Study in Canada

Key Highlights 

Reviewing the Education System in Canada

Education in Canada is considered to be one of the best in the world. It is primarily supervised provincially. Although, certain aspects may vary as per the province. However, the bar is set high since the federal government oversees education. There are both public and private institutes in the country. The Canadian government is known to spend at least six percent of the country’s GDP on education. 

Moreover, the Canadian education system is threefold  

• Primary: Elementary school education or Primary is from Kindergarten to Grade 8. 
• Secondary: This level ranges from Grade 9 to Grade 12. 
• Post-Secondary: This level is for those pursuing their higher studies in the top-ranking colleges and universities in Canada. 

The education system in Canada is highly regarded for its high-quality education, strong support for research and innovation, and commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global economy. 

International students looking to pursue their education in the country must be well-versed in any of the two official languages of the country - English and French. Although the primary language is English, French language education is also widely used in the country. 

After graduating high school, students can pursue various qualifications like certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, bachelor’s honors degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, doctorates, or PhD.

Credit System in Canada

If you are planning to shift to Canada to pursue your education, it is imperative to know the credit system. Canadian universities and colleges follow a 4.0 - 9.0 grading scale in Canada. And to calculate this GPA, the faculty takes into consideration the credit and credit hours earned by the students. 

Every course you take up in a particular semester has a number of hours allocated to it. These hours are known as credit hours. A credit is a reward or recognition given to the student by the faculty after the successful completion of the course based on their performance. Although the number of credits varies as per the university, faculty, and course, generally, for a bachelor's degree, you need to earn a minimum of 15 credits per semester, and for a master's, 25 credits are mandatory. For instance, at the University of British Columbia, the credits required for a full-time load is 12 per semester. 

Study in Canada: What are the Best Courses? 

With the best universities and top-notch education facilities, Canada has emerged as an education spot for international students. Canadian education stands out due to its practical approach. The universities do not just focus on providing lectures to the students; they offer more experiential learning. Listed below are the best courses to study in Canada. 

• Actuarial Sciences
• Management
• Biosciences, Medicine, and Healthcare 
• Engineering 
• Information Technology 
• Human Resource 
• Agricultural Science and Forestry 
• Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy 
• Media and Journalism 

Top Universities to Study in Canada

Listed below are the best universities in Canada for Indian students

What are the Intakes Available in Canada?

Canadian universities roll out four types of intakes for students. These are popularly known as - September or fall intake, January or winter intake, May or summer intake and the spring intake. Out of these three, the most popular intake is September. Let’s understand each intake's workings, deadlines for 2023, and benefits in detail. 

Create Your Budget: Cost of Studying in Canada

Evaluating the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students is necessary before moving. Listed below is the cost of studying in Canada. 

Moreover, the average cost of books and supplies for international students ranges between CAD 400  and CAD 700. 

What is the Cost of Living in Canada?

When living in a new country, you ought to know the average living cost. Whether you live off or on campus, you need a well-planned budget. For Indian students in Canada, listed below is the average cost of living. 

Best Student Cities in Canada

Listed below are the cities that are famous among Indian students in Canada 

• Montreal: The city is bestowed with colleges like McGill University and the University of Montreal. It is famous among international students as it takes the lead in industries of Science and Technology.
• Ottawa: Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and home to several universities, including the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. It is known for its beautiful parks, museums, and galleries, as well as its proximity to natural attractions like Gatineau Park. 
• Quebec: Quebec City is a charming and historic city, a popular destination for French language learners. It is home to several universities, including Laval University, which is the oldest French-language university in North America. 
• Toronto: Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a popular destination for international students. It is home to many prestigious universities, including the University of Toronto. It is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse population, and excellent job opportunities. 

What is Required for Admission in Canada?

The admission requirements vary as per the different universities. However, the general requirements to study in Canada for Indian students are listed below:

• If you are applying for a graduate program, then an undergraduate degree from a recognized university is required. 
• A valid Passport
• A minimum of 3.0 GPA 
• Proof of English proficiency by clearing IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Test or TOEIC
• Standard admission tests like SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT
• Acceptance letter from the university
• Many universities require you to show prior work experience 
• A minimum of CAD 10,000 in your account to demonstrate financial ability to cover tuition fees 

A Breakdown of the Admission Process in Canada’s Universities

The admission process to get into any university in Canada is straightforward and may differ as per the particular university requirements and for masters in Canada for Indian students. However, a general admission process has been discussed below.

• Choose the course, the university, and the intake you want to participate in. Make sure to research thoroughly and then decide. 
• After deciding on the course and university, cross-check your eligibility and gather the documents you require for admission. These documents may include a letter of recommendation, essay, resume, etc. 
• If you are eligible for the course and have all the documents including standard tests like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL. 
• Evaluate the cost of studying and living in Canada. 
• After careful evaluation and confirming everything, submit your application along with the necessary documents. 
• If selected, accept your offer letter, deposit the fees, and apply for your visa. 

