Introduction
Canada has a long history of being one of the world's top research locations. It’s the reason behind cities like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec- host to some of Canada's best universities- have such high ranking as the most reputable cities for international students.
Canada can be an appealing choice for those seeking to study in a prestigious university in one of the world's most advanced countries. Canada has 26 universities in the QS Global University Rankings® 2019, with three in the world's top 50 and 11 more in the world's top 300 – an achievement that a few other countries have achieved.
Top Reasons to Study in Canada
Canada is regularly ranked as one of the wealthiest countries in the world and is also ranked first in terms of quality of life. If you study in Canada, you will earn a globally recognized degree from universities where some of the world's best professors and scholars work together.
We've learned that there's a lot to like in Canada. Here are only a few of the many advantages of choosing Canada as your educational destination:
Learn with the Best: Canada is known for the high standard of its schooling, right from primary school to post-secondary studies. The teachers here are well-trained and add a variety of viewpoints to the classroom. At the university level, two out of every five professors have at least one foreign degree. In addition, Canada has ten of the top 250 universities in the world. There is no better place to study.
Forever Welcoming Canadians: People often say that the portrayal of Canadians as "soft and welcoming" is accurate. When you visit Canada, you will discover a friendly nation with a distinct Canadian community that celebrates diversity. Canada is regarded as one of the best countries in the world for foreign students, from major cities to remote towns.
Quality of Living: Canada boasts of a lavish lifestyle if you're hunting for it. The quality of life in Canada is great for both Canadians and foreign students. It's an excellent country to live in. In reality, when it comes to the standard of living, Canada ranks first in the world. It also has four of the top 100 best college cities in the country, according to the World University Rankings. Now that's something to brag about!
Bright Future & Career: Students graduating from Canadian colleges and universities have a higher income ability. This is how the universities prepare them for a prosperous future and fulfilling employment. Canada has generated 1.6 million new jobs for graduates in the last decade alone.
Affordable Life and Fees: Canada has some of the cheapest university fees amongst English-speaking countries. Whatever the budget, you'll find something suitable in Canada’s wide selection of education offerings.
Types of Programs in Canadian Universities
Based on the type of the college and the duration of the programs, postsecondary colleges award degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Diploma and Certificate Programs - Associate Degree (1-2 years):
Diploma and credential programs are the main activities of colleges and institutes, while others grant degrees in specific fields of specialization. Degree programs can be two-year associate degrees or four-year applied degrees if they are available. In general, university diplomas and degrees necessitate one to two years of study in a certain field or specialty. However, these services differ greatly from one agency to the next and from one province to the next.
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s Degree (three-five years):
Undergraduates are students pursuing a baccalaureate or bachelor's degree. The completion of a high school program is usually required for entry to undergraduate studies. Bachelor's degrees in Canada are either three to four years of full-time training, depending on the region and whether the curriculum is basic or advanced. An honors baccalaureate degree usually indicates a greater emphasis on the honors subject as well as a higher level of academic achievement. An honors degree may entail an extra year of studies at certain universities.
Postgraduate – Master's Degree/Doctoral Degree in Canada:
In Canada, a master's degree generally involves two years of study upon completing an honors baccalaureate. A master's degree is typically required for admission to a doctoral program. However, under exceptional cases, applicants have been permitted to transfer straight from an honors baccalaureate program to a doctoral program. A doctorate usually requires a minimum of three years and up to four or five years of study and thesis, as well as a dissertation. The degree is commonly referred to as a Ph.D.; however, doctoral degrees in Canada can also be awarded in other fields of study such as music (D.Mus.) or the law (LLD).
Admission Requirements for Canadian Universities
The specific qualifying requirements for entry to a Canadian university are as follows:
For Bachelor’s/Diploma/Certificate courses-
Flexible admission
IELTS score: 6 / 6.5 overall - As per the course and institution requirement
CELPIP: 5-As per the course and institution requirement
OET: 350-450- As per the course and institution requirement
For Postgraduate/Masters courses-
2-3 years full-time work experience
IELTS score: 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6 / As per the course and institution requirement
CELPIP:6 - As per the course and institution requirement
OET:450-500- As per the course and institution requirement
4 yr Bachelors degree, 70% average.
Some institutions may require written samples/copies of published work/Portfolio
Entry requirements for Canadian Universities
These are the steps that are required to secure entry into Canada Universities.
Choosing a Program: Begin by selecting the appropriate degree program for you. In Canada, almost any degree program will be taught in English. Degrees are available in a wide range of disciplines, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Canada is globally known for a wide range of activities, including those in the arts, business, and technology.
