Study in Canada [Best Universities, Prices and Things to Know]

  • Population: 38.01 million
  • Currency: Canadian dollar, C$
  • University Students: 1.4M
  • International Students:  530,540
  • English-taught Programs: 97

International students find Canada to be one of the most hospitable places in the world. Seven of the country’s universities, according to the Times Higher Education Ranking, are in the world’s top 200. (2020). More than 572,000 international students from India, China, South Korea, and France were in Canada as of 2018. Students from India have been steadily expanding in Canada’s educational system for many years. In 2018, it grew by a whopping 16 percent. Not only does Canada offer a high-quality education, but it is also less expensive than other popular study abroad locations in terms of both tuition and living expenses.

Every year, the number of overseas students studying in Canada increases. When they finish their studies, many of them have the opportunity to remain in Canada. The decision to grant a student visa to study in Canada rests solely with the visa officer. Canada welcomed more than 400,000 international students last year, the highest number ever recorded. These students were mostly from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, but there were also students from Nigeria and China.

OVERVIEW STUDY IN CANADA

In recent years, Canada has been a popular study destination for overseas students. Canada has become a country with high expectations and a good reputation because of its excellent colleges, vibrant student cities, and well-organized lifestyle. More than 30 Canadian universities are ranked among the finest in the world by World University Rankings of Times Higher Education.

It is important to note that in Canada, there are only two types of post-secondary institutions: universities and colleges. Most Canadian colleges and universities have a market-oriented curriculum that prepares students for success in the job market upon graduation. For international students, the most popular Masters programmes in Canada are those in engineering and business administration. Marketing, finance, and human resources management are the most popular concentrations among MBA students.

A valid passport (valid until the end of your course), an acceptance letter from your college or university, documentation proving your educational background, a visa application form, visa application fee, and biometric fees are all required to obtain a study permit in Canada.

Proof of financial support and ties to home country are required, as is proof of desire to depart Canada at the end of one’s education. Additionally, students must demonstrate that they have no criminal record or medical issues that could put them in risk, and they must be willing to undergo medical tests if necessary.

What’s more, it all depends on what you’re looking for. In any case, international students flock to Canada since it is one of the most popular places for post-secondary education. In order to protect the safety and well-being of their overseas students, the majority of Canadian educational institutions provide services such as counselling and orientation programmes.

UNIVERSITIES IN CANADA

Your cultural and natural experiences will vary greatly depending on where you study in Canada. One of the world’s most popular study abroad countries is Canada. Students from throughout the world prefer to study in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec since these provinces are home to some of Canada’s most prestigious universities. If you want to attend a world-class university in a developed country, then applying to study in Canada may be a good idea. The World University Rankings 2019 includes a total of 26 Canadian universities, three of which are ranked in the world’s top 50 and 11 of which are ranked in the world’s top 300.

McGill University and the University of Toronto are the two highest-ranked Canadian institutions. Canadian institutions such as McMaster, and Western University are included in the top 220 of the world’s best colleges and universities.

It is possible to earn a Canadian undergraduate degree in either three or four years, depending on the university. Depending on the type of degree, postgraduate degrees might take anywhere from one to three years to finish. Canadian universities (which conduct research and award undergraduate and graduate degrees) and community colleges, as well as technical and applied science schools (which award diplomas as well as associates and bachelor’s degrees) are all forms of higher education institutions.

There will be minor variances in the way education is carried out in Canada’s universities because they are run by the provinces rather than the federal government. There are significant differences between the academic calendars in Quebec and the other provinces in Canada, with varied term lengths and term start dates. Even though students are required to do a pre-university General and Vocational College course, the first year of university is essentially eliminated. Contact the institutions you’ve chosen for more information.

TUITION FEES IN CANADA

There is a bit of a difference in tuition costs between Canadian colleges and those in nations like the United Kingdom or Australia. Depending on where you go to school and the type of degree you’re pursuing, you may notice a variation in tuition costs. For example, tuition at institutions in Newfoundland is the lowest, while tuition in Ontario is the highest.

Bachelor’s degree tuition costs 550 to 30,000 CAD/year. Medical, engineering, and social science bachelor’s degrees are some of the most expensive out there. Master’s degree tuition costs between $1,075 and $65,000 each year. Those who want a master’s degree in one of these fields will have to pay the most money.

If you want to know roughly how much it will cost to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Canada, use the following table. Choosing the most expensive programmes doesn’t always guarantee the best education. Make an effort to achieve a balance between your financial constraints, the cost of tuition, and the benefits you want to derive from your academic endeavours. There are also pricey degrees, such as those that cost 100,000 CAD a year or more in tuition. Due to the small number of students, we’ve chosen not to include them in the price ranges for tuition.

When compared to other countries, the cost of an education in Canada is quite reasonable. Between CAD 13, 000 and CAD 66, 000 is the average cost of a master’s degree in Canada. While the cost of a bachelor’s degree can range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 56,000 for undergraduates.  According on your course, college or university, location in Canada, and lifestyle, living expenditures might range from $750 to $2,000.

COST OF LIVING IN CANADA

The cost of living in Canada is slightly more than the norm, but the quality of life is certain. Most provinces, including Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, require a monthly budget of 800 – 1,500 CAD. Some of Canada’s most costly cities, such as Vancouver and Calgary, have monthly expenditures of more than 2,000 Canadian dollars.

In Canada, you’ll find a wide variety of home alternatives at a wide range of pricing points. Renting and sharing an apartment costs between $300 and $700 per month, depending on location and amenities. A studio/one-room apartment can cost you more than $1,000 CAD a month to rent.

