Study in Canada as an International Student
Educational institutions in Canada are known all over the world as top-class colleges and universities. Canada traditionally competes for international students with the United States and the United Kingdom.
Study Permit
In order to become an international student and study in Canada, one needs to complete several tasks. Firstly, you need to apply and get accepted to one of the academic programs in Canadian college or university. After getting enrolled, you need to apply for a Study Permit. Study Permit is a legal authorization by a Canadian government that enables foreign nationals to study full-time in Canada.
Why come to Canada as an international student?
The quality of study in Canada is as good as in the USA or UK. However, Canada has several advantages that make education in Canada a better opportunity for students around the globe.
Tuition
The tuition fee in Canada is expensive for international students. If you consider applying for some top-level universities such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, or McGill University, it can even be extra expensive. On the other hand, the tuition fee in most academic programs will still be cheaper compared to universities and colleges in the USA and UK.
Scholarships and bursaries
Another advantage is that Canadian educational institutions allow foreign students to apply for different funding packages, get scholarships and bursaries. This is especially relevant for graduate students pursuing masters and Ph.D. degrees. Funding packages for graduate students could be very generous and can help students to cover a half or even a full cost of the tuition fees.
Work while study
In many cases, international students can work on-campus. Universities and colleges like to employ their students. On such occasions, international students can work for universities they attend. In addition, study permit holders can be granted an opportunity to work off-campus for any employer for up to twenty hours a week. Beware to not overwork as this may cause in termination of your study visa!
Bring your family
All international students who have a spouse or common-law partner can bring them to Canada for a period of their study. Moreover, you can apply for an open work permit for your partner, which means they will be available to work for any employer while you attend your school.
Stay after graduation
Once you complete your academic program and graduate from your school, you will be eligible to stay in Canada after graduation as a foreign worker. Canada established a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program for international graduates. You can apply for an open work permit for yourself and a new open work permit for your partner for a period of the length of your study. In most cases, all students whose programs were two years in length can get a PGWP for up to three years.
Immigrate to Canada
After you become a foreign worker in Canada you can immigrate to Canada under various federal or provincial programs. Your Canadian study and work experience gained in Canada will be awarded by additional points in the Express Entry system.
Are you looking to study in Canada? GIC Group is the right place to get all your documents as an international student. We’ll help you to pick the program and apply for a study permit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR STUDY IN CANADA
1. Are IELTS or CELPIP required in order to submit a study permit application?
IELTS or any proof of language proficiency is mostly required for gaining admission in the college and not for gaining study permit unless you have applied through the Student Partner Program. Hence, you have to make it very clear about the admission requirements needed by the institution you have applied for.
2. What is the procedure to study in Canada?
The procedure to study in Canada is not that difficult. It just requires a systematic approach and your patience. GIC Group will complete all the formalities including applying for a visa. We support and assist you in every process and step required in applying for a course or university abroad. A study permit is usually issued for the duration of the person’s studies.
3. How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Every university and college has its own fee structure. There is no such common or exact cost that can be told.
4. Do I need to show proof of funds when applying for a study permit to Canada?
Yes. In fact, not only for Canada but for every country, while applying for a study permit. You must give the proof of your financials to ensure the financial stability of you and your family to cover your tuition fee, and living expenses, during your stay in Canada. Every state in Canada has different financial requirements according to the colleges and universities situated there. Meet the Expert Student Visa Advisors at GIC Group to know the requirements of the Canadian colleges and institutes that best suits your requirements and budget.
5. Are scholarships available to international students in Canada?
Most universities and colleges in Canada provide scholarships to international students according to their set standards and requirements. There are a lot of schemes and awards offered by the Canadian educational institutions that help the students to overcome almost all their study expenses. GIC Team will assist you and provide you with more information about the different scholarships offered by universities and colleges in Canada.
6. Is a study permit required for shorter courses?
The student requires a study permit if his course of study is more than six months, else he does not require a study permit. But it is advisable to apply for a study permit even for shorter courses as you can continue in Canada itself, for long term courses.
7. Is medical examination of the student required, while applying for a Canadian Study permit?
Yes, The medical examination of the student is compulsory while applying for study permit to Canada to pursue a program exceeding 6 months. The medical examination may include; blood tests, urine tests, chest x-rays and a routine medical screening by the Doctor.
8. Are police clearance certificates required for a study permit application for Canada?
A police clearance certificate is one of the important requirements to attain a study permit for Canada. It is a proof that shows a student is all clean and does not have any criminal record. It ensures the visa officers that the student is not a risky asset to their country.
9. If a student changes institution, is a new study permit required?
If a student is changing from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another, despite being on the same level of study, he must notify the IRCC by updating his account online, ensuring that the institution is a DLI. If the transfer is to Quebec then a student needs to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance to Quebec (CAQ) and a new study permit, if required.
10. Is it possible to submit an application without all the required documents and update the application later?
The study visa application should be completed accurately when submitted. The visa officer will take the decision based upon the documents submitted and an incomplete submission could lead to negative consequences, it could get rejected.
11. How long are medical examinations valid for study in Canada?
Medical examinations are usually valid for about one year from the date when it’s taken. The applicant has to undergo the medical again if the visa has not been issued within one year.