Paperwork: A letter of encouragement, a recommendation letter, and a report of prior employment, if necessary, are among the standard paperwork that is usually needed for all universities. Universities will also ask for proof of the previous completion of studies. To fulfill this obligation, submit an academic letter from your secondary school whether you're starting a bachelor's degree, or from your former university if you're completing a master's degree or higher. If you are not a fluent English speaker, you will also be required to pass an English proficiency test.
Submitting Admission Application: Select the universities you want to apply for and then check the eligibility criteria before applying for that particular university. The majority of university applications in Canada are submitted through an online application framework. Application forms are accessible on individual university websites and are often accompanied by an application fee. Once you've finished filling out the application form, attach the necessary documentation or plan to mail them to the university.
Waiting for Confirmation: Admissions decisions are always announced by the end of the spring semester. If you attend a private institution, you will normally be required to pay tuition for the first semester. Otherwise, the university where you will study will give you an official document of entry, admission approval for visa purposes, and other useful information about studying in Canada.
Visa Application: If required, initiate the visa application process as soon as you are accepted into a Canadian university. Do not delay for the procedure will take up to sixty days and necessitates the submission of many relevant papers. Students from countries other than Canada will be denied entry to remain in Canada if they do not have the correct visa.
Canada Student Visa Process
Let’s look at the Visa process that is required to study in Canada.
The first step is to apply to Canadian Universities and earning an acceptance letter from at least one of them.
You don’t need a student visa if you fall under any one of these categories:
You are a member of the family or a member of the staff of a foreign official in Canada who has been approved by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada.
You participate in a research program that will not last for more than six months.
According to the Visiting Forces Act, you are a member of the international armed forces.
You are not a Canadian citizen, but you have an Indian status licensed in Canada.
3. Steps to obtaining a Student Visa:
Before you arrive in Canada, apply for your Canadian student visa online at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
If you have weak internet access or are unable to apply for the documents online, send the visa application documents via mail.
Provide a letter of approval from a recognized university (a university recognized by the Canadian government).
Provide evidence of enough financial means to finance your studies in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses).
Show evidence that you have no criminal record.
Submit hospital history indicating that you are in good health; if necessary, submit full medical exams.
4. Documents Required:
Student Permit Application Form
The university's original acceptance letter
A current passport or travel document that requires you to return to your home country. This is not needed if you live in the United States.
Two new passport-size images, with name and date of birth details on the back.
Evidence of financial support during your studies. This entails demonstrating that you have between 10,000 and 11,000 CAD per year to live in the region.
An intention letter.
If you want to study in Quebec, you will also require a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec, English and French translations of your documents, a translator's note, and a certified copy of the text.
Proof of paid Student permit fee.
Top Universities In Canada
According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, these are the top universities of Canada:
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
Université de Montréal
University of Alberta
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
Western University
Queen's University
University of Calgary
Top Courses in Canada
Canada is one of the most coveted countries for undergraduate and doctoral studies. With its comfortable post-study work (PGWPP) and immigration policies, Canada draws a large number of foreign students from all over the world. Furthermore, programs such as Express Entry make Canada an appealing destination. Local degrees and practice, on the other hand, often make it easy to fit in and find work in Canada. Let’s look at the Best Courses to Study in Canada for International Students Looking for Work.
MBA
Computer Science & IT
Business & Finance
Core Engineering & Engineering Management
Physical & Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy
Agricultural Science & Forestry
Biosciences, Medicine & Healthcare
Media & Journalism
Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science & Analytics
Psychology & Human Resources
Work While Studying in Canada
International students can work both on-campus and off-campus while studying without any work permit, but you need to meet the eligibility criteria first otherwise you’ll have to leave the country.
Working On-campus:
You can work on your school's campus without a work permit if you meet the following criteria:
1. You are a full-time post-secondary student at a:
public post-secondary schools, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools, and is at least 50% funded by government grants (or )
Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law
2. You have a valid study permit, and
3. You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Working Off-campus:
If you meet any of the following conditions, you can work off-campus without a work permit:
1.you are a full-time student at a recognized educational institution
2. you are registered in:
a postsecondary educational, vocational, or technical training program
a vocational school curriculum at the secondary level (Quebec only)
3. your course of study
has a period of at least 6 months and
results in the awarding of a degree, diploma, or certificate
4. you've begun your studies
5. You have a Social Security Number (SIN)
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