Study In Canada An International Recruiter's Guide to Education in Canada - HubSpot
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Study In Canada An International Recruiter’s Guide to Education in Canada
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 2
Introduction 6
Overview of Canada 7
Physical Location 7
Provinces and Territories 8
Climate and Weather 9
People, Cultures, and Languages 9
Why Study in Canada 10
Academic Excellence 10
Affordable Costs 11
High Quality of Life 12
Safe Place to Live 13
Multicultural Environment 14
Work During Study 15
Pro-Immigration Policies 15
Canadian Education System 16
Primary and Secondary (K-12) Education 16
Post-Secondary (Tertiary) Education 16
Types of Post-Secondary Institutions 17
Universities 17
Colleges 17
CEGEPs 19
Vocational Schools 19
Table of Contents / 2
Designated Learning Institutions 20
Program Types and Designations 20
Levels of Post-Secondary Education 21
Flexible Study Pathways 22
Pathway Programs 24
English Language Programs 24
Academic Pathway Programs 24
Application Requirements and Deadlines 25
Admission into a K-12 School 25
Admission into a Post-Secondary Institution 25
Academic Requirements 25
Grade Point Average (GPA) 25
Prerequisite Courses 26
English Language Requirements 26
French Language Proficiency 26
Supplementary Requirements 27
Application Deadlines 27
Application Processing Times 27
Study Permit and Visa 28
Applying for a Study Permit and Visa 28
Steps for Getting a Study Permit 29
Application Processing Times 29
Application Rejections 30
Getting the Study Permit 30
Bringing Family 30
Table of Contents / 3
Student Direct Stream (SDS) 30
Financial Costs 31
Tuition Fees 31
Living Expenses 33
Financial Assistance 34
Scholarships 34
Grants and Bursaries 34
Loans 34
Working While Studying 35
Eligibility Criteria 35
On-Campus Employment 36
Off-Campus Jobs 36
Co-ops and Internships 36
Working and Staying in Canada After Graduation 37
Post Graduate Work Permit 37
Other Work Permits 37
Paths to Permanent Residence 37
Arriving in Canada 38
Student Checklist 38
What to Bring 39
Arrival at a Canadian Airport 39
Common Questions Asked at Arrivals 40
Navigating the Airport 41
Airport Pick-Up and Transportation 41
Table of Contents / 4
Living in Canada 42
Accommodations 42
On-Campus Housing/Residence 42
Homestay 42
Off-Campus Housing 42
Transportation 43
Public Transit 43
Cars and Driving 43
Taxi and Ridesharing Services 43
Air Travel 43
Health and Travel Insurance 44
Banking and Money 44
Cash, Cards, and Online Banking 44
Withdrawing Cash 44
Opening a Bank Account 44
Internet 45
Cell Phones 45
Food Options 46
Entertainment, Media, and Sports 46
Personal Safety 46
Adjusting to Life in Canada 46
Promoting Canada 47
Important Note 47
Dos and Don’ts of Promoting Canadian Education Institutions 48
Do 48
Don’t 48
Let’s #EducateTheWorld Together 49
Table of Contents / 5
Introduction
Canada offers international students an academic and a safe living environment are just some of
experience that is very hard to beat. Academic the reasons why Canada is ranked amongst the
excellence, affordability, work opportunities during top ten destinations for students looking
and post-study, pathway to permanent residence, to study abroad.
2018
5 Million
Students
Source: Project Atlas,
UNESCO, 2018
Fig 1: The breakdown of international students by chosen study destinations
ApplyBoard’s Study in Canada Guide provides:
• An understanding of why Canada is one of the top study destinations in the world
• A breakdown of the different study options available in Canada
• Information about how to apply to study, as well as costs and scholarships
• An overview of the steps and documentation required to enter and study in Canada
• A summary of the employment options available to students during study and after graduation
• Tips about how to best prepare for living and studying in Canada
Introduction / 6Overview of Canada
Physical Location
Covering an area of 9,984,670 km2, Canada is the Pro Tip: Travelling to Canada? Check the
world’s second largest country by area, and distances between your chosen airport and
almost the same size as all of Europe combined. your destination. Neighbouring towns could be
It is located in the northern part of North America, kilometers away given Canada’s vast land mass.
where it shares its southern border with the
United States, while its northern peak goes all the
way up to the Arctic Circle.
