Study In Canada - Intakes, Tests, Cost, Top Colleges, Scholarships and Visa

Study in Canada for International Students- A North American country, Canada is a buzz among international students, more so recently, due to flexible immigration rules, evolved higher education system, availability of globally recognized universities and degrees, affordability, and safety. Indians are the highest represented student group in Canada universities, nearly 40%. Study in Canada is seen as the best alternative to USA or UK, for earning high-paying degrees like MBA or Medicine. In addition to regular bachelor and Master courses, international students are also drawn to short-term vocational and diploma courses offered by top universities in Canada that offer immediate job prospects in Canada.
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This Story also Contains

1. Fast Facts of Canada
2. Why Study in Canada?
3. International Students in Canada
4. Top Universities in Canada
5. Education System in Canada
6. Study in Canada after 12th
7. Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada
8. Exams to Study in Canada
9. Intakes in Canada
10. Cost of Study in Canada
11. Canada vs Other Countries
12. Scholarships in Canada For International Students
13. Apply for Scholarships in Canada
14. Accommodation in Canada
15. Points to Remember Before Choosing Accommodation in Canada
16. Part-Time Jobs in Canada
17. Job Prospects in Canada
18. Indian Student Life in Canada
19. Weather in Canada
20. Seasons in Canada
21. Student Visa Canada
22. How To Apply for a Study Visa Canada?
23. Post Graduate Work Program in Canada
24. Requirements for Post Graduate Work Program in Canada
25. Requirements for Graduates Inside Canada
26. Requirements for Graduates Outside Canada
27. Duration of Post Graduate Work Program in Canada
28. Applying for PGWP in Canada
29. Document Checklist for Arriving in Canada
30. Adjusting to Canada Life as an International Student

However, process of studying in Canada, and getting a student visa, Canadian immigration rules remain elusive for study-abroad aspirants from India. This article gives a comprehensive guide to studying in Canada including as many details as possible.

Fast Facts of Canada

Why Study in Canada?

• According to US News & World Report 2022, Canada ranks 4th for education after the US, UK, and Germany.

• Canada offers the third best quality of life as per US News & World Report 2022.

• There are more than 8,000 college courses and 16,000 university programs to study in Canada.

• Canada is very diverse, with 250 ethnic origins. Two hundred languages from around the world are spoken in Canada, along with 70 Indigenous languages.

• Tuition fees to study in Canada are lower than that of Australia, the UK, and the USA.

• Easy to get permanent resident visa after completing study in Canda.

International Students in Canada

There are 807,750 study permit holders in Canada, and only 551,405 of them received study in Canada permits for 2022. British Columbia has the highest number of permit holders to study in Canada, followed by Ontario. Most of them are enrolled in Bachelor programs in Canada’s higher education institutions. The top six countries represented in Canada are India, China, the Philippines, France, Nigeria, and the Republic of Korea.

Source: IRCC

Top Universities in Canada

Nearly 30 universities in Canada are placed in both QS and Times Higher Education 2024 rankings. This is one of the reasons why international students seek to study in Canada after the USA and the UK.

Top 10 universities in Canada 2024

Education System in Canada

Canada has one of the best education systems in the world. Each province in Canada has its own school system and follows government standards. Colleges In Canada teach practical or technical skills for a particular career and provide the students with a diploma. The Canada universities for international students offer in-depth theoretical subjects like medicine, engineering, art, etc, and many more, providing students with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. These things can be considered in Canada's education system for Indian students while choosing colleges & universities in Canada.

Study in Canada after 12th

Students can undergo any UG Degree or Diploma in Canada right after completing their class 12th. To enroll in any bachelor's degree a percentage of 65 % is important. Any English proficiency tests for example IELTS of 6.5 score are minimum required. The candidate can choose the top courses in Canada after the 12th class and apply accordingly. Other exams like GRE, SAT, and GMAT will depend on the courses chosen by the candidate. For instance - the GMAT is required for admission into business schools, LSAT is required for admission into law schools, the SAT/GRE is required for engineering colleges, etc.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada

The first thing Indian students must check is eligibility to study in Canada and prepare the necessary documents in advance. Though each university in Canada will have its own, there are some common criteria. Knowing these makes the application process less complicated.

