Why study in Canada?
Canada is one of the most popular countries for international students. According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CIBE), Canada was endorsed by 96% of international students as a study destination due to its high-quality education system and reputation as a safe and immigrant-friendly country.
International students contribute significantly to Canada’s prosperity and economical growth. Incoming students increase Canada’s innovation capacity by offering novel ideas and fueling an interconnected global economy. Yearly, Canada welcomes thousands of students from around the globe and truly invests in educational strategies that prioritize diversity and improved experience for international students.
Canada has a high quality of life; enjoys a universal healthcare system; embraces multiculturalism; is safe; has a great education system; its job market is expanding, and most importantly offers flexible pathways to permanent residency. All of these factors make Canada a great destination for international students.
What do you need to study in Canada?
There are multiple steps you need to follow to set yourself for success:
- Take an English Proficiency Exam
- Prepare your documents
- English score
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Supporting documents
- Find your program & your school
- Secure an advisor (for graduate students)
- Fill out the school application & receive your admission
- Apply for a study permit & temporary resident visa
- Book your ticket & fly to Canada 😊
English Proficiency Exam
English is quintessential to your immigration journey. It is only when you are a fluent speaker that you can maximize your immigration experience and set yourself up for academic and professional success.
There are different proficiency exams that you can take. The most popular ones are IELTS and TOEFL. Depending on your school and the program you are applying for, you may have the option to take easier exams such as Doulingo or you may be eligible for a conditional acceptance. The main aim of offering conditional acceptance is to help you improve your English skills to the required level. Once you have completed pre-requisite English courses, you are permitted to start your main program. The duration of these English courses also varies depending on the program you are applying for. You might be required to take an English course for 6-9 months before you can join your main program.
Furthermore, French is the second official language of Canada. If your province of destination is Quebec, it is a bonus for your application to indicate proof of French proficiency. For some Quebec institutions, proof of French proficiency along with English is mandatory.
There are plenty of resources that you can use to improve your language skills. Here, I have listed well-established and reliable language-learning courses that you can benefit from when preparing for your language proficiency exam.
Additionally, I am happy to offer you unique services that work on your speaking and writing skills. Book your free consultation now.
School Application
There are couple of points to keep in mind for a successful school application and getting a letter of acceptance:
- Strong English proficiency score
- The type of program you are applying for
- The credential/degree you are applying for
- Whether the school is approved as a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
- Whether the approved DLI school offers post-graduate work permit
- Strong transcripts
- Strong resume, letter of statement, references and any other supporting documents
Admission requirements vary across different schools. Programs within a specific school also may have their specific requirements. Please, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the admission requirements and application deadlines. You can visit here to get detailed profiles, requirements, and admission information for programs of study at Canadian post-secondary schools (i.e. universities; colleges; vocational schools).
If you wish to apply to post-secondary schools in the province of British Columbia (BC), you can visit here.
Conditional Letter of Acceptance
Universities may issue conditional letters of acceptance if a student has not met certain conditions for enrolment, such as maintaining a certain GPA, providing documentation of mandatory health clearance, or completing a required course such as English. They are usually valid only until the start date of the program.
Understanding post-secondary educations and its types
Post-secondary education is any educational program occurring at a level above the twelve grade elementary and secondary school system. There are different types of post-secondary education each with its specific purposes.
