Study in Canada-There are plenty of reasons for international students to study in Canada. An array of reputed educational institutions, a wide range of comprehensive and specific courses, highly-trained educators, an exceptional education system, an unmatched quality of living, an advanced economy, diverse and affordable lifestyle, scenic locations and one of the safest places to live in thats Canada for an international student in a nutshell.
One of the most sought-after destinations to study abroad for international students, Canada stands tall amid the top 10 countries by the United Nations in its Quality of Life Index. Amongst others, thousands of Indian students fly to Canada every year in the hope of pursuing quality education, eventually creating a top-notch career pathway for themselves.
Known for making a huge investment in the education system, Canada is home to hundreds of prominent educational institutions that take pride in their army of highly knowledgeable educators whose sole purpose is to create future leaders. The levels of education in Canada is divided into Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelors degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas/Certificates, Masters degrees and Doctorate or PhD.
Why Study in Canada?
Creating global leaders
Most of the educational institutions in Canada offer internationally accepted degrees, which ultimately open the careers doors for the students in the global market, instead of restricting them to a certain geography.
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Less expenditure, more knowledge
The cost of living and studying in Canada is comparatively lower for international students as compared to other countries that are at par with Canada in terms of quality education. The fee to study at a top university in Canada is almost half of what a student would pay to study at a renowned private university in countries such as the US or the UK.
Be a permanent part of Canada
Many educational institutions in Canada also allow international students graduated from their institution the option to apply for a permanent residency visa while staying in Canada. Canada also has an extremely high number of international students bagging employment in their field of expertise within just a few months of graduating from an educational institution in Canada.
Student Partnership Program
An added benefit for Indian students looking to study in Canada is the Student Partnership Program (SPP) an organisational outline between the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) launched in the year 2009 with an aim to streamline admission and visa process for Canadian Community Colleges and eventually support more Indian students in getting visas issued for studying at these colleges. More than 40 colleges in Canada are under SPP currently.
ALSO READ:TOP CANADA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS
Unparalleled support
Besides quality education, Canada also boasts of quality support provided to international students during their term in Canada from support programmes to advise session, from student clubs to accommodation assistance, Canada not just accept international students with open arms but also provides ample support to make them feel at home.
Promoting independent living
Canada also allows international students to work or join an internship programme during their educational period, preparing them to become independent individuals at a very early stage in their lives.
Unity in diversity
The chances of an Indian student feeling close to home in Canada as compared to other international destinations for education is higher as Canada too is a country of diverse cultures with more than 200 languages spoken, English and French being the two major languages.
Unrivaledexquisiteness
Breath-taking scenic lands, serene lakes, lush forests and grand hills – travelling to every inch of Canada is an experience in itself that international students can submerge in while accomplishing their educational dreams.
