset for you in the future.

Students can work during your studies and holidays if they are enrolled at any one of the following:

• A public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
• A private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 per cent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify)
• A Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

Students can either work on-campus or off-campus. On-campus means you will be working on your college/university campus itself. Whereas, off-campus means an area outside of your campus premises. Students can work on-campus without work permit if they have a valid study permit.

Some of the On-campus job options are as below:

• Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant
• Administration Office
• Library or Infirmary
• Freelancer for on campus services.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

To be eligible to work as a student in Canada, they will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. To obtain a SIN for on-campus work, student must have one of the following conditions or remarks printed on their study permit:

• May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies
• May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186 (f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.

If the study permit does not have one of the above-mentioned conditions, students will need to submit a free request for an amendment to their study permit before they apply for a SIN.

Working After You Graduate

If any student wants to work after graduation, they need a work permit. Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) is one of the most widely accepted work permits. If any student wants to apply for permanent resident of Canada then PGWP will become of a great use.

PGWP work permits are valid up to maximum of three years and this permit will allow you to work in any occupation. To be eligible for PGWP, student must be graduated from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). But students must be careful because all the programs from DLI might not fulfil the eligibility criteria. Students must apply for PGWP within 90 days of receiving written confirmation mentioning the completion of the academic program.

Scholarship Options in Canada

Universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarship options in Canada to the international students so that it will be easy for them to fund their studies. The students need to check the eligibility and criteria before applying for the scholarships.

The primary criteria for most of scholarship in Canada is a good academic score. Likewise, in scholarships factors like extracurricular activities and volunteering can also be used. As getting a scholarship is competitive so the procedure should start about 8-12 months before the intake begins.

Some of the most popular scholarships are:

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

• This scholarship program is designed to allow students pursue programs of advanced study and research at the Master and PhD level in Commonwealth countries other than their own.
• The scholarship comprises travel, living allowance and all compulsory tuition fees.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

• This Scholarship is for the students studying in Quebec.
• Financial assistance is available to students studying master’s level or above.
• Each application is measured on its own merit.

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

• Research associate ship is offered to master degree holders in engineering and PhD holders in natural science or engineering disciplines.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

• This scholarship is provided 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).

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.

Students must remember that Ontario Universities select and award scholarships to international PhD students on merit basis.