Canada

Home to 21 of the world’s top 500 universities, Canada is one of the top destinations for international students.

Canada, a popular choice among international students, is one of the countries you might want to consider studying. Canada's fast developing and high-quality education provides international students a wide range of professional and educational opportunities.

 

Facts about Canada

Here are some informational facts about Canada that you might need to know:

•  After China, Brazil, and the United States, Canada is the fourth largest hydroelectric power generator.
•  The Trans-Canada Highway is said to be the world's longest national highway.
•  Canada is the world's third-largest forest country. Forest covers roughly half of Canada's landmass. In Canada, there are approximately 180 tree species. Timber is one of the country's principal exports.
•  The national holiday Canada Day is celebrated on 1 July.
•   With a total length of 202,080 kilometers (125,567 miles), Canada possesses the world's longest coastline.

 

Why Choose Canada?

Every year, Canada accepts thousands of international students from all around the world. The number of overseas students in Canada has increased significantly in recent years.

Best Universities

Canadian universities/ colleges (educational institutions) provide high-quality education at a reasonable cost. The universities are also reasonably affordable.

The country is the fourth largest for scientific research and is known for its research-intensive schooling system. The country maintains excellent educational standards and awards internationally recognized degrees. The top universities in Canada are University of Montréal, University of Toronto, Trent University, University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

Cultural Diversity

Canada is a multicultural country. The cities of Canada are home to people of many religions, races, and cultures. Thanks to the diverse cultural scene, you can quickly meet friends and feel less homesick.

Health-Care Accessibility

The health insurance coverage for international students is quite affordable. The health care system differs from one province to next. In some provinces, the provincial health insurance plans cover international students as well. Moreover, the educational institutions also themselves offer health insurance packages to overseas students.

Work Opportunities

You can work while you study! The overseas students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during college. Students who want to work on campus or as an intern in any company do not need an additional work permit because their study permit is enough to let them find part-time employment while in Canada.

Safe and Peaceful Country

Canada is known as the safest and most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2021. Universities in Canada have a superior body to ensure the protection of students, particularly international students. Many Canadian institutions have their own set of services, such as providing shuttles and security attendants to drop students off at home or the station, having mobile apps with a direct line where students may contact security with any questions, and so on.

 

The Educational System

The Canadian educational system offers Bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree. Aside from that, an MBA in Canada will improve your business skills and provide you with the necessary knowledge to enter the corporate sector. You are welcome to complete all or part of your studies in Canada as an international student. Public institutions charge between 7,500 and 22,500 CAD per year in tuition, whereas private universities charge significantly more. Canada offers globally recognized degrees.

 

Academic Year

This winter session is frequently divided into two terms, one from September to December and the other from January to April. Most universities and colleges operate from early September until late April or early May. You can undergo summer studies from May until August.

 

Student Visa Requirements

To study in Canada, you need to apply for a Canada study permit. Here, we have listed the Student Visa requirements:

• Examine your language skills: IELTS and PTE are the most common English language proficiency that Canadian universities and colleges offer. However, the English language proficiency test score differs from one to another. Some colleges also accept TOEFL.
• Apply to a Canadian university for admission: After filling the student application form and necessary academic documents, you can apply for Offer Letter.
• Pay the appropriate tuition cost via international wire transfer after obtaining the offer letter. The tuition fee payment receipt is required in the visa application's final section.
• Apply for a Canada Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and don't forget to include the university's acceptance letter.
• The purchase of a CAD 10,200 GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a bank is required. You will receive $2,000 upon arrival, $200 will be deducted for bank fees, and the balance will be paid in 12 instalments over the next year.

 

Employment Opportunities

International students choose Canada for higher education for various reasons, including job opportunities. Students who acquire a Canadian higher secondary school diploma are eligible for a government job program.

Upon graduation, the international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which can be up to three years. If an international student is enrolled in a full-time degree program, they can work off campus without a permit. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during college and full-time during the break. These part-time jobs will help to reduce financial burden.

Here are some lists of average salaries in Canada:

• Graphic Designer: 57,500 per year
• Civil Engineer: $81,000 per year
• Business Analyst: $116,000 per year
• HR Manager: $135,0000 per year
• Financial Analyst: $121,000 per year
• Aerospace Engineer: $116,000 per year

Some of the most common part-time employment among Nepali students in Canada:

• Drivers: Rideshare $30 – $50 per hour
• Translation tasks: $15 - $40 per hour
• Waiters: $15-$25 per hour
• Writers: $30–$70 per hour

 

Scholarships Options

Canadian government offers a number of government-funded scholarships which will ease financial burden. Even private organizations also offer scholarships. Here are some listed scholarships offered by the Canadian government to international students.

Postdoctoral fellowship Banting

Students participating in graduate programs in scientific and social sciences and health research are eligible for this grant. This scholarship is given to 70 people each year. Value: $70,000 (taxable)

IDRC grants for Research

The Canadian government offers IDRC grants for research to international students from developing nations such as Nepal, India, and other countries in the Indian subcontinent. The applicant must be pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Up to $15,000 in research funding is available. Furthermore, your travel expenses are also included in this scholarship.

OGS Graduate Scholarships

OGS Graduate Scholarships is offered to international students in partnership with selected institutions. International students enrolled at the designated colleges receive a CAD 15,000 scholarship each year.

The University of Waterloo awards

The University of Waterloo awards the Waterloo International Master's Award of Excellence to international Master's students interested in pursuing a research-based graduate program at their institution. It is worth $2500 per term and can be used for five full terms.

The University of Toronto

The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program to outstanding international students. Thirty-seven awards are given to students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership abilities every year.

 

Process for applying to study in Canada

The process for applying to study in Canada are listed below:

• Obtain a letter of approval from a recognized educational institution (DLI): You have to submit the Academic Documents and English Proficiency Score test to get the offer letter.
• Download an application packet or apply for permission online.
• Submit the Sponsor Documents and Relationship Verification, including the Statement of Purpose, to the colleges or universities.
• The purchasing of a CAD 10,200 GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a bank is required. You will receive $2,000 upon arrival, $200 will be deducted for bank fees, and the balance will be paid in 12 instalments over the next year.
• Pay the application cost and retain the receipt.
• Obtain a medical examination from a panel physician licensed in your country.
• Get a response to your application.

 

Documents Checklist for Canada

• Academic Documents till date
• English Language Proficiency test score
• Completed application for a student permit.
• Acceptance letter from the university/institution.
• Evidence of monetary funds. You'll need to show financial proof of at least $10,000, and you'll need evidence of 11,000 CAD every year if you're studying in Quebec.
• Bank Loan Sanction Letter photocopy (Do students usually send original Sanction Letter or photocopy to VFS).
• Fixed Deposit Certificates.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate.
• Statement of the Sponsor (in original, so is notary required).
• Photocopy of the university's first-year fees payment receipt.
• Immigration Medical Examination (IME).

 

Cost for study and Accommodation

As previously stated, every universities/colleges have different tuition fees. The estimated living expense will depend on the university you are applying to, as the cost of living varies in the city and depends on where the college/ university is located. Some institutions offer affordable on-campus boarding choices, while others charge a premium.

In Canada, the cost of living for on-campus housing ranges from CAD 3000 to $7500 per year, depending on the region you choose to study in.