Fig 2: Location of Canada on a world map
Overview of Canada / 7Provinces and Territories Yukon Manitoba
Northwest Ontario
Canadians reside in one of the 10 provinces and 3 Territories
territories within the country, with over 35% living Quebec
in Ontario, followed by Quebec (23%), British Nunavut
Newfoundland
Columbia (13%) and Alberta (12%).
British
New Brunswick
Canada’s capital city is Ottawa, Ontario. Its three Columbia
largest and most globally recognized metropolitan Prince Edward
Alberta
cities are Toronto (Ontario), Montreal (Quebec), Island
and Vancouver (British Columbia), all of which are Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia
ranked in the top 20 list of QS World University’s
Best Student Cities.
Scale
0 250 500 750 1,000 km
Fig 3: Map of Canada and its provinces and territories
Overview of Canada / 8Climate and Weather provinces. Coastal regions, such as around British
Columbia have much milder winters. Summers, on
Given Canada’s massive size and physical the other hand, are hot with temperatures ranging
geography, temperatures can vary greatly across between 20°C/70°F to 30°C/86°F, and occasionally
the country. Canadian winters can be harsh in exceeding 40°C/104°F. Overall, Canada experiences
many regions, with temperatures ranging between four distinct seasons annually as outlined in the
-15°C/5°F and -30°C/-22°F in the interior and Prairie table below.
Table 1: Canadian weather during the four seasons
Season Months Weather Conditions
The weather is usually warm to hot, with daytime tempera-
Summer June to August
tures between 20°C/70°F and 30°C/86°F or higher.
September to The weather starts to get colder and there is often a lot of rain.
Fall/Autumn
November Light jackets and/or raincoats are common during this season.
Winters are very cold, with temperatures often staying below
December to freezing all day long. Snowfall often accompanies the cold
Winter
February weather. Hats, mittens, scarves, boots, and thick winter jackets
are recommended during the Canadian winters.
The weather starts to get warmer and days are typically very
Spring March to May pleasant, while the evenings getting cool. A light jacket is often
needed during the early mornings and late evenings.
Pro Tip: Travelling to Canada? Plan for the Canadians are proud of their rich history and
weather! Contrary to popular misconception, diverse blend of people and cultures. There are
Canada does not always have snow and laws in place to protect all people, regardless of
extreme cold. It gets quite hot in the summers circumstances, from discrimination.
with temperatures going up to 40°C/104°F in Immigrants from across the world make up one fifth
some parts of the country. of Canada’s population of over 37 million.
Canada’s official languages are English and
People, Cultures, and Languages
French, though most people speak English. Nearly
200 other languages are also spoken by the diverse
Canada is globally known for its multiculturalism,
Canadian population. The languages spoken most
making it a desirable location for international
frequently after English and French are Mandarin,
students travelling away from their family and
Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Italian, Dutch,
their home.
Ukrainian, Arabic, German, and Tagalog.
Overview of Canada / 9Why Study in Canada
With affordable tuition fees, quality institutions,
flexibility to work during study, post-study work
and immigration options, and welcoming people,
it is no surprise that Canada is one of the premiere
destinations for international students, drawing in
over 300,000 new international students annually.
According to the Canadian Bureau for International
Education’s (CBIE) 2018 International Student Survey,
the overwhelming majority of students (93%) say
they are satisfied with their educational experience
in Canada.
Academic Excellence
One of the biggest reasons students choose to come
to Canada is the quality of a Canadian education.
