Study in Canada

Canada is the most preferred study destination for Nepalese students.Canada has become a popular destination for international students, particularly from countries such as India, China, and Korea. The majority of international students in Canada are from India, followed by China. The number of Indian students in Canada has increased significantly, from 52,645 study permits in 2016 to 115,000 permits in 2021. Over the past decade, an increasing number of foreign students have been choosing Canada as their study destination, especially from Asian countries. Currently, there are approximately 650,000 students holding a Canada student visa. According to IRCC reports, the number of applications to study in Canada until August 2021 has surpassed 730,000, which is more than the enrollment in the entire year of 2020. However, in 2020, due to the pandemic, the number of applications to study in Canada decreased to 530,540 compared to 638,960 in 2019.

Why to Study in Canada ?

International students have multiple reasons to choose Canada as their study destination, apart from the education quality provided by its top universities. Some of these reasons are discussed below:

Easy visa policy: Canada has a welcoming approach towards the international student population, which is reflected in its immigration-friendly policies and multi-cultural cities. This makes it easier for students to live and study abroad.

Cost-effective quality education: Compared to the USA, Canada is considered a better study location in terms of affordability. International students can receive quality education at a lower cost and have access to a greater number of scholarship opportunities.

Job opportunities: The Canadian job sector offers plenty of options for both natives and immigrants, providing a wider range of employment opportunities to international graduates.

Declining US acceptance rates: The acceptance rate of US F1 visa has seen a decline, which has led to Canada becoming the next popular study destination.

International Education Strategy: Canada's International Education Strategy (2019-2024) aims to promote global ties and diversify the education sector, making it a desirable study destination for international students.

The increasing number of middle-income individuals in developing countries, coupled with the decreasing costs of education and living expenses, have contributed significantly to the growing interest in studying in Canada. With the uncertainties surrounding visa approval in the US, it is expected that Canadian universities will attract a considerable influx of international students in the future.

However, it's worth noting that the Canadian weather can be challenging to adjust to, particularly for international students who come from tropical regions. Despite the benefits of studying in Canada, the extreme cold weather can be overwhelming for some.

What to Study in Canada ?

The Canadian education system is globally recognized for its affordability, flexibility, and diverse range of programs. Since 2008, the number of international students studying in Canada has increased by almost 90%, primarily due to the variety of post-secondary programs offered in the country. The Canadian education system comprises three levels, namely elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education.

Students usually begin post-secondary education after completing elementary and secondary education, which can last up to age 16-18.

Post-secondary programs in Canada have varying durations:

Certificate programs - 1 year
Diploma programs - 1-2 years
Advanced diploma programs - 2-3 years
Bachelor's degree programs - 4 years of full-time study
Post-graduate diploma or certificate programs - 1-2 years
Master's degree programs - 1-2 years
Doctorate or Ph.D. programs - 4-7 years

For international students interested in short-term courses, many designated colleges in Canada offer diploma and certificate programs for specific levels of education.

Language proficiency in either English or French, the two official languages of Canada, is mandatory for students. Some Canadian universities also offer language courses to assist international students in enhancing their language skills.

In Canada, the most popular courses among international students are

Business and Finance,
Engineering,
Computer Science and IT,
Humanities,
Health & Medicine,
Life Sciences, and
Media & Journalism.

Where to Study in Canada ?

If you are interested in studying in Canada, you might want to consider the best student cities in the country. Some of the popular student cities include Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Here is what you can expect when choosing universities in these cities:

Toronto: As Canada's largest and most multicultural city, Toronto is home to the University of Toronto, which is the most reputable university in the country. It is also the financial center of Canada, with five of the largest banks in the country.

Vancouver: This young city is the third-largest in Canada and is considered one of the most livable cities in the world. It is home to universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria, making it perfect for students who want to combine city living with outdoor activities.

Montreal: As Canada's second-largest city, Montreal has a high concentration of post-secondary students and is ranked as one of the best student cities by QS. It is home to universities like McGill University, Université de Montréal, and Concordia University.

Edmonton: As the capital of the province of Alberta, Edmonton is also known as the Festival City. It is home to the University of Alberta and offers students relatively decent weather to survive in Canada.

How to Study in Canada?

While preparing to study in Canada, it is suggested to start a year in advance for the university application. For application for public colleges, we suggest students to apply atleast 6 months before the course commencement. And for the private colleges, We suggest it atleast before six months. Below is the timeline mentioned for University application.

