1. Introduction to Studying in Canada

Preparing for the future is an exciting process! It may involve a tonne of research, evaluation, and even facing unexpected challenges which you would have never dreamt about before.

Similarly, while choosing to study in Canada for pursuing your higher studies, you must look into the education system in Canada, quality of life, and most importantly, the provisions offered by the government to study and work part-time jobs in Canada.

What if we said if you study in Canada is one such study destination that offers everything all at once? Yes! Of course, you heard that right! 

If studying abroad has always been your dream, you should decide to study in Canada and make it your first option. This guide will provide you with a deep insight into international students’ lives in Canada, recommended cities and universities, the cost of living in Canada for international students, accommodation options, and other vital things to be known before travelling to Canada. Besides, the average cost of living in Canada is around US $2400.

2. Culture and Lifestyle 

Canadian culture is primarily influenced by its constituent nationalities' European traditions and cultures, especially French and British cultures. Core Canadian values include equality, fairness, social justice and inclusiveness. This is evidenced by the nation's approach to governing people, including higher taxation to promote the redistribution of wealth, public health care, the legalisation of same-sex marriage, the suppression of far-right politics and the abolition of capital punishment.

Guess what? Canadians are open to accepting other religions and cultures as they are fascinated by learning and adapting to multiculturalism, making it one of the ideal reasons to study in Canada.

The two official languages in Canada are French and English, with over 60% of people in Canada speaking English fluently. When you study in Canada, you will notice a welcoming attitude towards immigrants, the languages being spoken in Canada are diverse, with people speaking Punjabi, Chinese, German, Spanish, Italian and a few others.

a) Quick facts:

1) Canadians appreciate adhering to the protocols set in any given situation.

2) Canadians don't encourage giving money as a present.

3) Culinary manners are Continental.

4) Meetings in Canadian organisations are primarily to review proposals, brainstorm and communicate formal decisions. All Attendees are expected to express opinions.

5) Canadians prefer personal space and arm's length when speaking to someone.

b) The country as a study destination:

Ontario in Canada has some of the best universities globally, offering a diverse range of courses to draw international students from all over the world. It is home to over 20 publicly-funded education institutions where students can apply for a two-year diploma to study in Canada.

With hundreds of universities in the nation,  international students can study in Canada with multiple options in the course of their choice. University studies usually take three to four years for an undergraduate degree, two years for a postgraduate degree, and four years for a Doctoral degree. The duration of the undergraduate and doctoral degrees can differ based on the discipline of study chosen by the students.

c) University lifestyle:

• A dynamic and multicultural classroom environment, reputed faculty and methodology may leave you amazed at Canadian institutions' teaching quality when you study in Canada. Even though the classes are informal, you are still expected to reach the classroom in time and meet assignment deadlines.

• International students in Canada are encouraged to be independent learners and active participants in class discussions. 

• Spending as much time on library research and independent study to meet assignment and examination requirements is highly regarded and appreciated while you study in Canada.
• Group workshops are organised to develop students' learning, assignment-writing, research, examination, time-management and team skills.

3. Education System in Canada

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Canada is one of the world's best education performers, ranking in the top three countries in terms of public post-secondary education investment per capita (OECD). 

Due to its high GDP spending on education (ranked 2nd amongst the G-8 countries), student outcomes are of the highest standards. The education system in Canada is well regarded across the world, with high-quality Canadian degrees, diplomas and certificates being taught, making it one of the ideal facts to study in Canada.

With the focus on technology, research, and innovation, you’ll be engaged with individuals living in a forward-thinking society while learning from some of the brightest minds in Canada.

The post-secondary education system in Canada is divided into:

• Certificate level, generally for a year.
• Diploma level, for one or two years.
• Advanced Diploma, typically two or three-year programs.
• Bachelor's degrees, awarded after four years of full-time study.
• Postgraduate diplomas/certificates for one or two years of study.
• Masters in Canada (degrees), available after a bachelor's degree to excel in a particular subject, for one to two years.
• Doctorate or PhD, generally four to seven years.