Canadian degrees and diplomas are widely recognized
as comparable to those from the United States,
Australia, and the United Kingdom. Canadian
universities and colleges consistently place high on
international rankings. In fact, 17 Canadian universities
are ranked in the top 500 of the QS World University
Rankings 2020. Many are also ranked in the top 100
by reputable sources like The Times Higher Education
World University Rankings and Shanghai Ranking’s
Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Education is highly valued in Canada. The Canadian
government invests heavily in the Canadian education
system. As a result, Canada has one of the highest
rates of post secondary education completion (61%)
amongst the OECD member countries. Unsurprisingly,
Canadian teachers, professors, and researchers
are also amongst the most qualified academic
professionals around the world. Canada also attracts
top international faculty because of its investments
in cutting-edge research in areas such as medical
science, pharmaceuticals, information technology and
artificial intelligence.
Why Study in Canada / 10Affordable Costs According to a 2014 HSBC report, The Value of
Education: Springboard for Success, the average
Not only is the quality of Canadian education cost (tuition and living expenses) of a university
amongst the best in the world, it is also one of the undergraduate education for an international
most cost-effective. The tuition fees, as well as student in Canada is approximately $30,000 USD
the overall costs of living, are generally lower in per year. By comparison, the United States ($36,564
Canada than in the United States, United Kingdom, USD), Australia ($42,093 USD) and the United
and Australia. Kingdom ($35,045 USD) are all considerably higher.
Table 2: Cost of education for international students in popular international study destinations
University Cost of Living Total Costs Quality of
Cost
Country Fees Per Year Per Year Per Year Education
Rank
(USD) (USD) (USD) Rank
$24,081 $18,012 $42,093
Australia (~ $32,000 CAD) (~ $24,000 CAD) (~ $56,000 CAD) 1 3
$18,937 $20,292 $39,229
Singapore 2 6
(~ $25,000 CAD) (~ $27,000 CAD) (~ $52,000 CAD)
United $24,913 $11,651 $36,564
(~ $33,000 CAD) (~ $15,000 CAD) (~ $48,000 CAD) 3 1
States
United $21,365 $13,680 $35,045
(~ $28,000 CAD) (~ $18,000 CAD) (~ $46,000 CAD) 4 2
Kingdom
$13,444 $18,696 $32,140
Hong Kong 5 7
(~ $18,000 CAD) (~ $24,500 CAD) (~ $42,500 CAD)
$16,746 $13,201 $29,947
Canada 6 4
(~ $22,000 CAD) (~ $17,500 CAD) (~ $39,500 CAD)
The conversions in CAD are based on the five-year average exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.76CAD approximately, and
do not account for inflation or changes in exchange rates since the report was published. This table is intended to
provide an average cost comparison between the various popular study abroad destinations - and should not be
used to budget a student’s international education as actual fees and costs of living vary by institution, program of
study and the city a student will live and study in.
Why Study in Canada / 11High Quality of Life
Canada has ranked #1 in the Best Countries Surveys and research shows that Canadians are
Ranking for Quality of Life for four years in a row generally happier and more satisfied with their
now (as of 2019). It is also amongst the top 15 life than others around the world. According to
countries on the UN’s 2018 Human Development the Organization of Economic Co-operation and
Index (2019 data not released yet), which Development (OECD), Canada has the seventh
assesses the three basic dimensions of human highest level of satisfaction globally, faring well
development: a long and healthy life, access to above the USA, UK, Germany, France and Australia.
knowledge and a decent standard of living.
Fig 4: Life satisfaction rankings around the world (on a scale of 10)
Why Study in Canada / 12A Safe Place to Live
safest countries countries in the world. Canada
Another big reason why students choose to is listed amongst the 20 safest countries in the
come to Canada is personal safety. In a 2019 world in the 2019 Global Finance ranking of
World Education Services study, over 25% of the safest countries, with over 82% of people living in
international students in the US showed concerns Canada feeling safe walking at night. Institute for
about gun violence at their institution. Prospective Economics and Peace’s 2019 Global Peace Index
international students and their parents can gain also ranks Canada as one of the 10 most peaceful
comfort knowing that Canada is amongst the countries around the world.