Entry Requirements to Study in Canada

Documents Required To Study in Canada

Exams to Study in Canada

Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT): Most top Canada universities for international students require GMAT scores for MBA study in Canada. Conducted across the world by the Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC), GMAT tests candidates’ quantitative, English, and reasoning skills.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is an aptitude test similar to GMAT, accepted by Canadian universities for admission to master courses. Many universities are accepting GRE instead of GMAT for MBA admissions as well.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT): This is a global standardized test for admission to renowned law schools across the world. LSAT primarily assesses the reading and reasoning skills of aspiring lawyers.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): The SAT is a standardized test for high school students starting their college education. SAT scores are accepted in more than 85 countries across the world as a college entrance test. SAT is primarily based on measuring analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): MCAT is a must for studying medicine (MD) in top universities in Canada. MCAT tests knowledge of natural and social sciences concepts and critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills required to study medicine.

Intakes in Canada

Anyone aspiring to study in Canada must know the timelines of admissions to universities in Canada. In Canada, universities admit three times in an academic year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Fall, aka September intake, is the beginning of an academic year and is the primary intake to study in Canada. Winter intake is the second intake in the Canadian academic year that is also known as January intake. The third and last intake is the Spring/Summer/May intake which is popular with select universities in Canada. Intakes in Canada are important for the following reasons:

• They determine the success rate of admissions to study in Canada.

• Availability of financial aid to study in Canada.

• Type of courses offered.

• Type of weather in Canada for international students.

• Availability of part-time jobs in Canada.

• Placement drives in Canadian universities.

Keeping the above reasons in mind, Fall intake is considered the best intake to study to Canadian universities. Most of the courses and scholarships to study in Canada are offered only in the Fall intake. Weather is the most conducive starting in September, making it easy for international students to acclimatize. However, fall intake in Canada sees the highest competition to top universities for obvious reasons.

Timelines of Intakes to Study in Canada

Cost of Study in Canada

Canada is an affordable country. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada is cheaper than US, Australia, New Zealand, and even Singapore. Canada is costlier compared to the UK. The cost of living in Canada is nearly CAD 2,600 per month. It is 1.58 Lakh in Indian rupees.

The cost is 34% cheaper than New York City regarding spending costs. Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary are some of the best student cities. Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada, while Quebec is the cheapest. Vancouver and Victoria are also expensive cities comparable to that of Toronto.

Canada vs Other Countries

Tuition Fees to Study in Canada

Living Costs to Study in Canada

Program-Wise Cost of Study in Canada

Scholarships in Canada For International Students

Availability of scholarships in Canada makes study in Canada even more affordable. Fully funded scholarships, need-based and merit-based scholarships are provided by universities. Canada's government also actively supports international students with financial aid for admission to Canadian universities.

Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Apply for Scholarships in Canada

While there are many scholarships on offer for international students to study in Canada education institutions, the mode of application varies from one to another. Scholarships offered by universities may not need a separate application. Applying to study in Canada intakes within deadlines makes applicants automatically eligible for financial aid. Scholarships that require separate applications also have fixed deadlines before which students must apply. International students seeking to study in Canada must consider applying for scholarships as early as possible. The following documents are often required for this purpose:

• Original and Translated Academic certificates and their photocopies.

• Statement of Purpose.

• A CV (In case of PG studies in Canada).

• Proof of English language proficiency.

• Recommendation letters

Accommodation in Canada

There is no need to worry about accommodation in Canada while studying. Both universities offered housing and private housing options are aplenty across all the popular student cities.

Types of university accommodations include halls of residence, town halls, dormitories, and apartments. It costs in the range of CAD 8,000–CAD 10,000 per annum to stay in university accommodations. Staying on campus provides easy access to campus community, and resources while eliminating the need for transportation. First-year UG students are highly recommended to stay on campus. However, due to heavy competition, early applicants are more likely to secure on-campus accommodation.

Though rents are lower than that of university accommodation, off-campus housing has separate bills for furniture, electricity, water, heating, TV, internet connection, etc. A meal plan is not included. So total costs are actually higher. However, off-campus housing provides more sense of freedom, privacy, and closeness to Canadian culture.

Points to Remember Before Choosing Accommodation in Canada

• On-campus housing requires confirmation before arriving in Canada, while off-campus housing requires research after arriving in Canada.

• PG students who want to rent private housing must book a temporary residence through websites such as Airbnb, booking.com, Agoda, etc, and start researching.