The average tuition fee in a public university is between 7,500 CAD and 22,500 CAD per year. Most Canadian universities teach their courses in English. So, this is an excellent opportunity for international students in Canada to enhance their English skills. Besides, there is a wide range of scholarships for international students when they study in Canada.

4. International Student Intakes in Canada

5. Types of Courses in Canada

• Certificate level - You will have to do this for a year.
• The diploma level is to be pursued for one or two years.
• Advanced Diploma - This course is set for 2 -3 years.
• Bachelor's degrees are set for 4 years of full-time study.
• Bachelor's Honors degree takes 4 years to finish, and a student is required to get specific credits or GPA, a major or a specialist program.
• Masters in Canada (degrees) - Students can pursue a master's course with a bachelor's degree to advance their skills in a particular subject for one to two years. While a few master's degrees require you to submit a thesis for course completion, a few of them do not require a thesis submission for completing the master's degree.
• Postgraduate diplomas/certificates - You are required to study for 1 or 2 years.
• Doctorate or PhD - This course generally takes over 4 to 7 years.
• Post-Doctoral programs have no specific duration. These programs are research-oriented.

6. Popular undergraduate courses to study in Canada

• Big Data Analysis
• Health Care Administration
• Oil & Gas Engineering
• Journalism & Mass-Media
• Power Engineering Technology
• Business Analytics 
• Biotechnology
• Advertising & Marketing
• Aerospace Engineering
• Cyber Security

7. University Admission Process in Canada

Step 1: Get a deeper understanding of the Canada student visa requirements

It is advised to plan for a Canada student visa a year in advance. Some mandatory requirements to study in Canada include:

• An updated passport.
• Minimum grades or bands in English proficiency test in Canada are required to prove your proficiency in English if you plan to study in Canada. You can also submit your language proficiency test for French.
• Proof of Funds (POF Document) to study and live in Canada.

Step 2: Choose an institution that has DLI status 

• International students in Canada can only enrol in a DLI or Designated Learning Institution. 
• Check whether the university has DLI status before choosing the university when you plan to study in Canada.
• Research and find a university.

Step 3: Take up a language proficiency test in Canada

All international students must take any one of the English proficiency test in Canada (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). Some universities also accept Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam scores. 

Step 4: University Application for Canada

• Be cautious while filling out the applications. 
• Provide valid information with documentary evidence. 
• Wait until you receive acceptance from the university.

Step 5: Applying for a Canada study permit

Your next task is to apply for a Canada student visa. You can either apply online or in any of the visa processing centres. Ensure that you know about the Canada student visa requirements and Canada student visa processing time to know how quickly you can get your Canadian student visa.

The documents required to apply for the study permit in Canada:

• The acceptance letter from the DLI university.
• A passport.
• Your application will be processed only after submitting the POF document.

*** Note: In addition to an acceptance letter, institutions in Quebec also send “Certificat d’acceptation du Québec” (CAQ), which must be included in the list of documents when you apply for a study permit in Canada.

Step 6: Making travel plans in Canada

After your application is processed, you will be asked to attend an interview. The immigration officer will grant you a Canadian student visa if you get accepted.  You can start planning your travel based on the date mentioned on the Canada study permit. 

Step 7: All is done! Experience your dream to study in Canada

Congratulations on reaching this stage. At the port of entry, the immigration officer verifies your Canada student visa documents. You can enter Canada after all these formalities are done. Now, you are all set to begin your student life in Canada.

8. Admissions Test in Canada

Students who wish to study in Canada have to undertake their Canada English language test and ability to get admission to the selected school. Before deciding on a university, it is advisable to learn about the international examinations that must be taken before filling out the university application forms. Some of the common tests to study in Canadian Universities are:

9. Health Insurance in Canada

None intends to fall sick while studying abroad. Still, you need to consider taking up Canada student health insurance to avoid spending a lump sum in hospitals when you study in Canada. It is advisable to understand the health care system in Canada to plan your study abroad journey better in Canada.  Besides, all international students opting to study in Canada must have a Canada health insurance plan. All private health insurance covers dental costs, prescription drugs, private hospital rooms, ambulance services and prescription glasses.

