Studying in Canada

Do you want to study in Canada?

This guide will address all of your burning questions, such as how much it costs to study in Canada, what courses are offered, and how you can get a Canada study permit to start you on your journey to a life in Canada on a permanent basis.

How to choose a Canadian university or college

Choosing a college or university can be overwhelming. To start with, a good resource recommended by the Canadian government is Educanada.

According to the experts, there is no wrong decision for a school in many respects. The most critical thing? Viewing your postsecondary education as a foundation of knowledge for your future job.

It's normal to seek advice from parents, friends, and even your coworkers. However, if what they are suggesting does not feel right for you, that is not the path you should choose.

Make a list of the factors that are most significant to you when selecting a school and ask the following questions:

  • ⬤ Will you be able to follow your interests and extracurricular activities if you attend?
  • ⬤ Are you more interested in a large city or are you a small town person?
  • ⬤ Do you favour small, self-contained campuses or large, expansive city campuses?
  • ⬤ Is the college flexible? If you change your mind, can you simply switch programs?
  • ⬤ What are your thoughts on the teachers and degree options?
  • ⬤ Will you have adequate support from your teachers and peers?

    • If you're currently in Canada, be sure you visit the schools you're considering attending, because you'll be spending four years of your life there. You can get a genuine sense of the campus, the people, and the learning atmosphere by visiting.


    Choose the right program

    So you know which school you want to go to. It’s a popular choice for smart people to want to either study law in Canada or study medicine in Canada. But there are plenty of other choices outside of these two.

    If you are searching for a program that will allow you to step directly into a certain job after graduation, look for professional programs such as nursing or social work. They will provide you with that opportunity.

    Be honest with yourself and examine your abilities. How well do your interests match the programs on offer? Narrow down your options by conducting research on the various areas of study and employment options after graduation.

    If you know you want to work in a certain field but aren't sure what major to pursue, utilise your first year electives to help you figure it out.

    When you finally decide on a program, keep in mind that it is not fixed in stone. The average student will change programs three times and jobs numerous times during their life.


    What to look for

    You should know that not every learning institution in Canada automatically grants you the right to get a student visa. You should become familiar with the Canada student visa requirements when choosing a school and program.

    The official list of designated learning institutions is published by the Canadian government. A designated learning institution is a school that has been recognised by the government of a province or territory to accept overseas students.

    An acceptance letter from one of these approved learning institutions is required to apply for a study visa.

    Tuition fees

    A popular question on every potential student’s mind is how much does it cost to study in Canada? And you should also know how to get a scholarship to study in Canada as the fees and costs can be quite high.

    There’s no need to be nervous though. It’s perfectly possible to afford the cost of tuition and even supplement your income with a part time job while studying.

    In comparison to many other places, Canada is a fairly cheap place to study. Tuition will most likely cost an average of 25,000 CAD each year.

    As some cities and towns in Canada are cheaper or more expensive, you should also keep in mind the cost of living in the location that you plan to study in. This range is merely an estimate, and it will differ depending on the university and program in which you are enrolled.

    There are three main categories of scholarships you can look into for Canadian study.

    Scholarships from the Canadian government

    The Canadian government has a scholarship website that it maintains to show all the scholarships available.

    Some of the more well known ones include the Organization of American States (OAS) academic scholarship program, NSERC postgraduate scholarships, Canada Graduate scholarships master’s program and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

    Non governmental scholarships

    A number of private institutions also maintain scholarships for students in Canada. The Trudeau Foundation offers a scholarship, as well as the Canada Memorial Foundation. They have the Canada Memorial Scholarship for British students who are pursuing postgraduate study.

    Scholarships from your school

    The major Canadian universities all usually have some form of scholarship program to help talented students who want to study and can’t afford it on their own. For example, here are some of the major schools’ scholarships:

  • ⬤ University of Alberta international student scholarships
  • ⬤ University of Calgary international scholarships
  • ⬤ University of Manitoba international student scholarships
  • ⬤ University of Saskatchewan merit-based International Student Awards
  • ⬤ Western University International President's Entrance Scholarships
  • ⬤ York University International undergraduate student scholarship program

    • Benefits of studying in Canada

    There are so many benefits to getting a Canadian degree or diploma that thousands of international students flock to the country every year. So, why study in Canada? Here are the main benefits.

  • ⬤ Qualifications that are highly respected all around the world
  • ⬤ Education may be had for a reasonable price
  • ⬤ Universities in Canada are well-known for providing world-class education
  • ⬤ Funding for higher education is available
  • ⬤ In Canada you can work while studying
  • ⬤ Canada is a multicultural country
  • ⬤ It's a safe environment for students
  • ⬤ After completing your studies in Canada, you will be able to work there

    • Has your curiosity been peaked? It’s possible for you to earn money while studying, and even have some left over to send home. Why not check out our guide to employment while you have a Canadian student visa and see how.

    Other Work Permits in Canada