Fig 5: Percentage of people feeling safe walking alone at night around the world
Why Study in Canada / 13Multicultural Environment are South Asians, Chinese, Africans, Carribeans,
Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, Southeast Asians,
Canada is a welcoming country with a unique West Asians, and Koreans. According to a census
Canadian culture that embraces diversity and report, 10+ religions are practiced, and nearly 200+
celebrates multiculturalism. In fact, in 1971, Canada languages are spoken in Canada.
became the first country to make multiculturalism Canadian culture incorporates flavours from all
an official Canadian policy. According to Canadian over the world, and Canadians celebrate events
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “Diversity is Canada’s and festivals from all around the world, such as
strength,” and Canadians’ “different backgrounds… Diwali, Chinese New Year, Caribana, Eid, and
and different stories are all part of what makes our St. Patrick’s Day.
communities and our country strong.”
Canada’s welcoming population and thriving
Immigrants are the backbone of growth in Canada. multicultural environment makes Canada a
A quarter of the Canadian population is either perfect home away from home for students
foreign-born or were born to immigrant parents. around the world.
The ten largest visible minority groups in Canada
Fig 6: The most spoken languages in
Canada after English and French
Why Study in Canada / 14Work During Study Pro-Immigration Policies
The option to work while studying is one of When travelling abroad to study, students usually
the decision-making criteria for prospective get temporary status in the country they’re
international students finalizing their education studying in. That status often expires when their
destination. International students enrolled program ends, so they have to return home
in a full-time post-secondary program at a after graduation. Canada, on the other hand, has
Designated Learning Institute (DLI) can work up programs designed to help international students
to 20 hours per week during school terms and gain Canadian work experience after graduation
full-time (30+ hours/week) during scheduled and if they wish, subsequently transition to
breaks, such as the summer holidays. Most permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
students don’t need a work permit to work while A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), for
they study, whether their job is on-campus or example, lets students who have graduated from
off-campus. a 2+ year PGWP-eligible program stay and work
in Canada for up to three years. Students can also
Learn more about the work options available
use this work experience to qualify for permanent
to international students in the Working While
residency in Canada.
Studying section of this course.
Learn more in the Working and Staying in Canada
after Graduation section of this course.
Why Study in Canada / 15Canadian Many international students begin their Canadian
education at a secondary school, which starts
Education System in Grade 9 and are more commonly known as
high schools.
ApplyBoard has contracts with many Canadian
The Canadian Education system comprises of
high schools and school boards, including the
primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The
Toronto District School Board and the Calgary
primary and secondary education is grouped as
Board of Education, which accept students in
K-12, which is short for “Kindergarten to Grade
primary as well as secondary/high schools. Login
12”. Tertiary education, more commonly referred
to the ApplyBoard Platform to view the full list of
to post-secondary education in North America,
our K-12 partnerships, admission requirements,
is attained at universities, colleges, CEGEPs,
processes, and fees.
and vocational schools, where students can
earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees,
diplomas and certificates. Post-Secondary (Tertiary)
Education
Primary and Secondary
After the successful completion of secondary
(K-12) Education (high) school, students can pursue post-secondary
education, which includes certificate, diploma,
In Canada, education is free for all Canadians
and degree programs at undergraduate and
from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The completion
graduate studies level. Post-secondary education
of Grade 12 marks the end of secondary school,
is offered at public and private vocational schools,
except in Quebec where students earn their
CEGEPs, colleges, and universities. Post-secondary
secondary school diploma after Grade 11.
institutions that are approved to host international
Public education is highly regarded in Canada. students are referred to Designated Learning
Private schools and boarding schools also exist, Institute (DLI).
but over 95% of the Canadian student population
attend public schools and consistently perform
well in global student assessments.
