Study In Canada
Every year, more than 180,000 students choose to study in Canada. The education system in Canada is of the highest quality and has competitive entry requirements. Tuition fees for studying in Canada are more affordable for Indian students compared to other international study destinations. According to a UN survey, Canada has been ranked as the best place in the world to live for nine consecutive years. Students in Canada can work for 20 hours per week without a work permit and full-time during vacations. Canada also offers a pathway to permanent residency, which can take up to 15-18 months after entering the country. Many programs in Canada include paid Co-Op terms, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their industry. Additionally, after completing their courses, students may work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program.
Engineering and Technology
Engineers with formal training and accreditation are called Professional Engineers. In Canada the accreditation organization is the Canadian Council for Professional Engineers. Study in Canada for Indian students is eminent in this field because of the updated technology and ample resources that are readily available in the country. Although it is competitive in nature, Engineering is one of the most sought after and highly paid jobs.
Business Management
Canada also offers a bounty of academic opportunities to its students to learn Business. Business schools in Canada develop future leaders by focusing on analytical, organizational and management skills. As Canada education consultants, we view that Business courses are the most common courses opted by students due to their popularity across the globe. These majors in Canada scale up to 51% of preference and offered by majority colleges in Canada.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism and Leisure refers to the management of products and services related to such activities as traveling for pleasure, personal recreation and various social events.
Sports
It studies the psychology of sport and exercise. This includes coaching, motivation and emotion, psycho pharmacology, and stress.
Biological and Life Sciences
Canada is considered as one of the largest Biotechnological hubs outside the U.S.A. With its prominent universities and research institutes, the booming economy and advanced technologies allow researchers to perform and progress. Biologists can combine their Biology degree with other fields to work in Applied Science such as Biotechnology, Forensic Sciences, Politics and Study Policy and Science Writing in Canada
Humanities and Social Sciences
Under this domain, the study of Psychology is a very popular. It involves the study of humans and other life forms. The psychology courses in Canada have become increasingly popular over the years. The course stands out from the usual clinched study of Business and Engineering.
Engineering is still one of the most eminent courses in Canada. Alongside, the study of Arts, Music and Theatre are a few special courses to study in the Canadian universities. It also includes other courses:
Aviation
These courses in Canada prepare students to safely operate a complex aircraft, to understand the technologies and human factors that affect the successful operation of an aircraft and to assume the professional responsibilities associated with being a commercial pilot.
Law and Regulations
Students learn a general overview of the Canadian legal system, and have access to specialize in Civil or Property Law, Environmental Law, and many more.
Language
Canada has two official languages, English as a First Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL).
Upon completing their studies in Canada, students who have graduated from a program lasting two years or more are eligible for a three-year work permit. This permit has no restrictions on the types of employment and does not require a job offer. The experience gained through this work opportunity allows students to work in an international setting and helps them earn back the money invested in their education.
Canada is a global leader in areas like Java programming, computer science, networking, and wireless communications. Some of the most notable inventions, such as insulin and flat-screens, originated in Canada. The country is known for its excellence in sectors including telecommunications, transportation, engineering, microelectronics, hydroelectric power, biotechnology, food and beverage processing, geometric industries, ocean and environmental industries, and aerospace. Renowned Canadian companies like BlackBerry, IMAX, BATA, and Corel are recognized internationally. Additionally, the Gourmand Report ranked 18 of North America’s Top 40 Electrical Engineering Faculties in Canada, and the Global Competitiveness Report 2000 ranked Canada first in knowledge workers.
Co-Operative Work Term
Co-op is a work term integrated into the course curriculum, offering students an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of specialization. Studying in Canada allows students to gain job experience while continuing their education. Co-op programs provide full-time work opportunities lasting 12 to 17 weeks and combine coursework with relevant work experience. This helps international students connect with the Canadian job market and develop professional networks.