Getting the right health insurance in Canada for international students is really vital, or you will have to pay out-of-pocket for all health-related expenses. For instance, you could pay over CAD 1,000 for emergency room visits and CAD 3,500 for acute care in standard wards. Depending on the hospital you prefer, you may be expected to pay for costs upfront. 

Canada Student Visa Application Process to Study in Canada:

• Receive an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Apply for the Canada study permit online
• Pay the required study permit fee for your application 
• Submit the required Canada student visa documents
• Receive your Canada study permit to study in Canada.

Canada Student Visa Document Checklist

1. Proof of Funds to Study in Canada

When you initiate the Canada student visa process, you must attach proof of funds (tuition fees and living expenses) as suggested by Canadian Immigration in order to study in Canada. Typically, immigration demands at least 10,000 CAD proof for each academic year of your course tenure. For studying in Quebec, you need to show evidence of a minimum of 11,000 CAD every year. 

2. IME - Immigration Medical Examination to Study in Canada

Canadian Immigration demands international students in Canada to undergo an Immigration Medical Examination a week before initiating their Canada student visa process to study in Canada. This one-week duration is required by the doctor/physician to examine and upload all the mandatory documents in the Citizen of Immigration database. 

Upon performing an end-to-end medical examination, your physician may refer you for laboratory tests and chest x-rays. On successfully completing all the processes recommended by your physician, they will send the results to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). 

3. English Language Requirement Test to Study in Canada

To receive confirmation from a Canadian University and as a part of your Canada student visa process, you should have cleared at least one of the Canada English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL in order to study in Canada.

• The minimum undergraduate score required for the TOEFL (iBT) test is 79.
• The average IELTS score required to study at a Canadian University is 6.5, with each component (Listening, Reading and Writing) not less than 6.0.

4. Statement of Purpose to Study in Canada

Canada is one of the very few countries that demand SOP during the Canada student visa process to study in Canada. When you apply for a Canadian Study Permit from your home country, you would be asked to write an essay stating the purpose behind your travel to Canada and the reason for opting for a particular course at an institution. 

5. Passport Size Photographs

In order to submit your Canada student visa application online, you must attach a digital photograph (not older than 6 months) in size and not over 4 MB. If you opt for an offline Canada student visa application process, you will need 2 passport-sized photographs of sizes at least 35 mm x 45 mm. 

Canada Student Visa Fee

• A Canadian study permit costs 150 CAD.
• Canadian Visa Applications can be processed through both offline and online methods. For the online mode, the Canada student visa fees can be paid through a credit card. As for the offline mode, the payment can be made through a demand draft.
• After submitting your Canada student visa application, you should pay an additional biometric fee of 85 Canadian Dollars. 

The mandatory Canada student visa documents to apply for a study permit in Canada are mentioned above. A Canada study permit will be valid for the total study duration. It allows international students to study in Canada for an additional 90 days to decide whether they need a Canada study permit extension or wish to leave Canada.

The time taken to process the Canada study permit varies based on your country of origin. Since the Canada student visa processing time is indefinite, make sure to apply for the Canada study permit beforehand. Waiting till the last moment makes the process a whole lot more complicated.

10. Canada Housing & Living Costs - Accommodation, Food and Transportation

You are now in Canada and all set to begin your journey to study in Canada as an independent international student. It's time to plan your budget carefully.