September/October: Fill out the online application form for higher education in Canada

January/February: Submit all necessary documents required by the university

March-May: Receive a response from the university

May-July: Apply for and obtain a student visa to Canada

September: Attend an orientation session and begin the program.

Documents required to applying for Canada

Documents required to study in Canadian universities are listed below:

Scanned copy of passport
Academic transcripts from your previous institution, that is

School-leaving certificate, if applying for a Bachelors course
Bachelor's degree certificate, if applying to a Masters course
Any other relevant certificates of merit

Letter of recommendation, if needed
Proof of language proficiency
Statement of purpose for Canada
Resume or CV, if needed

Canada Student Visa

International students must obtain a study permit to study in Canada for a duration of more than 6 months or continue ongoing education in Canada. A student visa in Canada is known as a study permit.

When should you apply for the Canada study permit?

Planning is the most important part when deciding to study abroad. Students aspiring to study in Canada are advised to apply for their study permit 4 to 6 months prior to the beginning of their classes.

What documents are required to apply for the student permit?

A letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) is mandatory to apply for a student visa.
Valid passport or travel document
Identity proof, authorized by the resident’s government.
A financial statement in support of the candidate’s eligibility to meet living costs and fees is also required.
Medical information
A letter defining your statement of intent and how will you add to the pool of resources there.

Apply: Application for Canada Student Permit can be made online and offline via:

Government of Canada Key, log in at GCKey
Visit the nearest VAC (Visa Application Centre) or apply at the entry port

You can restore your status as a student if you are planning to extend your stay in Canada by renewing the study permit for 350 CAD (Restoring status - 200 CAD & new study permit - 150 CAD)

How can the students immigrate to Canada?

Migrating to Canada becomes easy after obtaining a degree from a Canadian university. The Canadian government has many programs dedicated to the transition of an international student into a permanent resident.

For recent graduates, Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is open to gain some working experience within the Canadian industry.

Some of the other offers for international students include:

Canadian Experience Class: For students who have completed 2 years of education and have work experience of 1 year.
Quebec Experience Class: Students must have proficiency in the French language and completion of the CEGEP program from an institution in Quebec.
Provincial Nomination Program: Eligible candidates apply via a paper-based process or express entry after getting nominated by the province officials.

Cost of Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada can be affordable compared to other countries, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 1,800 to CAD 20,000 per year for undergraduate degrees. The total cost of studying and living in Canada varies depending on factors such as location, program of study, and lifestyle. International students should budget for additional costs such as accommodation, food, books and supplies, and transportation, which can amount to approximately $10,000-$15,000 per year. The total cost of studying and living in Canada for international students may range from $38,000 to $39,000 per year.

Tuition fees for popular courses in Canada

Tuition fees for popular courses in Canada vary depending on the program, institution, and level of study. Here are the approximate tuition fees for some popular courses for international students in Canada:

Business and Management: CAD 15,000 to 40,000 per year

Engineering: CAD 25,000 to 40,000 per year

Computer Science and IT: CAD 15,000 to 35,000 per year

Humanities and Social Sciences: CAD 15,000 to 25,000 per year

Health and Medicine: CAD 25,000 to 50,000 per year

Life Sciences: CAD 15,000 to 35,000 per year

Media and Journalism: CAD 15,000 to 25,000 per year

Please note that these are approximate figures and the actual tuition fees may vary. It is recommended to check with the specific institution and program for accurate information on tuition fees.

Scholarship to study in Canada

There are several scholarships available for international students who wish to study in Canada. Some of them are:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded to doctoral students studying in the fields of social sciences, engineering, health research, natural sciences, and humanities. It provides $50,000 per year for three years.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue their graduate studies in Canada. It covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living expenses, and health insurance.
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships: This scholarship is awarded to doctoral students pursuing research in areas related to social sciences and humanities. It provides up to $60,000 per year for three years.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students studying in master's or doctoral programs in Ontario. It provides $15,000 for one year of study.
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have outstanding academic records and want to pursue graduate studies in Alberta. It provides $12,000 to $15,000 for one year of study.

These are just a few examples of the scholarships available for international students in Canada. It's important to do your research and check with your chosen university or program for more information on available scholarships and eligibility criteria.