2024 Student Visa Update: IRCC has changed some rules and regulations regarding finances and work hours for Canadian international students. Learn more here.
Moving to a foreign country to continue your education can introduce some changes and challenges that you will need to prepare yourself for before coming to Canada to study. Although Canada is one of the most popular countries for higher education there are many things that international students aren’t aware of before coming here. There are many things that you should learn about student life in Canada before committing years of your life in Canada. Studying in Canada can be very exciting but here are 8 things you should know about studying in Canada.
1. Studying in Canada is Affordable
Compared to competitive countries, Canada’s undergraduate tuition fees are relatively cheap. Canada’s undergraduate tuition fees in Canada are typically between $12,000 and $18,000 per year. Living costs are around the same price as competitive countries such as America, the UK, and Australia. Apartment rent costs can be anywhere from $400 to $1,500 a month depending on where you are looking to live.
2. Canada Has Two Official Languages
English and French are both the official languages in Canada. Although the majority of French speakers in Canada reside in the province of Quebec don’t be surprised if you hear the language throughout the country. If you are planning on studying in Quebec you will likely be required to learn French in addition to English language skills.
3. Scholarships Available for International Students
Several scholarships are available for foreign students. Some of these scholarships include:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. - Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber offers renewable full and partial tuition scholarships to NEW international students beginning classes in September and January of each year. - York University International Student Scholarship Program
International students who have an excellent academic record and are admitted to York University are eligible for scholarships worth $60,000 – $100,000 for a four-year degree program. - University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
UBC recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world by devoting more than $10 million CAD annually to awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
4. The Weather
If you’re planning on studying in Canada you should be prepared to live in cold weather for several months. You will need a good winter jacket, a hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof winter boots, etc. The winter months will delay some transportation so be prepared to know how to navigate through the snow.
5. How to Choose Your University
There are many Universities, colleges, and institutions to pick from in Canada. Most colleges and universities in Canada are publicly funded and accredited which means that you will receive the highest source of education to help you obtain a job after studying. Check out our top 3 universities in Canada.
6. Get a Canada Study Visa ASAP
A study permit is not needed if you want to take short-term courses or programs of study of six months or less. You may enroll in short-term programs at any learning institution, regardless of whether or not it is designated. To study in Canada for longer than six months, you’ll need to gain a Canadian study permit. This will be your visa for the duration of your stay. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to obtain a temporary residence permit, which can be processed at the same time as your study permit application.
Whether or not you need a permit, everyone must provide:
- Acceptance from a university or educational institution in Canada.
- Ability to pay tuition fees, living expenses and return fares to their home country.
- Satisfy health requirements.
It is normally also necessary to demonstrate that you have adequate study abroad travel insurance, which you must buy before you travel.
7. Working While Studying
In Canada, foreign/international students who are studying may also work on or off campus while doing so as long as they have a valid study permit. For Part-time work, all full-time students with a valid study permit are allowed to work part-time on or off campus for up to 20 hours per week during university semesters and full-time during semester breaks. However, some courses may stipulate that students don’t work for more than 10 hours per week during term time – particularly if said student has been granted funding to study in Canada. Find out more about working while studying in Canada.
8. Acceptance Rate is High for Canada
It’s true, it is pretty easy to get accepted to Canadian Universities. Canada has a huge range of courses and many of them have easy entry requirements. Many of the requirements for Canadian courses is just a high-school diploma. However, most medicine and law programs require prior undergraduate study in Canada, excellent English skills, and more extra-curricular qualities for a well-rounded student.
Are You Interested in Studying in Canada?
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