If you shop at the local supermarkets and groceries, you won’t have to spend more than $300 CAD every month. Canadian Superstore, Walmart, and No Frills are some of the cheapest supermarkets in Canada. If you want to eat out, you’ll have to fork over between 10 and 25 Canadian dollars. It will cost between 50 and 65 CAD to eat three courses for two at a mid-range restaurant.

Passes for students who are 18-25 years old, who attend a Canadian institution, can be purchased at a discounted rate.  There is a monthly cost of 90 CAD for a transport pass, while a one-way ticket costs 3 CAD. Taxis are another prominent mode of transportation in Canada, with costs ranging from 2 to 6 Canadian dollars per kilometre.

SCHOLARSHIPS IN CANADA

After getting an acceptance letter from a school, you must pay the first year’s tuition payments. Although you must provide proof to the Canadian government that you have sufficient cash to finish your programme. Due to this, a scholarship is needed to prove that you have enough money to live in Canada.

A list of universities, organisations, and government agencies that provide scholarships to international students. Financial assistance and assistance in the form of grants and loans. International students in Canada are eligible for a variety of financial help programmes. A number of Canadian universities provide Master’s and PhD scholarships.

INTERNSHIPS & COMPANY PLACEMENTS IN CANADA

In addition to preparing you for future professional success, studying in Canada opens you a wide range of options for newcomers. International students in Canada may be able to work on the side while completing their studies. It’s possible that an internship or co-op placement could be a requirement of your programme of study. If you’re an international student in Canada, you may be interested in learning about the various benefits of co-op and internship programmes, as well as some ideas on how to find one.

Work experience that is relevant to your studies can be gained through both internships and co-ops. These internships provide you the chance to put your academic knowledge into practise and gain a taste of the Canadian workplace. While the terms “placement” and “internship” are commonly used interchangeably, there are several significant differences between them in Canada.

Many academic programmes require students to participate in internships or co-ops. This means that in order to earn a degree from one of these programmes, students must complete all of the requisite job experiences. Co-op placements in Canada are useful to overseas students regardless of whether or not they are required for their degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, some international students have been granted permission by their university to work remotely or for an organisation in their home country. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) must be obtained before beginning a paid co-op or internship position. In April, you’ll also have to file your taxes. Applicants for a co-op work visa can apply for it online and check the progress of their application using their online account.

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY IN CANADA

In Canada, a student visa and a student permit are required for students. Prior to your arrival in Canada, apply for the 150 CAD application fee. Among the documents you’ll need to provide as part of the application procedure are the following:

  • The university’s letter of acceptance
  • A valid passport or other travel paperwork
  • In Canada, proof of your ability to sustain oneself financially is required.

For students, it’s important to know what type of visa they require and where they may receive it. As a result of false or incomplete applications, your visa may be denied. Your application may be rejected if you cannot demonstrate that you have the necessary funds. There are no face-to-face interviews in Canada, which makes the visa application process easier than in the United States, especially given the country has a fairly open door policy for foreign nationals and immigration restrictions are liberal.

Even if you are a minor, you must obtain a student permission to study in Canada because there is no upper age limit. Additionally, the minimum legal drinking age varies from province to province and territory to territory.

One of the most critical aspects of your study visa application is your selection of programme. It’s important to make a compelling argument for why you should study in Canada for this particular programme. This will give you the best possible opportunity of getting accepted into the programme.

WORKING IN CANADA

In the course of the semester, students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during the breaks. When working in Canada, there are many factors to keep in mind. When a student is no longer eligible to work as an international student, they must stop working. ESL and FSL students are excluded from this rule since they are enrolled in programmes that teach English and French as a second language (ESL and FSL).

In Canada, finding a new job is just as difficult as it is in any other wealthy nation. As long as you have a solid academic record and some professional experience, you’re already ahead of the others. It is necessary to obtain a work permit in order to enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker. In the United States, there are various types of work permits available.

In order to work lawfully in Canada, you’ll need a work permit if you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. A work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Canada Citizenship or a Canadian visa office is generally required before coming to Canada in the majority of cases. In order to apply for these work permits, you will need:

  • The only way to apply to jobs in Canada is if an employer has made you an offer.
  • Employment and Social Development Canada must be contacted in order to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
  • ESDC will take the decision on, if the hiring of an international employee will be permitted or not.
  • Some types of workers require specialised work permissions. Caretakers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural labourers, among others, can all apply for specialised work permits.

FAQ:

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

CAD 10,000 to $ 25,000 per year is required as tuition fees, and the average monthly cost of living should be around CAD 600 to CAD 800, while you are in Canada.

Can I study in Canada for free?

Both low-cost universities and part-time jobs are options for students who want to study in Canada for free. International students can apply for a variety of scholarships from a variety of organisations and institutions.

Is Canada cheaper to study?

In comparison to other nations, studying in Canada is a lot less expensive than it is elsewhere. Studying in Canada is a great option for overseas students seeking for a low-cost degree. International and domestic students can take advantage of reduced tuition prices in Canada.

What qualifications do I need to study in Canada?

Full-time work experience of two to three years and an overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS with no bands lower than 6 is required. A TOEFL score of 580-600 is also required.

Is Canada expensive to live?

Any given report on Canada’s costliest cities will list a different top city. However, on general, Vancouver and Toronto are Canada’s most costly cities to live in. Rent and housing costs are a major factor here, so be prepared to pay much more.

How much does a 4 year degree cost in Canada?

The average cost of an undergraduate degree in Canada for a Canadian citizen is CA$6,463, while the average cost of a graduate degree in Canada is CA$7,056 a year.

What is the age limit for studying in Canada?

You must be at least 18 years old in order to study in Canada. If you are under the age of 18, you will require a study permission. Although the provinces have different age limits, an 18-35-year-old Canadian or international national is required.