Documents Required to Study in Canada

Along with your application form, you must submit the following documents to study in Canada for Indian students. 

• Acceptance/Offer letter 
• Proof of Financial Stability (Bank Statement)
• Letter of Recommendation 
• SOP 
• Personal Essay 
• Test scores - GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL
• Proof of Health 
• Official transcripts, diploma photocopies 
• Proof of work experience 

Student Visa: Requirements for Canada

Another crucial step in the process of studying in Canada is applying for a student visa. Listed below are a few requirements that you should keep in mind irrespective of the level of study; it may be a master's or bachelor's in Canada for Indian students. 

• Passport 
• Acceptance/Offer letter from the Canadian university 
• Self-attested degree copies of Grades 10th and 12th 
• Academic references 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Proof of financial funds 
• Passport size photographs 
• Proof of English proficiency - Test scores of IELTS, TOEFL
• Any other specific requirement/document mentioned by your university
• A letter of intent discussing your plans of studying in the country. 
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (QAC): This is required if you wish to study in Quebec for more than 6 months. 

Study in Canada: Exams Required

While preparing to study in Canada, there are specific standardized tests that you need to undergo and score well. These tests include SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and MCAT. These tests evaluate your English proficiency and academic expertise, which is highly necessary to get accepted into a Canadian university. 

Since Canada has two official languages - English and French, students who wish to pursue their studies at the Universities of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick need to be fluent in French. The English proficiency tests include 

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System  
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language 
• Pearson Test of English 
• Canadian Academic English Language 

French proficiency tests include - 

• Test d’Évaluation de Français 
• Test de Français Adapté au Québec 

Other exams include - 

• GRE - Graduate Record Examinations 
• GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test 
• SAT - Scholastic Assessment Test 

Scholarships for Higher Studies in Canada for Indian Students

Listed below are the top scholarships for Indian students in Canada: 

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in Canada

Canada allows international students to work post-study by acquiring a post-graduation work permit. A Canadian work visa allows you to stay and work full-time in the country for up to 4 years after completing your studies.

After you have completed your post-graduation, you have 180 days to apply for a work visa. You have to fulfill the eligibility criteria to get a post-graduation work permit. It include

• Your course must be full-time and 8 months in duration
• It must be from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institute 
• A valid student visa is necessary 
• Proof of applying to the PGWP within 180 days of completion of your studies.

This visa allows you to work in the country for a period of eight months to three years.  

Canada offers several post-study work options for international students that allow them to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency. It is essential for students to research and understand the eligibility requirements and application processes for each option.

Conclusion 

Canada is truly the ultimate study destination for students from around the world. With its excellent education system, diverse and welcoming culture, and stunning natural beauty, Canada offers a unique and enriching experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're looking for a bustling city or a charming historic town, Canada has something to offer for everyone. So why wait? Start your journey to Canada today and discover all that this amazing country has to offer!

Major Reasons to Study in Canada

Excellence in Academics: 

Why study in Canada? A degree from a leading Canadian university is acknowledged globally. Over that, 26 universities from the country made it to the QS World University Rankings in 2021. The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are also among the world’s top 100 universities.

Immigration Benefits: 

The Canadian immigration policy is among the simplest in the world. It is a large country with a sparse population.  Students can also apply for permanent residency (PR) after graduating and seek citizenship in the future.

Scope of Research: 

A key reason to study abroad in Canada is the overall focus of the system on research. The Canadian government offers ample assistance in fields like telecommunications, medicine, environmental sciences, technology, agriculture, and more.

Comparatively Affordable: 

Top study in Canada consultants emphasizes the relatively affordable tuition fees in Canada in comparison with universities in the UK or the USA. There are numerous scholarships as well.

Earning Opportunities: 

International students are allowed to work and earn while studying. Students can work for up to 20 hours each week during their semesters and full-time during holidays.

Peace and Safety: 

Canada has consistently found a place among the world’s safest countries. The Global Peace Index ranking saw Canada achieving the 10th position in 2022.

Wonderful Campus Experiences: 

Campuses of most Canadian universities are highly active throughout the year. Students can expect fests, events, and cultural activities.

Skill Development Emphasis: 

The Canadian system ensures work opportunities for aspirants in relevant sectors while they are enrolled in their courses. An engineering student in Canada can intern for an engineering firm while studying.

High Quality of Life: 

Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver figure in the list of top 50 global student cities of the QS World University Rankings.  These cities also offer a great quality of life with the cost of living being lower than cities in the UK, France, and the US. 

Diverse Culture and Natural Beauty: 

The multicultural society in Canada has a friendly approach towards immigrants. Similarly, the natural beauty and attractions of the country make it a popular choice for international students. They can enjoy seasonal activities like skiing too.