Study in Canada

Canada attracts a significant number of international students at all levels of the Canadian education system. As of 2019, it is the fourth most popular country for international student enrollment, behind the United States, United Kingdom, and China.
According to the International Education Strategy published by the Government of Canada, international students are present in all levels of education: primary, secondary, trades, and college and university (post-secondary), with the greatest number being at the post-secondary level.

The number of enrolled students has been increasing steadily in all levels from 2015 to 2018, with the greatest rise in college attendance. The International Education Strategy for the period 2019-2024 includes a commitment to diversify inbound students and distribute them more equally across the country rather than having a strong concentration in a few cities. Many Canadian universities are working to attract international students by providing English as a second language programs and reserving specific scholarships for international students of high caliber.

The following are the steps you need to take if you wish to study in Canada:
i. Designated Learning Institutions - There are over 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These educational institutions are called designated learning institutions (DLIs) and they exist to help international students learn in Canada and stay in the country after graduation.

ii. Getting Admitted – After selecting a designated learning institute and study program in Canada you need to prepare application to apply in those institutes. Many institutions receive applications electronically online.

iii. Letter of Acceptance – 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.

iv. Programs and Areas of Study - Knowing what subject you want to study is a useful first step. If you are planning on studying in a specialized field, you may find that the list of colleges and universities that offer your program is already quite short. That would make the decision process easier.
Even if the subject you want to study is more common, you’ll want to make sure that the schools you are considering offer it. View online course catalogs from the schools you are interested in and browse their websites.

v. Levels of Study - Degree Options in Canada

• Diploma and Certificate Programs - Associate Degree (1-2 years)
• Undergraduate – Bachelor's Degree (three-five years)
• Postgraduate – Master's Degree/Doctoral Degree in Canada.

vi. Transfer Programs – In Canada, many students are deciding on a flexible option called a University Transfer program. This gives students the convenience of taking the first two years of a typical four-year university degree at a college, before transferring to complete the final two years of the degree at university.
How can you transfer universities in Canada?

• Completion of at least 4 full courses OR one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university.
• Minimum overall average of 2.0 on a 4-point scale (C/60% or equivalent).
• If you're applying to Honors-level programs: Minimum overall average of 2.3 on a 4-point scale (C+/65% or equivalent).

vii. Pathway Programs - Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor's or master's degree program. These programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.

viii. Provinces and Locations - Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations. It has 10 provinces and 6 time-zones. The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada. You can find good programs and universities in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, New Foundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. You should decide province on the basis of cost of living, chances of PR, your choice of course etc.

ix. Preparing for Arrival – Prepare this list of documents before boarding your flight as when you meet the border services officer, you may have to show them:

• a valid passport or travel document
• the letter of introduction the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit
  • This letter has your permit reference number, which we use to issue your study permit
• a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
• letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring and
• either a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
  • If you have a valid eTA, it’ll be linked to the passport you used to apply for your study permit Keep your documents with you in a handy bag; Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash and traveler’s cheques with you at all times. Do not put them in your checked luggage. You may not be allowed into Canada if any of your documents are missing or if any of the information on your application or letters of reference is incorrect.

• Homestays- Homestays are family homes that welcome an international student to stay for the school year.
• Dormitory - Schools and colleges in Canada will offer students the chance to stay in accommodation of their own near to the campus.
• Renting – You can get plenty of options to rent apartments with your friends or colleagues near to your Campus.