Canadian Education System / 16Types of Post-Secondary Institutions as medicine or law, as well as for academia and
research-based careers. A Bachelor’s degree is
In some parts of the world, the words “college”
also required to pursue any postgraduate degrees,
and “university” are often used interchangeably
which can be course-based or research-based
to refer to all post-secondary education. In Can-
Master’s, followed by a PhD, which is the highest
ada, the two are very distinct in terms of their
level of academic standing students can achieve.
program offerings, requirements and teaching
styles, although some overlap is starting to emerge
between the program offerings at colleges and Colleges
universities.
Canada is home to over 130 colleges, many
of whom are ApplyBoard partners, including
Universities Conestoga College, Seneca College, Centennial
College, George Brown College, Humber College,
There are over 90 universities in Canada, offering
and Red River College. For a complete list of
students over 15,000 undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
ApplyBoard’s Canadian college partners, log in to
and graduate (Master’s and PhD) degree programs.
the ApplyBoard Platform.
ApplyBoard is partnered with many of the most
popular and well-known Canadian universities, Colleges in Canada focus on applied and technical
including the University of Waterloo, Queen’s education that is specifically geared towards a
University, the University of Western Ontario, career. Class sizes are small, with a lower student-
Yorkville University and more. Visit the ApplyBoard to-instructor ratio, which allows teachers to
website to see all the Canadian universities with provide personalized attention and more practical
whom ApplyBoard is partnered. or hands-on learning opportunities.
Universities provide well-rounded academic Students graduating from a college program
education with theoretical and practical typically earn a diploma, though some colleges are
components. Due to the in-depth curriculum, are now accredied to offer degree programs where
undergraduate (Bachelor’s) university programs the hands-on, technical training is supplemented
are typically three or four years long, though some by academic course work.
two-year Associate Bachelor’s degree programs
are available.
A Bachelor’s degree is typically required for
acceptance into professional programs, such
Canadian Education System / 17Universities Colleges
Typically large Smaller class sizes
Class Size 100-500 students in introductory Lower student-to-instructor ratio
courses
Teaching Large lectures, often supplemented Small class-sizes with hands-on work
& Learning by smaller tutorial classes
Style Independent work
Curriculum Academic programs with broad Career-oriented, practical programs with courses
Focus course offerings in the chosen career field
Faculty Academic researchers (PhDs) as well Industry professionals with several years of
Credentials as some industry professionals working experience in their professional field
Program Type Undergraduate & graduate degree Regular, advanced, and postgraduate certifi-
programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) cates and diplomas
Duration 3 to 4 years; typically 4 1 to 3 years
Annual Vary by program; generally higher Vary by program; generally lower than
Tuition Fees than college fees university fees
Table 3: Difference between universities and colleges in Canada
Canadian Education System / 18Universities have been the default choice of supplement university training. In 2017, 40% of
post-secondary education for many years. How- international students in Canada were enrolled
ever, an increasing number of both Canadian and in colleges, while another small percentage (~2%)
international students are now opting for a college were studying in CEGEP (Quebec) and in other
education, either as a stand-alone option or to vocational schools.
CEGEP Other 0.4%
1.7%
University
57.1%
Fig 5: Composition of international
students at various Canadian
post-secondary institutions
College
40.8%
Vocational Schools CEGEPs
Vocational schools (also called career, techni- CEGEP, which stands for Collège D’Enseignement
cal, and trade schools) offer occupation-specific Général et Professionnel, and translates to “Gener-
programs geared towards helping students go al and Vocational College” is a type of post-second-
directly from school into their chosen careers. ary institution that is only present in the province
These programs can range from a few months to of Quebec. A CEGEP offers pre-university and tech-
one-to-two years, and often include a work com- nical programs which lead to “Diploma of College
ponent. Examples of vocational training programs Studies”, equivalent to grade 12 and the first year
include medical assisting, automotive repair, flight of university studies. For students in Quebec, com-
training, culinary arts, and computer support. pletion of CEGEP is a prerequisite for admission
into Year two (of four) in Quebec universities.
Graduates from a vocational school/career
program earn a completion certificate from
their school. Though often referred to as “career
diploma” by vocational schools, it should be
noted that these certificates are not equivalent to
college diplomas.