ALSO READ:STUDENT LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS WITHOUT COSIGNER AND COLLATERAL
Study in Canada – Top Canadian Universities
Canada prides itself on some of the most prestigious universities across the globe. There is a huge list of colleges available for international students to choose from a plethora of courses from. Here is the list of top universities to study in Canada:
| S. No. | University | 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities | 2019 QS World University Ranking | 2018 Times Higher Education University Ranking | 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking |
| 1. | University of Alberta | 101 150 (56) | 109 (4) | 119 (6) | 134 (6) |
| 2. | University of British Columbia | 43 (2) | 47 (3) | 34 (2) | 27 (2) |
| 3. | Brock University | N/A | N/A | N/A | 990 (29) |
| 4. | University of Calgary | 151 200 (79) | 229 (9) | 201 250 (710) | 183 (7) |
| 5. | Carleton University | 701 800 (2526) | 651 700 (2225) | 501 600 (1923) | 505 (19) |
| 6. | Concordia University | 601 700 (2124) | 464 (17) | 501 600 (1923) | 645 (24) |
| 7. | Dalhousie University | 301 400 (1318) | 279 (12) | 251 300 (1114) | 328 (14) |
| 8. | University of Guelph | 301 400 (1318) | 581 590 (20) | N/A | 425 (18) |
| 9. | Lakehead University | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1039 (30) |
| 10. | Universit Laval | 201 300 (1012) | 402 (15) | 251 300 (1114) | 296 (13) |
| 11. | University of Lethbridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1078 (32) |
| 12. | University of Manitoba | 301 400 (1318) | 601 650 (21) | 401 500 (1718) | 405 (17) |
| 13. | McGill University | 70 (3) | 33 (2) | 42 (3) | 49 (3) |
| 14. | McMaster University | 86 (4) | 146 (5) | 78 (4) | 128 (4) |
| 15. | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 601 700 (2124) | 651 700 (2225) | 501 600 (1923) | 623 (23) |
| 16. | Universit de Montral | 101 150 (56) | 149 (6) | 108 (5) | 129 (5) |
| 17. | University of New Brunswick | 901 1000 (27) | N/A | N/A | 905 (27) |
| 18. | University of Northern British Columbia | N/A | N/A | 601 800 (2426) | N/A |
| 19. | University of Ontario Institute of Technology | 701 800 (2526) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 20. | University of Ottawa | 151 200 (79) | 289 (13) | 201 250 (710) | 208 (8) |
| 21. | Universit du Qubec | [Notes 1] | 541 550 (19) | 501 600 (1923) | [Notes 2] |
| 22. | Queen’s University | 201 300 (1012) | 239 (10) | 251 300 (1114) | 374 (15) |
| 23. | University of Regina | 601 700 (2124) | N/A | 601 800 (2426) | 818 (T25) |
| 24. | Ryerson University | N/A | 801 1000 (26) | N/A | 818 (T25) |
| 25. | University of Saskatchewan | 301 400 (1318) | 461 (16) | 401 500 (1718) | 539 (20) |
| 26. | Universit de Sherbrooke | 601 700 (2124) | 651 700 (2225) | 501 600 (1923) | 607 (22) |
| 27. | Simon Fraser University | 301 400 (1318) | 264 (11) | 251 300 (1114) | 282 (12) |
| 28. | Trent University | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1070 (31) |
| 29. | University of Toronto | 23 (1) | 28 (1) | 22 (1) | 20 (1) |
| 30. | University of Victoria | 301 400 (1318) | 359 (14) | 301 350 (15) | 273 (11) |
| 31. | University of Waterloo | 151 200 (79) | 163 (7) | 201 250 (710) | 230 (9) |
| 32. | University of Western Ontario | 201 300 (1012) | 214 (8) | 201 250 (710) | 267 (10) |
| 33. | Wilfrid Laurier University | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1169 (33) |
| 34. | University of Windsor | N/A | 651 700 (2225) | 601 800 (2426) | 956 (28) |
| 35. | York University | 501 600 (1920) | 481 (18) | 351 400 (16) | 395 (16) |
Study in Canada – Admission Cycle
The academic session Canadian universities usually begin around the month of September and is divided into two terms. The application start date varies across different universities but the application procedure usually commences 15-18 months before the beginning of the course. It is recommended that international students should keep a check on the application start date and apply at the onset, keeping in mind the extra time for study permit and other formalities.
Looking to pursue MBA in Canada? Read our article “MBA in Canada” to know everything from top colleges to admission process etc.
Study in Canada – Cost of Study and Living
The cost of studying in Canada as compared to other study abroad destinations is comparatively lower for international students. In addition to that, a number of scholarships and financial aids are available for international students looking to study in Canada. These scholarships vary in nature, eligibility and award in different educational institutions.
Another major part of the cost incurred in studying in Canada as an international student include the accommodation expenses. Various educational institutions offer housing option on their campus, but living off the campus might be a less-costlier option.