• Make sure to learn about rental agreements, terms, and conditions well before booking private housing.

• It is better to take private housing nearest to the campus to save on transportation costs.

• Learning to cook is an excellent way to save money on food and living expenses in general while studying in Canada.

• Affordable legal help is available at University housing offices in case of disputes with landlords.

Cost of Accommodation in Canada

City-Wise Cost of Accommodation in Canada

Part-Time Jobs in Canada

International students are allowed to earn while study in Canada through part-time jobs. A valid work permit condition must be mentioned on the Canada study permit to work part-time in Canada. Up to 20 hours/week is the norm. It is possible to earn up to CAD 200 per week or 12,300 INR per week. Part-time jobs provide a way to gain work experience, earn money, and experience the Canadian job market.

Job Prospects in Canada

In the past few years, employment opportunities in Canada have soared. As per the Economist Intelligence Unit, Canada will be given 3rd place among G7 nations as the best for doing business. The unemployment rate in Canada is one of the lowest at 5.5%. All this indicates how open the job market is for international students. Work opportunities for skilled civil engineers, software engineers, MBA graduates, medical specialists, and surgeons are in boom. The standard of living is also high with the average annual salary in Canada being at least CAD 50,000 or 30 lakhs (approximately).

Indian Student Life in Canada

Living Conditions: Canadian citizens are highly welcoming of Indians. They even celebrate Indian festivals with fellow Indian acquaintances. It makes studying in Canada feel at home. Moreover, safety and security are top priorities in Canada.

Safety: The Canadian government is very friendly towards diversity. Racism and separatism are treated rather harshly. Freedom of speech is encouraged in Canadian society and universities.

Language: A large portion of Canada speaks English, which is another homecoming factor for Indians. All the top universities offer courses in the English language. Only a small percentage of courses are taught in French in Quebec.

Job Prospects: If getting a high-paying job is the aim, Canada has a thriving job market and above-average salaries for international students. ROI of study in Canada can be as high as 500%.

Campus Life: Canadian universities offer a vibrant campus environment with many student organizations, sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, and recreational activities which make studying in Canada a memorable experience.

Every university in Canada has a healthcare system for general well-being as well as any specific medical conditions of students. Medical care for mental health issues, psychiatric counseling, sports injuries, and women's health, including gynecological support, are also provided on campus. Health insurance to study in Canada is mandated to avail various cost benefits.

Universities have gymnasiums, sports fields, parks, and fitness facilities to encourage students to stay active. Several student organizations provide a way to find fellow students with shared interests and from the same country. So, students will never feel alone or homesick except in the initial settling period.

Food Culture: Canada's food culture is as diverse as the country's people. Being a French-speaking country, the influence of French cuisine is very much there. Indians can find plenty of Indian dishes and restaurants, if necessary, in both on-campus and off-campus dining facilities. Cafeterias, restaurants, and dining facilities are scattered across university campuses in Canada, including libraries, to ensure that students are well-fed.

Students can enjoy off-campus restaurants at special discount prices across all major vendors like Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, Insomnia, or Hard Rock Cafe. Grocery stores by significant providers are available within walking distance from all university campuses across major cities.

International Student Support: Every university in Canada will have a dedicated international student support office to help with Visa and immigration matters, Cultural adjustment, Basic counseling services, Academic advising, and Career guidance. Indian students are advised to contact the respective offices upon arrival to clear their doubts and apprehensions.

Transportation: Canada has an evolved transportation system that functions efficiently even in the coldest months. Heating systems are on board all public transportation options. Buses, Trains, Subways, and Taxis are some of the public transportation options.

Getting a student pass allows student discounts for riding on public transportation. For example, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) discounts Monthly passes for PG students. Many university campuses provide shuttle services to select destinations daily.

Classrooms: Undergraduates study their course by attending lectures, lab research, student tutorials, and workshops. Whereas postgraduate students mostly spend their time preparing a dissertation or thesis, researching their topic, and attending lectures.

Activities Beyond Classroom: University campuses in Canada are designed to prepare students for leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Students can organize various cultural activities on campuses and gain valuable experience. Separate leadership development programs are conducted. Volunteering activities teach new perspectives, maturity, and a new level of empathy in serving people.