Work During Studies
Since June 1, 2014, full-time students have been eligible to work off-campus without a work permit for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during vacations. Some programs may also include a paid co-op term, where students gain hands-on industry experience. Students can earn approximately CAD 11-15 per hour, with potential earnings between CAD 700 to 900 per month during co-op terms. Upon completing their program, students can work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program.
Canada is recognized as one of the most educated countries globally, with over half of its residents holding a degree. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada ranks among the top three countries in the world for spending per capita on public post-secondary education.
Studying in Canada is more economical compared to other popular study abroad destinations, while still maintaining excellent educational quality. However, due to the affordability, admissions can be more competitive. Additionally, Canada has maintained one of the lowest inflation rates among industrialized nations over the past three years.
Tuition Fees
Program | Tuition Fees (Approx.)/Year in CAD | In Indian Rs. /Year |
Diploma & Certificate Program | 13,000 – 16,000 | 7,80,000 – 9,60,000 |
Bachelors Program | 13,000 – 18,000 | 7,80,000 – 10,80,000 |
Master’s Program | 17,000 – 25,000 | 10,20,000 – 15,00,000 |
Conversion Rate: CAD 1 = INR 57
Living Expenses
Types of Accommodation | Living Costs & Expenses (Approx.)/Month in CAD | In Indian Rs./Month |
Residency/Dormitory | 350 – 515 | 21,000 – 30,900 |
Off-campus Rental Housing (shared apartment) | 350 – 700 | 21,000 – 42,000 |
Off-campus Rental Housing (single apartment) | 500 – 1,200 | 30,000 – 72,000 |
Homestay | 550 – 800 | 33,000 – 48,000 |
Conversion Rate: CAD 1 = INR 62
Types of Accommodation
Residence / Dormitory
Many institutions offer accommodations on or near their campuses. These residences often feature shared facilities, with options for either a shared or private room. Dormitories are usually segregated by gender, and in some cases, the cost of the room may include a meal plan.
Off-campus Rental Housing
Renting is a popular option for students studying in Canada. Many students share accommodations to reduce costs and find housing that suits their needs. Institutions often provide an off-campus housing service, offering a list of affordable options near the campus.
Homestay
Many Canadian families welcome international students into their homes. Homestays provide a stable and secure environment, particularly beneficial for younger students. Typically, a homestay includes a Canadian family hosting a student while they attend classes. Meals are usually provided but are not mandatory. Homestays are arranged by schools, which match students with families sharing similar interests.
Health Insurance
As a student in Canada, it is compulsory to have medical insurance. The medical coverage provided to international students varies across Canada, depending on the province. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan offer provincial health care plans for international students, though coverage often depends on the length of stay.
For specific information or accuracy regarding personal expenses, please contact NEF GLOBAL counselors.
Scholarships to study in Canada are limited, often not covering the full cost of a program, and can be challenging to find. However, some institutions offer scholarships to international students with exceptional academic achievements. The amount awarded varies by institution and typically covers only a portion of a student’s education and living expenses. Obtaining a scholarship is highly competitive, and applications must be submitted directly to each university along with the admission application. Community and career colleges, as well as most private schools, usually do not offer scholarships. Scholarship availability also depends on whether students are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Canada.
Types of Scholarships
Sports Scholarships
Universities and colleges often encourage students who have demonstrated national, state, or district-level achievements in various sports. With the growing emphasis on extracurricular activities, sports achievements are increasingly becoming a crucial factor in the admission process for students from India.
Ethnic Scholarships
Scholarships may be awarded to individuals belonging to specific races or ethnicities if they can provide adequate, authentic information to universities. For example, there are scholarships specifically targeted toward Asian or Pacific Islander students, as well as American Indian/Native American scholarships. The latter category often sees less competition due to the smaller population of Native American students compared to other ethnic groups.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships can be awarded by universities or other organizations. They are typically granted for exceptional academic performance, but some may also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential, or other personal characteristics.
International Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
These scholarships are available to international students who have been accepted into undergraduate programs in Canada. Below are some examples:
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber offers renewable full and partial tuition scholarships to new international students beginning classes in September and January each year. - University of Calgary Graduate Awards
The University of Calgary offers a wide range of full and partial scholarships for international students, with values ranging from $1,000 to $40,000, covering various fields of study. - Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are for students pursuing a doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD) at participating Canadian universities. The scholarship is worth $50,000 per year for three years. - York University International Student Scholarship
International students with an excellent academic record who are admitted to York University are eligible for this scholarship.
Intakes
Preparation for studying in Canada should begin at least a year in advance. The primary intake for Canadian universities and colleges is the Fall intake, which starts in September. Another intake is available in January, referred to as the Winter intake, but this depends on the program and institution. Some institutes may also offer a May intake.
English Language Requirements
Fluency in English is essential for students applying to Canadian institutions. International students must meet the required level of English language proficiency. Most students are expected to take either the IELTS or TOEFL (ibt) exams. A desirable IELTS score is 6.0/6.5 for undergraduate courses and 6.5/7 for postgraduate courses. For TOEFL, an undergraduate score of 80 and above, and a postgraduate score of 90 and above, is recommended.
Eligibility
Canadian universities have specific requirements for their programs, which are outlined below:
- Advance Diploma/ Diploma / Certificate
The student should have a Higher Second-Class score in HSC and must have successfully cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams as per university requirements. - Bachelor’s Degree
The student must have cleared HSC in First Class and successfully passed the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams according to university standards. - Postgraduate Certification / Diploma
A Higher Second Class in a Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) is necessary to apply for a Postgraduate Certification/Diploma. The student must have successfully cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams as per university requirements. - Master’s Degree
A First-Class Bachelor’s degree (4 years) is required for a Master’s Degree. Alternatively, a First-Class Bachelor’s degree (3 years) in India or completion of a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma from a Canadian university is acceptable. The student must have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams as required by the university.
Required Documents
- Updated Resume
- An essay or writing sample
- Academic documents: Secondary and Higher Secondary mark sheets, Bachelor’s mark sheet, Master’s mark sheet (as applicable)
- A complete research report and questionnaire form for postgraduate and research students
- Work experience letter (if applicable)
- IELTS/TOEFL or other English proficiency test score results
- GRE/GMAT score sheet (if applicable)
- Portfolio or thesis on the research subject (if applicable)
- Transcripts and mark sheets from the college or university
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
Types of Certification
- Certificate: A qualification awarded upon successful completion of a program, typically lasting one year.
- Diploma: A qualification awarded after one or two years of successful study.
- Advanced Diploma: A three-year program, some of which may lead to a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Awarded by universities, university colleges, or community colleges after four years of full-time study, leading to graduate-level studies.
- Post Graduate Diplomas/Certificates: These programs lead to a Master’s Degree and often include work terms that provide practical experience alongside theoretical studies. They require a Bachelor’s Degree of 3 or 4 years duration.
- Master’s Degree: A two-year program for Bachelor’s Degree graduates interested in further learning and research, or those looking to broaden their career opportunities. It can be pursued after a four-year Bachelor’s Degree or a three-year Bachelor’s Degree combined with a one-year Post Graduate Diploma from Canada.
- Doctorate or PhD: A degree ranking above the Master’s Degree, generally taking four to seven years to complete.
Institutions
Degrees and diplomas from Canadian universities and colleges are highly recognized worldwide. The Canadian education system includes both publicly funded and private institutions. Students can choose from 90 universities and 175 community colleges offering a wide array of programs. Vocational and technology courses often provide more earning potential than traditional degrees.
Post-secondary education in Canada is offered by four types of educational institutions:
- Technical/Career Colleges: Privately owned and operated, these institutions focus on preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction. The emphasis is on practical skills across a broad range of programs.
- Community Colleges & Technical Institutes: These institutions typically offer more career-oriented, practical, and technical curricula, with small class sizes, off-campus course offerings, and a greater ratio of laboratory space to classroom space. The teaching style is interactive.
