Study in CANADA

The higher education system in Canada is no different from the American education system. There are three main types of Canadian institutions for education:

• Public Universities : Besides receiving tuition fees from students, these universities are run by the provincial, territorial, or federal governments.
• Private Universities : These universities do not receive any funds from Canadian government bodies. These universities receive funds through donations and research grants.
• Liberal Arts Colleges : Public or private colleges are smaller in number in Canada than in the USA. Their primary emphasis is on undergraduate programs in liberal arts.

Some colleges offer a winter intake. Fall is the primary intake season for most institutions. International students should follow a typical application deadline, which would be 6 to 9 months before the start of the session.

Deadlines are usually not flexible except for diploma and PG diploma courses. Some institutions accept students for bachelor and masters degree courses past the given deadline, if seats are available

• University of Winnipeg : It is compulsory here to produce proof of the English language. This university does not consider IELTS to be essential. You can avail of other alternatives in the university itself.
• Brock University: IELTS is not required to get enrolled in this university. Other alternatives like TOEFL and IELP (Intensive English Language Program) are also valid. Your last three years of study in English with decent grades are also valid here.
• University of Saskatchewan: Apart from IELTS and TOEFL, this university also accepts CanTest. This is a Canadian Test of English for scholars and trainees from other countries. This university’s English Language Training program is also a good option.
• Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador: This is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada. You can attend the CAEL or the ELP (English Language Program) classes here or attempt IELTS, TOEFL, or CanTest.
• Cambrian College: It is well-known for its broad focus on research and employment. IELTS and TOEFL are not required for admission. International students can continue their studies with other universities in Canada.

Other conditions for exemption of study permit for your education in Canada:

• You are related to the staff of Foreign Representatives: Foreign representatives are accredited by GAC (Global Affairs Canada). Your embassy will have to contact GAC to find out if you require a study permit to study in Canada.
• You are a member of Foreign Armed Forces: Members of foreign armed forces on official duties will not require a study permit in Canada. However, family members, including minor children will need one for studying here.
• You are a Registered Indian in Canada: If you are a citizen of another country but have a Registered Indian status in Canada, you will not require a study permit for studying there.
• Minor Indian Children in Canada: Minor children whose parents are refugees, refugee claimants, or parents having work or study permits will not require a separate study permit while seeking admission into preschool, kindergarten, primary or secondary school.

International students have to submit the following documents for the first stage:

• letter of acceptance;
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (for Quebec students only);
• proof of funds;
• proof that they can leave Canada when they no longer have legal temporary or permanent status; and
• any family ties to Canada.

International students can begin studying after immigration officers assess their applications and issue pre-approval when eligible.

International students will need to submit the following documents to go to Canada:

• Immigration medical examination
• Security-Police certificates
• Biometrics

The coronavirus has made arranging documents harder for students. Therefore, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new two-step approval process that will allow international students to start the semester online. They do not need a finalized study permit to do that. The immigration department revealed new instructions for how it plans on dealing with the new situation.

Browse the website of the shortlisted colleges/Universities and choose the ones that best match your expectation in terms of quality of education, ranking, programme structure, programme fee and other facilities for international students. You can also call them up or visit their social communities and have your questions answered.

International students should verify that the desired institution is a DLI( Designated Learning Institution). Only universities on this list are considered for a study permit. In the absence of a study permit, you cannot get a visa. For a full list of all DLIs by province, please refer to the Designated Learning Institution List.

International students are required to pursue studies at a DLI as this status is required to get entry into the country.

There are 7 entrance exams for immigration to Canada. The ones you need to take depend on the program you plan on pursuing.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL : This is a language test. It measures how well you speak English and your adaptability to the country. It is an easy exam that you should clear if you have basic knowledge of the language. However, do not underestimate this exam. High scores will increase your chances of being selected and may also help you receive entrance scholarships from universities. It is always best to show a foreign country that you are adept at the language they speak in.
• Graduate Record Exam Graduate Record Exam (GRE): This is an exam that tests graduate program students on their quantitative and analytical skills. This test measures how well a foriegn student would be able to keep with university courses. A high score on this exam could go a long way.
• SAT: This is a very common standardized test. It is mainly administered in the US but there are prestigious universities in Canada that require you to take this test. Your test results can be sent directly to a few universities of your choice for no cost at all. SATs take a lot of preparation, and it is best to take them seriously.
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This is a test that graduate students looking to pursue management programs need to take. MBAs need GMAT scores. It tests your quantitative, verbal and reasoning skills. It is a computer-based exam. You can take them upto five times every year.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This test is very similar to the IELTS exam. You can take either exam to prove your  language skills. Just like the IELTS, it is important to score high on this exam.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): This is a test for students joining medical programs. It serves as a prerequisite for joining medical programs. It helps universities determine whether a student is equipped to handle their program. There are four sections to this test Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample and Biological Sciences.

Living in a foreign country can be expensive, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. There is rent, tuition fees and several expenses that can add up in the long run. You need to have a solid financial plan, and cannot depend on funding it with a part-time job when you get there.

The government needs to see that you have sufficient funds in your account for them to move forward with your application. Therefore make sure you have evidence that you have the funds, be it a bank statement or an accepted loan application.

Apply to the universities well before the deadline to avoid unwarranted mistakes. Speaking to university delegates is a great idea, as they can help you out with information that you may not find on their websites. Canadian universities are very intuitive and applying is easy. However, to know how to make your application stand out, contact us.

Once a prospective student has selected a Canadian university or college, he or she may refer to that institution’s website or contact the office of admissions for information on how to apply. Many institutions receive applications electronically online.

In general, an applicant may receive a decision on an application within four to six months after the application deadline. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Acceptance, which may be used in the application for a Canada Study Permit.

The Letter of Acceptance is mandatory in the application for a Canada study permit. To obtain a Letter of Acceptance, a potential student may first submit an application to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If he or she is successful, the institution may issue a Letter of Acceptance.

The universities will email you acceptance letters when you get in. You must respond to your desired university within a stipulated period of time. Once you have accepted their offer, there are several things to take care of. If there are scholarships that you have in mind, now would be the time to apply to them.

You also need to apply for your study permit and find a place to live. If choosing to live in university dorms, applying early is advisable as they fill up fast. It is also important to keep track of dates, so that you know exactly when to make your way to Canada.

The country does not entertain students coming in earlier than required for their courses, and you will be sent back. You also do not want to arrive too late, and miss important events like orientation.

Once you get admission confirmation done, you can apply for your student visa. It is important to do this at the earliest. You will not be able to travel to Canada without one even if your session has started. This is also why it is important to apply for your study permit as this enables you to apply for your visa. There is also a question of not getting through your interview the very first time, so make sure you start procedure well before your program start date.