A COMPLETE GUIDE TO STUDYING IN CANADA 2021
With the number of pandemic cases around the globe gradually taking a dip, students have once again started pursuing their desire to study abroad. Canada, being one of the most sought-out student destinations, houses some of the world’s best universities and colleges.
Canadian universities have high standards of education, which gives students vast prospects to explore both learning and career-wise. Apart from gaining the best education, Canada’s people-first government, amiable neighborhood, affordability and night-life are welcoming factors for international students.
If you are contemplating studying in Canada in 2021, here is a complete guide to help you put things in perspective.
Education System In Canada
The education systems are significantly different in each Canadian province, however, the standard of education remains consistently high throughout the country. There are public and private schools including secondary schools, career colleges, technical institutions, community colleges and universities. Classes are also rendered in both English and French in some provinces.
Depending on the province, high school is up to grade 11 or 12, after which students can attend a vocational school, college or university, or take-up Cégep (College of General and Vocational Education) in Québec. Vocational schools are more trade-oriented and students graduate with certificates and diplomas.
In universities, students receive a Bachelor’s degree and can follow it up with a Master’s degree or a Doctorate. The Bachelor’s degree takes typically four years, the Master’s degree takes an additional year or two and the Doctoral degrees take about three years to complete.
If you are still wondering whether your best fit is a college or a university, click here.
Which Canadian College/University To Enroll To
Preferred student destinations include Toronto, Montréal, Burnaby, Vancouver. There are 90+ universities in Canada. About 17 of these universities are privately funded.
Universities including the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia are among the top universities to study in Canada. Apart from these, 23 other universities were featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021. There are also other more affordable universities in Canada.
The quality of education is high all across Canada, despite its provincial governance of the educational system. While choosing your college/university check out the type, size and location of the institution. If you have a specific course in mind, research on which institution offers more in that regard.
Most Popular Courses At Universities In Canada
Students in or immigrating to Canada usually prefer vocational studies as they tend to provide wider career options. Here are some of the most predominantly chosen areas of study in Canadian universities.
Business and Finance
Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering
Computers and Information Technology
Bio-science, Medical and Healthcare
Media and Journalism
Agriculture Science
Arts
Psychology and Human Resource
Hospitality and Culinary Management
How To Apply To Colleges In Canada From India
The process of application and base criteria for qualification vary according to the province and college you are applying to. In general, it is recommended that you research well before applying to any college.
Most Canadian universities accept online applications. You will probably be asked to create an account on the college’s website with your basic information. You will be directed to further steps regarding your application via this account. You will also be required to pay an application fee, which depends on the college/university.
You can start applying a year ahead of the commencement date. For the September intake, students ideally send in applications from March. However, for more competitive courses and institutions, an early application may give you an edge. A second intake usually happens around the start of every calendar year.
Admission Criteria And Required Documents
International students who want to study in Canada need to submit proofs for language proficiency and sufficient funds. Since English and French are both the official languages of Canada, courses are rendered in both languages by most universities in the country. Non-native speakers are required to submit proof of proficiency for whichever tongue they choose to take up the course in.
Although the cost of living in Canada is comparatively lower than in many other countries, proof that you are well supported financially is required. Every year a student will require between CA$20,000 and CA$30,000 for tuition and about CA$15,000 for accommodation, food, and other daily expenses.
Indian students aiming to study in Canada should have tentatively secured 65% for humanities courses, 70% for Science and Commerce courses and over 60% for vocational courses in standard XII.
Here is a list of documents you will need to process your application to a Canadian college.
Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
Updated resume
Updated portfolio (for architecture and arts streams)
Photocopy of your GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL score
Attested copies of your mark sheets (standards X and XII and Bachelor’s degree if applicable)
Minimum of two reference letters from your professors
Minimum of two recommendation letters from your employer (if applicable)
Other certificates of achievements in extracurricular activities
Proof of funds
Medical test results
Which Exams Should You Take To Be Eligible To Study In Canada
Some universities specify which exam results they would consider, but most universities are okay with accepting any one of the results. You would require 2 to 4 months to prepare for the exams, depending on your knowledge of the subject. If you want to enroll for the September intake before the first deadline, it is best that you take up the exam by November.
Language Exams:
To attest to your proficiency in the English language universities will require you to take up one of the following exams:
TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE (Pearson Test Of English)
General Exams:
Your college/university will also require you to take up one of the following exams based on your stream of study:
GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).
If you want to know more about which exam you should take according to your course or require coaching for the same, we can help you.
Scholarships For International Students
Canadian universities help international students with good academics and extracurricular backgrounds with merit and need-based scholarships and financial assistance. You will be required to submit a set of documents while applying for a scholarship. Keep in mind that your availing of the scholarship also depends on the presentation of your application- keep it neat and professional.
How To Get Your Student Visa In Canada
The visa application process is estimated to take 3 to 4 weeks. There is also a non-refundable processing fee. It is advised to check the Canadian consulate website to know the processing time and fee for sure.
You can apply either online or in-person at the VS office. However, both processes require students from Asia, Pacific Asia and the Americas to submit a biometric finger scan, for which you will have to head to the VAC.
Proofs To Be Submitted
You will need to submit your acceptance letter from the college and proof of financial aids. You may also be required to submit copies of your certificates and degrees and of your scores from the qualifying exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT and GRE.
Medical Tests
Medical tests are a must for Indian students who wish to get a Canadian visa. You can do the tests before or after having applied for the visa. However, the examination has to be done by one of the panel physicians as given on the official immigration website and by not your personal doctor.
Conclusion
Canada is on par with the UK, US and Australia in education with its reputed universities, amazing amenities and friendly people. After successful completion of your degree, you can get a work visa or residents’ permit. Career options in Canada are also welcoming owing to its wide spectrum of job opportunities and low population.
If you need any kind of assistance to make your dream of studying in Canada come true in 2021, we can help you. Visit Planet Education to book a free consultation.
for a student visa, we can help you. Click here to know more.