Student organizations conduct debate sessions, elect student leaders, quiz competitions, etc. So, with a lot to offer beyond the classroom, overall personality development is ensured.

Students can also do off-campus outdoor adventures like hiking or skiing and visit National parks, Museums, historical places, and art galleries in all major cities.

Also Read:

• Benefits of Studying in Canada

Weather in Canada

Weather in Canada during Fall intake– September to January– is very conducive. Weather is the coldest during January intake and mild during Spring/Summer intake. July and August are summer months, while January and February are the coldest. The overall weather conditions widely vary across Canada due to highly changing geographical conditions.

Though it is generally perceived as a very cold country, diverse weather conditions are possible. Summer daytime temperatures can be at 35°C, winter conditions can be as low as -25°C during night time. Houses, cars, and public transport systems in Canada have heating systems in place whenever there is a temperature drop.

Seasons in Canada

Student Visa Canada

International students must get a valid study permit to study in Canada and to enroll in any program that is more than 6 months. Often known as the Canada student visa, the process of application and immigration rules slightly differ for Canada compared to other countries. Students outside of Canada will get a study permit along with a visitor visa/Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) upon successful visa application processing.

While the permit to study in Canada document is the official student visa for Canada that requires validity throughout the study duration in Canada, a visitor visa/eTA is an entry permit. Students who are successfully approved for study permits will receive either a visitor visa/eTA depending on the country to enter Canada.

Immigration officers will issue a study permit/Canada student visa after arriving in Canada, at the point of entry in Canada (e.g Canadian airports). International students must produce this study permit at the request of foreign authorities at any point of time during their studies in the country. Students with an expired study permit are considered to be staying in the country illegally.

How To Apply for a Study Visa Canada?

Canada immigration recommends that prospects apply for a Canada study permit at least 3 months before the travel date. Candidates must comply with this if they’re aiming for September intake in Canada. Candidates can first check with Canada student visa requirements 2023 and apply for the visa. The Canada study visa processing time can be more than 10 weeks. So apply as early as possible. Candidates can refer to the Canada study visa guide for this purpose. The detailed application process is mentioned below

Step 1: Canada student visa requirements 2023

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

• International Passport with at least 6 months validity initially.

• Academic certificates of all relevant qualifications passed.

• Proof of financial support to study in Canada.

• IELTS Scores.

• Health Certificate.

Step 2: Choose a mode of application: online or paper application. Unless applicants are disabled they can’t apply online or they are holders of an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons, they must apply online only.

Step 3: Complete the Canada student visa application by paying fees of CAD 150 via credit cards. After payment of fees, the application along with documents will be sent to the Canadian embassy for further processing.

Step 4: After submitting an application for a study visa Canada, candidates have to book an appointment with the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) for submitting biometrics. Candidates have to pay additional fees of CAD 85 at VAC for this step.

During the visa processing stage, candidates have to attend interviews with immigration officers. Immigration officers may request additional documents at this stage. Candidates who clear these steps will be approved for their Canada study permit. A visitor visa/eTA will be issued to candidates.

Medical Examination: Indian students must undergo a medical examination with designated panelled doctors in India, as suggested by Canadian immigration. The list of panelled doctors in India is available at the cic.gc.ca website. The results of the medical examination will be directly sent to Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) by the doctors themselves.

Types of Visas in Canada

Post Graduate Work Program in Canada

After graduating from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada (DLI) it is possible to stay in Canada and gain Canadian work experience. That is a postgraduate work program after study in Canada. Completing a course of a minimum of 8 months duration is mandatory to get a PSW visa after study in Canada. Those who are eligible have 180 days after completion of their course to apply for PGWP in Canada. The permit to study in Canada should be valid throughout these 180 days.

Requirements for Post Graduate Work Program in Canada

1. Prospective applicants must have completed a minimum eight-month course from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.

2. Must have a valid permit visa to study in Canada at the time of application.

3. A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months at the time of application.

Requirements for Graduates Inside Canada

• Study permit that is valid in the last 180 days.

• Applied for visitor record in case of study permit expiry to stay longer.

• They applied for a study permit extension and are awaiting a response in case their study permit in Canada has expired.

• applied for a change of status to a visitor from a student but received no response.