- University: An institution that is authorized to grant a degree
- College: An institution that cannot grant a degree (there are some exceptions). They usually offer programs resulting in certificates and diplomas. College programs are more career-oriented as compared to university programs
- Trade School/Apprenticeships: The trade school refers to a specialized occupation that focuses on some kind of manual labor and requires hands-on training
- Vocational School: A type of school that offers programs either at the secondary or post-secondary level. They focus on technical skills and prepare students to enter the workforce
Understanding degree or credential types
- Undergraduate Education: Undergraduate level of degree is more like a general program in that you receive general training focused on a certain field. All bachelors are considered undergraduate. Doctor of Medicine (MD) also is considered an undergraduate degree
- Associate degree: It is a type of undergraduate degree that is offered by a college or university upon competition of two-year length of studies. After two years of study, you can either choose to enter your bachelor’s or graduate. This type of degree is currently only offered in the province of BC, in Canada
- Graduate Education: Master’s degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are considered graduate degrees in which you received specialized training and they are more research based
- Diploma, Post-degree Diploma & Certificates: All three levels of education offer training for a specific occupation and directly entering the job market. Colleges, vocational, and trade schools usually offer them. They can also be offered by universities. The difference between diplomas and certificates is mainly in the length of the studies. The diplomas are usually two years of full-time studies, the certificates are a one-year full-time program. The difference between a diploma and a post-degree diploma is that to be eligible for a post-degree diploma, you need to already have a level of post-secondary education. This is while you can apply for diplomas with a high-school degree and after finishing your secondary school
Please, note that Quebec education system is slightly different from other parts of Canada. If your province of destination is Quebec, ensure to hone your understanding of the Quebec province requirements.
Designated Learning Institutions
To be able to apply for a study permit, you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school that is approved by a provincial/territorial government to host international students. This means that if a school is not designated by its provincial or territorial authority as a DLI, it is not eligible to host international students; if you submit a study permit application for a non-DLI school, your application will be refused.
DLI is the number that begins with the letter “O”. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLI, but not all post-secondary schools are listed as DLI. Furthermore, you need to know if you are eligible to work after you graduate. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the post-graduation work permit.
Study Permit and Student Visa Application
A study permit is a governmental-issued document that legally authorizes you to study in a DLI in Canada.
A student visa is a legal authorization for entering Canada. A student visa does not allow you to study in Canada.
The term visa refers to documents that allow entering Canada, while a permit allows you to be involved in certain activities such as studying or working when residing in Canada. You can apply for your study permit and student visa online or by paper. If you apply by paper, you will have to submit your documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) assigned to your country.
Where can you apply for your study permit?
- Outside Canada
- Inside Canada
- At a port of entry (POE)
Study Permit Requirements
- If you are submitting an electronic application, create an account at IRCC website
- Prepare the following documents
- Passport
- A digital photo that meets the requirements of a passport photo
- Letter of acceptance
- You must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of financial support
- You must provide documentation indicating that you have enough funds to cover the cost of your tuition
- Extensive supporting documents
- An explanation letter explaining why you want to study in Canada; what are your study plans; what are your career plans; and what are you plans upon graduation. You will need to indicate that you understand the requirements of your student visa and will return to your country after finishing your studies.
- Fill out the specific immigration forms
- One general immigration form (will vary depending on where you are applying from, i.e. outside of Canada, inside of Canada, POE).
- Sibling information form
- Pay for your application fees. If you are applying online, you have to be prepared to pay for your application using a valid visa debit or a credit card.
What happens after you apply?
Processing Time: The processing time for a study permit varies from country to country. You can check the processing time by clicking here.
- In most cases, you are requested to provide your biometrics, which include your finger prints and digital photo.
- Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for medical exam, police certificates, language testing, and services at VAC if you use one.
Your application may be refused if you fail to:
- Provide proof of enough financial support while studying in Canada
- Convince the visa office that your main purpose is to study in Canada and you will leave Canada at the end of your study period
- Pass your medical exam (if you needed to get one)
If you get accepted for your study permit, a letter of introduction will be issued to you. You have to take this letter to the immigration office at the Port of Entry (POE) when you land in Canada. The office at the POE is responsible to make the final decision and issue you the original study permit.
Quebec Study Permit Requirement
If you are interested in pursuing an educational program in the province of Quebec must first obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) before applying for a study permit.
You can find all the information you need on how to apply for a study permit in Canada on IRCC website.
If you need assistance with completing your application and preparing your documents, book your free consultation now.