Study in Canada

Canada is a popular destination for Indian students due to its reputation for offering high-quality education at affordable tuition fees, with degrees that are recognized globally. Additionally, it offers a great quality of life, as well as numerous post-study work and immigration opportunities. With a population of almost half a million international students, Canada is a well-known country for pursuing higher education.

From untouched nature to vibrant metropolises, Canada is truly a country of contrasts. Though gigantic in size, this country has only a population of around 34 million. The rest is all unspoiled wilderness stretching on beyond your wildest dreams. A large part of the country is luckily still unspoiled but many exciting cities have also evolved, especially in the southern metropolitan regions.

Cosmopolitan, secure and clean- those are the words that can best describe both small and larger cities in Canada. The unique combination of wilderness, expanse and metropolitan areas will contribute to a unique experience while studying in this country. All of these reasons and more are why Canada is one of the most livable countries in the world.

Capital: Ottawa
Population: Approximately 34 Million. 
Size: Approximately 10 Million square kilometers 
Time Zone: UTC, 3.5 to -10 hours 
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) Currency Calculator
Official Languages: English and French

To study in Canada, international students must have a study permit, which allows them to stay in Canada for the duration of their studies. It is important to note that a study permit is separate from a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is required for entry into Canada. Students with a study permit are expected to maintain enrollment and make progress towards completing their course of study. It is recommended to seek the guidance of authorized migration experts and stay up-to-date on the latest requirements and information.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. ESC only cooperates with English-speaking universities. However, some universities offer their courses in both languages. Students do not have to be fluent in both languages to study at Canadian universities.

For students whose mother tongue is not English, a language test is required. The TOEFLtest is generally accepted, but in Canada other English language tests are also accepted such as the IELTS test.

If granted a permission to study you will be allowed to work on campus. As of only recently have students who study at least 6 month fulltime in Canada been allowed to also work off campus once they applied for a work permit (up to 20 hours a week, unlimited in the semester break). This work permit will be granted under the condition of satisfactory grades and must be signed off by the university. All ESC partner higher education institutions will provide a work permit under these conditions.

Education is considered extremely important in Canada and is mostly financially supported by the government. This support ensures a consistent level of high quality that is not dependant on the particular institution or faculty. Canadian higher education institutions enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide.

Admission requirements and tuition fess can vary widely, as educational matters are regulated by the provincial governments. Universities in Canada offer a wide, innovative and diverse course program. Universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees which are equal to American and other Commonwealth universities.

In addition to the diverse study programs, one of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is that you can improve your skills in two languages, English and French. You can come into contact with each of these languages in your daily life and some universities offer courses in both. Outside of Québec, where French is the only official language, Ontario has the largest French-speaking population.

Canada has a very multicultural society influenced by its many groups of immigrants. Taking all of this into account, it should be not surprising that every year thousands of international students decide to study in Canada where they always receive a warm welcome.

Some of the top courses to consider when studying in Canada include 

• Computer Science, 
• Business, 
• Engineering, 
• Health Sciences, 
• Physiotherapy, 
• Information Technology, 
• Animation,
• Gaming, and Hospitality. 

These are popular fields of study among students in Canada and offer a range of career opportunities upon graduation.

• Have a valid passport;
• Have a letter of acceptance from an educational institution;
• Have enough money to support yourself;
• Complete an application form; and
• Pay a fee.

The cost of tuition for studying in Canada varies based on the type of program and institution you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between CAD 13,000 and CAD 35,000 per year for undergraduate programs, with some subjects such as humanities, education, and arts being less expensive and others such as medicine and engineering being more expensive. Postgraduate programs, particularly MBA programs, tend to be more expensive, with an average cost ranging from CAD 30,000 to CAD 42,000. Keep in mind that these estimates are general and specific costs may vary.

To reduce the cost of your education in Canada, you can consider applying for Canadian scholarships. These scholarships can help to offset some of your expenses and make studying in Canada more affordable.

 Indian students looking to study in Canada have access to a number of government-funded scholarships, including:

1.The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute which offers fellowships at various levels, including graduate and post-doctoral, for research and training.

2.The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan which provides funding to high-achieving students from Commonwealth countries pursuing Masters or Ph.D. level studies and research.

3.The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program which provides funding to graduate students in a wide range of disciplines

4.The National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) offers research associateships for masters degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. holders in natural science or engineering disciplines.

5.The Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship for students studying in Quebec

6.The Ontario Trillium Scholarship, which was first established in 2010 and is open to doctoral students from all over the world to study in Ontario.

7.The Partnership Grants offered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for Ph.D. candidates.