You should have an idea about what kind of accommodation you plan to live in and the number of people you share the house with. You shall also find part-time jobs in Canada to manage your expenses, if necessary. Canada is generous to students; the state provides student housing loans and discounts at popular tourist sites and attractions. Many students living in Canada can vouch for the fact that Canada is student-friendly.

a) Here is a list of a few daily necessities and their average prices:

• Rent would be around CAD 600 a month
• A meal costs you around CAD 17
• You can get a cup of coffee for CAD 4
• The average cost of beer is around CAD 6
• The average price of a movie ticket is CAD 13
• The estimated monthly cost for travelling would be CAD 90

Famous cities like Montreal and Toronto are equally beautiful as New York and London and are more affordable. The Average Rent for any student accommodation can be anywhere between CAD 675 and CAD 875 per month. If you plan to live in a student dormitory (in the city), it will cost you an extra CAD 550 - 600. International students looking forward to study in Canada can work 20 hours per week during college and work full time during summers and winter breaks. If you ask whether the students can pay off their daily expenses and college tuition with the income from part-time jobs in Canada, the answer is ‘No’. One cannot depend on a part-time job salary in Canada to pay the tuition fee. When compared to other popular study destinations, Canada offers affordable education. It is a worthwhile investment for your future, and the Canadian universities' certificates are internationally recognised.

• All the universities provide the details of estimated tuition fees and living costs in Canada before you plan to study in Canada.
• On-campus boarding options tend to cost you more than off-campus living options. 

b) The following estimation may vary according to the city and the university you are studying in:

• Tuition - For undergraduate course - CAD 10,500 to 20,000; for postgraduate -  CAD 18,000 to 35,000 **(varies from university to university and course to course)
• Health Insurance - CAD 600 to CAD 900
• On-campus Rent - CAD 3,000- CAD 7,500 per school year
• Groceries/Food - CAD 600 to CAD 800 per year
• Textbooks and study materials - CAD 500 to CAD 1500
• Miscellaneous - CAD 500- CAD 1,000

11. Scholarships and Tuition Fees to Study in Canada

Studying abroad is expensive, yet a foolproof investment for your future. But, compared to famous study destinations such as the UK, New Zealand, the US and Australia, the universities in Canada charge lesser tuition fees. The tuition fees can be anywhere between CAD 7,000 and CAD 29,000 a year. These are approximate figures, and the fee largely depends on the university and the kind of program or degree you choose.

While humanities, arts and education courses are comparatively cheaper, medical and engineering programs are expensive to study in Canada. 

The Canadian education system offers scholarships for international students in Canada to meritorious international students who plan to study in Canada. Scholarship amount and the type of award vary for different universities in Canada. 

Here is a list of popular scholarships in Canada that the universities provide to students:

a) Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

The award pays tuition fees, travel and also covers your living expenses. This is awarded to students to pursue research programs at PhD and master level in Commonwealth countries.

b) Shastri Indo - Canadian Institute

It provides many fellowships to students pursuing different levels of study, from graduate to postgraduate. Also, it provides scholarships for research and training.

c) Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship is provided to encourage meritorious students in all disciplines of academic study in Canada. A student should have an acceptance letter from a university in Ontario and a study permit to be eligible for this program.

d) National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Master's degree holders in any one of the engineering streams and PhD holders in natural sciences or engineering departments are offered research associateships.

e) Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to international students in Canada pursuing master's degrees in Quebec City.

f) Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The worth of this scholarship is $40,000 a year and can be renewed for a maximum of 4 academic years. These are awarded to PhD students, and Ontario universities handle the selection process and scholarship allotment.

12. Career Opportunities for Undergraduate Students in Canada

From 2015 to 2018, Canada’s job market experienced consistent growth, and the number of job vacancies rose by over 52%, rising to more than 500,000 for the first time. During this period, Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.8% from 6.7%. This data clearly states the demand for fresh graduates passing out from Canadian universities.

Over the past 15 months, the healthcare industry experienced demand for skilled workers, and the job vacancy rose by 16% between January 2020 and June 2021.

• Vacancies increased up to 700,000 in the first six months of 2021.
• Vacancies in the Canadian social assistance, medicine and health care industries rose by 200%+ from 2015 to June 2021.