Study in Canada – Scholarship Options
Some Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships for international students who are coming to study in Canada for the first time, some offer in-course scholarships for international students who are already a part of a Canadian university, which some offer both. Here are the top scholarships for Indian students looking to study in Canada:
Key scholarships for study in Canada
| Scholarship Name | Specific Elements | Application Closes |
| International Leader of Tomorrow Award | International Leader of Tomorrow Award at is open for international undergraduate students with brilliant academic record, leadership skills, and regular participation in student affairs and community service looking to join The University of British Columbia. | December |
| International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships | International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships are open to international students entering a post-secondary course or a degree program for the first time at the University of Guelph. | March |
| International Student Scholarship | The main objective of the International Student Scholarship is to support deserving international students financially who have taken admission at the University of Ottawa with an excellent academic record. | October |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program | Aimed to recognise creative students with extraordinary academic achievement and leadership qualities, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is awarded every year at University of Toronto. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, the applicant must be an international secondary school student nominated by their school with a study permit looking to commence studies in the following academic year. | November |
| Aga Khan Academy Renewable Scholarship | Aga Khan Academy Renewable Scholarship is open to an international student from an Aga Khan Academy with an outstanding academic, community service and leadership record. Scholarship amount of $90,000 will be paid over four years of study for a student entering an undergraduate program at the University of Victoria. To be eligible, the applicant must be nominated by a school guidance counsellor, principal or department head at an Aga Khan Academy. | February |
| Presidents Scholarship for World Leaders | Provided to international students joining any course at The University of Winnipeg for the first time, Presidents Scholarship for World Leaders is open to applicants involved in activities that demonstrate leadership. | October |
| Humber University Scholarships for International Students | Humber University offers full tuitions renewable scholarships to new international students accepted to study in an academic program at the university. Eligibility is based on academic performance, community service and reference. | September |
| The Seneca Renewable Entrance Scholarship of Merit for International Students | Seneca College offers 10 renewable merit scholarships to international students accepted to study Diploma or Graduate Certificate program at the university. The scholarship is open to international students who have achieved a minimum GPA of 80% in Grade 12 or equivalent. | October |
| Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships | Funded by Scotiabank, Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships is open to first year international students in any program at George Brown College. The award will be given as a second semester tuition fee credit to eligible newly admitted students for full-time post-secondary programs at the college. | September |
| Woori Education Scholarship | Woori Education Scholarship is open to international students based on their academic excellence and community service. A valid Study Permit is a must to be eligible for this scholarship at George Brown College. | January |
| Assist-on Scholarship | Open to all international students, the Assist-on Scholarship is given to one international student based on his/her academic excellence and community service record. To be eligible, the applicant must be in a Degree/Diploma/Certificate program at George Brown College. | January |
| Douglas International Merit-Based Scholarships | A total of 13 International Merit-Based Scholarships are available international students at Douglas College based on their academic performance, community engagement record and leadership skills. | September |
Study in Canada – Study Permit
A study permit is mandatory for international students to study in Canada. The prerequisites for applying for a study permit are an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) and a valid passport or travel document. Apart from these, you also need to show an evidence of financial stability enough to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation. You must not have any criminal records (police certificate may be required), and you must be in good health (medical exam may be required). You must sound convincing to an immigration officer that you are visiting Canada for the purpose of your education and that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
Get details on how to obtain a Canadian Student visa in our “Canada Student Visa” article.
Once submitted, your application and all necessary documents will be thoroughly checked. You may then receive a letter asking for your biometrics. If incomplete, the application will be returned as is. In some cases, you may also be asked to go for an interview with Canadian officials in your country or you may be asked to send in more information.
If the application is accepted, you will receive a letter of introduction to confirm, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada. If the application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining why.
Study in Canada – Safety
A lesser known beneficial aspect of studying in Canada is The ‘Walk Safe’ programs that help students access public transportation during late hours. Its a community that supports walking as a primary means of transportation, eventually doing wonders for health, safety, the environment and the economy.
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