8.The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships offered by the Canadian government for international students to pursue postgraduate studies in natural science, social sciences or healthcare research.

9..The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships which provide funding to meritorious students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution, awarded by the Canadian Government.

Some of the top courses to consider when studying in Canada include

• Computer Science,
• Business,
• Engineering,
• Health Sciences,
• Physiotherapy,
• Information Technology,
• Animation,
• Gaming, and Hospitality.

These are popular fields of study among students in Canada and offer a range of career opportunities upon graduation.

When choosing a university to study at in Canada, it is important to consider the world university rankings in order to determine the quality and reputation of the institution. These rankings can provide valuable insight into the overall academic strength of the university and can help you make an informed decision about where to study.

Global QS Ranking 2023 

1. University of Toronto #34
2. McGill University #31
3. University of British Columbia #47
4. University of Montreal #116
5. University of Alberta #110
6. McMaster University #152
7. University of Waterloo #154
8. Western University #172
9. University of Ottawa #237
10. University of Calgary #242

Canada has a strong reputation for providing job opportunities for both students and working professionals. According to rankings from Forbes and US News, Canada is considered one of the best countries in the G20 for establishing business operations. The Economist Intelligence Unit also predicts that Canada will rank as the 3rd best country among the G7 for doing business over the next five years (2018-2022), which suggests that there will be ample job opportunities for international students both during and after their studies in Canada.

The cost of living in Canada can be significantly different from your home country and it is important to research the cost of living in the specific location where you will be living. Quebec is known to be one of the more affordable cities in Canada. When applying for a student permit, you will need to demonstrate to the Canadian government that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while studying in Canada. It is important to keep this in mind as you plan for your studies in Canada.

When budgeting for your studies in Canada, be sure to include the following expenses:

Communication costs: You will likely be calling friends and family back home frequently, so be sure to set aside money in your budget for phone and data bills. Look for low-cost calling plans and student discounts to help reduce these costs. The average monthly cost for communication expenses is around CAD 20.

Textbooks and supplies: Textbooks can be expensive, especially for subjects such as engineering, law, medicine, and pharmacy. To keep costs down, consider buying used books, purchasing digital versions, or enrolling in a library membership.

Personal expenses and incidentals: Day-to-day expenses such as laundry, toiletries, clothing, and dining out will also be part of your budget. The amount you spend on these items will depend on your personal lifestyle choices.

Before applying to universities in Canada, be sure to confirm that they are designated as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This means that the Canadian government recognizes the institution as a reputable place of study and you will not risk being a victim of education scams. To find out if a university is a DLI, you can check the list of designated learning institutions on the Government of Canadas website.

To get started, follow these steps

Select a Program

Choose the degree programme that is best for you to begin with. The majority of Canadian degree programmes will be taught in English. There are degrees available in numerous subjects, whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student. Canada is well known throughout the world for a wide range of programmes, including its business, scientific, and humanities programmes. 

Get the paperwork ready

All institutions often demand a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation, and, if applicable, a portfolio of prior work as part of the fundamental paperwork. Universities will also want documentation of the completion of prior coursework. Send the university an official transcript from your secondary school if you are starting a bachelors degree programme or your prior university if you are pursuing a masters degree or higher to fulfil this criterion. If English is not your first language, you might additionally need to pass an English proficiency test.

Check the specific requirements for admission

It could be necessary to provide specific documentation, depending on the university. Always check the university website for detailed admission requirements, and if you have any problems, get in touch with the relevant university office. In Canada, the university to which you are applying handles applications and admissions. It is acceptable for prospective students to submit applications simultaneously to multiple colleges and programmes.

Send in Your Application

In Canada, online application systems are used for the majority of university applicants. Application forms are accessible through particular institution websites, and frequently a price is charged. Attach the required documents to the application once you have finished it, or be ready to ship them to the institution.

Wait for Admission

By the end of spring, admissions results are frequently made public. You will often be required to pay the first semesters tuition if you are a private university student. If not, the institution will give you a formal letter of admission, a confirmation of your acceptance for visa purposes, and other useful details regarding studying in Canada while abroad.

Obtain a Visa

If necessary, start the visa application procedure as soon as you have been accepted into a Canadian university. Do not delay because the procedure can take up to sixty days and various crucial documents. If international students do not have the appropriate visa, they will not be permitted to enter and remain in Canada.

Come to Canada.

It is time to start your adventures in Canada if you have been accepted to a university and have the required visa.  Consider the Canadian cost of living and your planned spending. After getting that, you can start looking for lodging. It is finally time to book your flight to Canada and get to your new hometown. There are many sites and things to enjoy, no matter where you stay.