The average salary of undergraduate students in Canada:

13. Visa Documents Checklist to Study in Canada

1. Complete family information
2. Valid passport with at least one blank page other than the last page of the passport
3. 32 photos meeting all specifications
4. Canada Student Visa Processing fee of $150
5. Canada Work experience certificate or letter of appointment from the employer
6. Canada English Language proficiency certification: IELTS score sheet (6.0 overall with no individual band less than 6.0)/ TOEFL Scorecard or test
7. Resume
8. Confirmation letter from the university
9. Evidence of purchase of Guaranteed Investment Certificate, GIC ($10,000)
10. Proof of medical examination certificate
11. Copy of a valid Letter of Acceptance
12. Canadian declaration of parent/custodian if the student is under 18
13. Copy of receipt showing payment of tuition fee for entire 1st year
14. Original letter of scholarship provided by college/institute (if any)
15. Statement of purpose
16. Achievement certificates (if any) or certificates
17. GMAT/ GRE (for selected courses)

14. Education Loan in Canada

Based on financial needs, education funds are allocated through Canada's Student loan program & provincial student loan program for international students planning to study in Canada. International students studying full time in Canada can receive up to 60% of the education cost via the Canada student loan program and the remaining 40% through the special student loans program (provincial).

As an international student in Canada, you would be able to obtain student loans for 3 or 4 years, depending upon your academic program, along with an additional year in case of discrepancies in completing the course.

a) Documents required to apply for a Student Education Loan in Canada:

• Admission letter from university/institution (proof of admission)
• Loan application form
• Passport size photographs
• Academic records (certificates and mark sheets)
• Copies of qualifying exams (like GMAT, IELTS)
• Resident evidence of the student and the guarantor
• Statements of borrowers bank accounts (last one year)
• Income proof of the guarantor

b) Eligibility Criteria to apply for an educational loan in Canada:

• One must be enrolled in a diploma, degree, or certificate program with a course duration of a minimum of 12 weeks at an accredited institution.
• One must not have exceeded the financial assistance lifetime limit- the usual limit is 340 weeks.
• One should have an excellent academic record at either school level or undergraduate program level depending upon the program they enrol in at a Canadian institution.

Types of education loans in Canada

• The Private Student Loans
• The Federal Student Loans 

a) The Private Student Loans to Study in Canada

This education loan in Canada is either offered by a private financial institution or a bank and is credited to an international student's account directly without the involvement of any institution or university. But, note that the university must provide necessary verification documents (enrollment) to the student who wants to take a student loan. Both international students and Canadian students can apply for this type of loan to study in Canada.

b) The Federal Student Loan to Study in Canada 

This is a government loan provided to students who want to pursue higher education. One primary criterion to avail this loan is that the institution or university must have verified or signed off the amount to be borrowed. After the approval, the entire confirmed amount will be credited to the institution's account to ensure the loan is used only for academic purposes. Only Canadian domestic students can apply for this loan.

15. Work while studying options in Canada

a) Off-Campus Work in Canada

International students studying in Canada for a full-time course in either an academic, professional training program or a vocational course (at a Designated Learning Institute leading to a degree certificate or diploma with a valid Canada study permit) can work off-campus anywhere in Canada without a work permit. This ideally means that you can work for an employer of your choice in occupations unrelated to your programs. 

It is also vital to show adequate financial resources while you are applying for a Canada study permit. This means you have to show proof of funding to support yourself financially during your study period. 

While studying in Canada, you can:

• Work off-campus for 20 hours/ week during course duration and full time during holidays and scheduled breaks (including spring, winter, and summer breaks).
• Work full time if you have completed your course and are waiting for your post-graduation work permit (within 90 days of course completion).

Some of the most common off-campus jobs for studying and working in Canada are as follows:

b) On-Campus Work in Canada

International students in Canada can work on-campus as soon as their study program commences in Canada. International students’ study permits must be entitled to work for an on-campus job to start working in Canada. 

International students in Canada can work on-campus without a work permit if:

• A student is enrolled full-time at a university/college/public post-secondary school.
• A student is pursuing a course at a private college in Quebec that follows the same norms as public institutions, with government grants funding over 50%.
• A student is studying at a private university that can award degrees to students across the world under Canadian Provincial Law.
• A student has a valid study permit & a SIN (Social Insurance Number).