Requirements for Graduates Outside Canada

Graduates outside Canada are studying a course in online mode or distance learning mode. Although a study permit is not required during a stay outside Canada, approval of a study permit is mandatory for a post-graduate work permit in Canada. They must also:

• Have been enrolled in a course of study in Canada that was in progress in March 2020 or between spring 2020 and summer 2022.

• Have applied for a study permit at the start of the course or during the period, which was approved.

Duration of Post Graduate Work Program in Canada

The duration of PGWP in Canada varies according to the duration of the course completed in Canada.

• For a course that is more than eight months and less than two years, the Canada post-study work visa duration equals the length of the program.

• The Canada post-study work visa duration is three years for courses that are two years or more.

• Doing two courses of at least eight months makes one eligible for a Canada post-study work visa duration that combines the two programs' length.

• Completing a less than eight-month course does not lead to a post-study work visa in Canada.

Applying for PGWP in Canada

The time limit for applying to PGWP Canada is within 180 days of completing their course and before their permit to study in Canada expires. Application for PSW visa Canada can be submitted offline or online depending on where one is applying from. Most PSW Canada applications must be submitted online. In either case, the following documents are required.

1. One of the following proofs of completing an eligible degree in Canada

   • A degree or diploma certificate.

   • An official letter from a school in Canada that serves as proof of completing a suitable course from Canada.

   • Official academic transcripts from university/college/school in Canada.

2. International Passport with validity for the entire duration of PSW Canada.

3. Proof of valid Canadian study permit.

4. Medical examination certificates.

*More documents may be asked if required during the post-study work visa application processing in Canada.

Document Checklist for Arriving in Canada

• Passport with an initial validity of 6 months.

• Airline Tickets to Canada.

• Proofs of medical and immunization records.

• Proof of travel and health insurance are mandatory to study in Canada.

• Proof of Accommodation arrangements for at least first year of study in Canada.

• Credit cards, Sufficient cash in Canadian currency, traveler's cheques.

• Proofs of enrolment in a Canadian university including financial support.

• Academic transcripts.

• Essential medication (if applicable) as well as basic medication to cope with travel fatigue (in case).

• Addresses and contact details of people “to-be” contacted after arriving in Canada (friends, relatives, acquaintances, spouse, etc).

Adjusting to Canada Life as an International Student

The primary concern of every international student is culture shock and fear of being far from home. However, Canada is a socially active country that soon makes anyone feel at home with support and guidance!

There is no need to panic if there is any financial emergency. Cooperative offices exist in every university to allow sufficient time and support to get back on track or show ways to earn and manage finances.

The following guidelines are helpful when adjusting to Canadian student life:

• Politeness is ingrained in Canadian citizens and their way of life. So learn to use the words' thank you'', ''sorry,'' ''please,'', ''may I,'' and ''excuse me'' more often in public. Polite encounters are respected and valued even with strangers as the minimum social norm.

• Practice punctuality while in Canada. It may be attending classes or catching a bus. Often, impunctuality is viewed as a possible emergency for the persons in question. It is also seen as disrespectful.

• Learn essential slang words in Canada to build a network better.

• Build a strong network among fellow students, seniors, and alums. Most people land in the job market through references rather than applying online.

• Canada is a culturally diverse country. Learn as much as possible about Canadian culture and be open-minded. There is no place for bias and prejudice in Canadian culture.

• Respect the privacy and personal space of other people. Avoid using strong perfumes or colognes in public interactions.

• Small talk is often encouraged with Canadians to learn about culture and local lifestyle. However, avoiding sensitive topics like politics, religion, appearance, or age is better.

• Volunteering often is the best way to adjust to Canadian life. It keeps off personal inhibitions and fears. Universities provide a lot of opportunities for community service.

Also Read:

Top Consultants in India for Study in Canada

1. IDP Consultancy

2. Y-Axis

3. Manya - The Princeton Review

4. AEC overseas

5. Global tree

6. Ednet consultants

7. IBT overseas

8. Karan Gupta

9. iSchoolConnect

10. Edwise International

Conclusion: Study abroad aspirants from India must consider Canada to get affordable education in 2024. Canada is more secure and safer compared to the USA. Lately, Canada has been very welcoming of Indian students and their study permit issuance, despite diplomatic tensions. The country wants to attract top Indian talents, as it faces a skilled worker shortage. There is no better time to grab the opportunity to study in Canada for Indian students, with a proper plan.