- University Colleges: As part of the Canadian university system, these colleges offer both academic-oriented university degree programs and practical-oriented college diplomas and certificates.
- Universities: Canadian universities are largely publicly funded, providing consistently high-quality education at lower tuition rates for international students compared to other countries. They offer a broad range of programs from undergraduate to doctorate levels, as well as certificate and professional degrees.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The GPA is the average grade achieved by a student during an educational program. It is calculated on various scales depending on the institution (e.g., a 4-point scale or a 9-point scale).
Studying in Canada can be challenging for Indian students due to the need for a Canadian study permit. However, the introduction of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi has provided an advantage. Under the SDS program, students applying to colleges that are members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) can benefit from faster visa processing and a higher likelihood of a positive response from the Canadian High Commission.
Eligibility for SDS
To qualify for a study permit application under the SDS, students must:
- Hold an unconditional offer letter from an institution included in the SDS scheme.
- Meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations.
The study permit allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
The Canadian High Commission offers an efficient, transparent, and standardized application process, making it easier for students in India to submit applications and pay fees.
A visa interview is not mandatory. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request an interview at the Visa Office in Delhi, Bangalore, or Chandigarh. After assessing the application, the Visa Office will make a decision and either affix a visa counterfoil in the passport or issue a letter explaining why a visa could not be granted.
Where to Apply
Students can submit their applications at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in India, operated by VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The VAC staff will check the application based on IRCC requirements and submit it on the student’s behalf the next business day. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online via the IRCC website: www.cic.gc.ca.
Visa Documents
- Completed application form and visa application
- Valid passport
- Letter of Acceptance from the respective university
- Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (if applicable)
- IELTS score sheet/TOEFL or English proficiency test score result
- Academic documents
- Visa processing fees (Bank Draft)
- Proof of Funds or Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Recent photograph
- Fee receipt from the college/university
Visa Process
- Obtain an unconditional acceptance letter from the university/college.
- Pay the tuition fee for the first year as requested by the university/college.
- Provide proof of purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution to cover living expenses for the first year.
- Complete a medical examination before submitting the study permit application, visiting one of the panel physicians in India.
- Submit the visa application forms along with the relevant documentation.
- Collect the passport from the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre once the application is processed and a notification is received.
What is an ICCRC Membership?
The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is a non-profit organization appointed by the Government of Canada to regulate the immigration consulting profession and safeguard consumer interests. ICCRC members are immigration consultants who help individuals navigate immigration issues in Canada.
Is It Mandatory for a Student to Apply Through an ICCRC Member?
No, it is not mandatory for students to apply for a student visa through an ICCRC member. According to Bill C-35 and IMM5476E (Use of Representative Form), individuals can be represented by anyone to conduct business with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Canada Border Services Agency.
What Is the Difference Between a University and a College?
Universities in Canada offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. They generally require at least 12 years of schooling before enrollment. In contrast, community colleges provide two-year technical or vocational programs or courses that can be transferred to a university, leading to a Certificate or Diploma. Community colleges do not typically offer degree programs.
Can I Study and Work Part-Time to Finance Myself in Canada?
Yes, under certain conditions. When applying for a student permit, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your study program. International students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during their studies and 40 hours per week during vacations. They can also work on-campus without needing a separate work permit. During co-op terms, students can work full-time and earn between C$10 to C$15 per hour. After completing their program, students can work in Canada for 1 to 3 years, depending on the length of their program.
Does a Diploma Hold Value?
Yes, diplomas can be highly valuable. Colleges offer career-oriented programs like Advanced Diplomas and Certificates that provide practical skills and hands-on experience. These programs often lead to better job opportunities and salaries compared to some university degree programs. The focus on technical skills and practical experience makes graduates highly marketable to employers.
Do Students Need Health Insurance?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for students studying in Canada. Medical coverage varies by province and sometimes by university within each province. Many institutions include health insurance in their tuition fees, but students may also choose to obtain coverage from India.