What is SIN, and how to avail it?

A ‘SIN’ is a unique 9 digit number offered by the Government of Canada to international students wanting to work during their course tenure. 

16. Post Study Work Rights Rules in Canada

a) Post-Graduation Work Permit duration is equivalent to the official length of your program:

• If the official length of your program of study in Canada is less than eight months, then you are not eligible for a PSW permit.
• If the program length is less than two years but more than eight months, you may get a Canada study work permit for a period no longer than the length of your program of study (for example, if you studied for nine months, a work permit may be issued for nine months).
• For programs more than two years or more, a Canada study work permit may be issued for three years.

b) International Students in Canada are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program if:

• Studying a program that is less than eight months duration.
• If awarded a scholarship by the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD).
• If awarded a scholarship by the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by (DFATD).
• Received funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
• If awarded an Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile.
• If awarded a scholarship: Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program.
• Funded by the Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
• Studying a distance learning program either from abroad or from within Canada or have previously been issued a Post-Graduation Work permit.

17. Top Cities for International Students in Canada

Around 250,000 international students migrate to study in Canada to access the Canadian Education System’s premier education every year. Here are the top cities to study in Canada. These cities are ranked based on several parameters, such as food, safety, cost of living and transportation. 

a) Montreal 

Montreal is a top pick by many international students to study in Canada since it is home to several renowned universities. McGill University, which ranks 24 in the world, is located in Montreal. The city hosts comedy shows and is known for its rich cultural festivals.

• Transport

In terms of transport, the city offers affordable transportation. There are about 200 bus routes and 50 metro stations in Montreal. Students can travel in public transport with just CAD 3.25 and choose to buy student passes. 

• Safety

Montreal is ranked as the 17th safest city in the world.

• Job opportunities

International students can find part-time jobs in Canada in their chosen field during their study tenure. Some universities in Canada provide guidance for students to land a job.

• Cost of accommodation

International students in Canada can rent a single bedroom for around CAD 1050.

b) Vancouver

Though it is regarded as one of the most expensive cities in Canada, the city stands in 17th place among the student-friendly cities making it one of the best cities to study in Canada.  Being a tourist spot,  students can experience adventurous surfing and hiking here. Vancouver is also known for several ancient forests. Here are a few reasons why students like to study in Vancouver. 

• Diversity

European Canadians are the majority in this city. The Chinese, English, Scottish and Irish constitute the rest of the populace.

• Safety

Vancouver is one of the student-friendly cities that is ideal when you study in Canada and one of the safest cities in the world.

• What students feel about living in the city

Vancouver is thought to be a culturally diverse city and is home to several top-ranking universities in Canada. And the job opportunities here are plentiful. 

• Cost of accommodation

International students in Canada can rent a single bedroom for around CAD 1900.

c) Toronto

17% of the student population in Toronto are International students. The city is always bustling and alive with several food festivals and art shows, making it one of the ideal cities to study in Canada. Many famous historical monuments and prominent art galleries are located here. The iconic view from the top of CN Tower is an exciting sight. Many international students in Canada aim to get into the top-ranked University of Toronto or other top universities to study in Canada.

• Cultural diversity

Over 140 languages are spoken here.

• Public Transportation

The Toronto Transit Commission provides streetcars, bus services and subway services across the city. The metro pass costs around CAD 133.75, while the daily pass costs you CAD 11.

• Safety

With a safety index of 81%, the city is student-friendly, making it one of the safest cities to study in Canada. 

• Job opportunities in Canada

Toronto provides lucrative employment opportunities to international students upon graduation.

• What students feel about living in the city

The largest city in Canada draws more students than any other city in Canada. Besides being home to several premium institutions, high-paying employment opportunities attract students to this place.

• Cost of accommodation in Canada

International students looking forward to studying in Canada can rent a single bedroom for around CAD 2020.