Canadian Education System / 19Designated Learning Institutions Degrees are typically granted by universities after
the completion of an academic program:
When deciding where to study and what to
study, we recommend first confirming that • Bachelor’s degrees are awarded after four
an institution is accredited as a Designated years of full-time study. Although uncommon,
Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are approved by some three-year Bachelors and two-year Associ-
the government to offer a letter of acceptance to ate Bachelor’s degrees also exist in Canada.
international students leading to the possibility • Master’s degrees, available after a Bachelor
of a study permit. degree for further specialization in chosen sub-
While students can study at other schools, only ject, are typically one to two years in duration.
students at DLIs are eligible to work during They could be course-based, such as an MBA or
study. Learn more about the eligibility criteria in the research/thesis-based.
Working While Studying section of this course. • Doctorate or PhD programs are typically
Furthermore, only graduates from the approved research-based and require students to have
list of programs at DLIs are eligible for the found a research supervisor at the university
Postgradute Work Permit (PGWP), a legal they are applying to. A PhD is typically earned
document with allows students to stay and work in three to seven years and cannot be pursued
in Canada after graduation. Learn more about without a Master’s degree first.
PGWP and its eligibility criteria in the Working and Diplomas are earned after the completion of a
Staying in Canada after Graduation section of college program and fall into one of the following
this course. three categories:
List of designated learning institutes, and which • Regular diploma is granted at the end of an
of their study programs (if any) are PGWP- accredited two-year program.
eligible, can be viewed here.
• Advanced diploma is granted after the
completion of a three-year program.
Types of Study Programs • Postgraduate diploma programs are
and Designations one-to-two years in length and can be
pursued after a regular/advanced diploma
The designation earned upon the completion of
or a Bachelor’s degree.
an academic program depends on the type of
program and the type of post-secondary institu- Certificates are awarded after completion of
tion. The designations offered in the Canadian short courses in a particular subject. Certificate
post-secondary education system include de- programs are typically less than a year in duration
grees, diplomas, and certificates. and can be offered by universities, colleges
and vocational schools.
Canadian Education System / 20Levels of Post-Secondary Education of post-secondary education that students must
attain before pursuing further higher studies in the
Post-secondary education is two-fold, including form of Masters, PhD and postgraduate diplomas
both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) and certificates.
studies. Undergraduate studies is the first level
Table 4: Post-secondary education options in Canada
Program Program Study Level Academic Available at Available at Available at
Type Duration (UG/PG)* Admission University College Vocational
(in Years) Requirements School
Regular
2 UG High School
Diploma
Advanced
3 UG High School
Diploma
Regular/
Post
1-2 PG Advanced
Graduate
Diploma OR
Diploma
Bachelor’s
High School
CertificateFlexible Study Pathways tution altogether as they discover new interests
and strengths. It is also common for students to
One of the best things about the Canadian couple their Bachelor’s degree with a postgradu-
education system is the flexibility it offers to ate diploma afterwards to gain more hands-on,
students. Students can combine their education industry-focused experience in their chosen field.
experience with the various degree, diploma,
Canadian post-secondary institutions share
and certificate programs at different Canadian
a strong relationship which makes it easy for
post-secondary institutions to suit their interests,
students to transfer between different levels
career goals, and learning preferences.
and types of education. In other words, courses
For example, many students opt to go to college completed at one institution are recognized by
first and earn a diploma before obtaining their the other, thus ensuring that the student is not
Bachelor’s degree at a university. Sometimes, stu- retaking similar courses.
dents switch from one program to another at the
same school or even transfer to a different insti-
Canadian Education System / 22Degree Programs
University
Master’s Docorate (PhD) Diploma Programs
(1-2 years) (3-7 years)
Certificates
University
University/ College
Bachelor’s
(3-4 years) Diploma
(1-3 years)
University University
CEGEP Vocational
AD Training
(2 years) (2-3 years)
(1-4 years)
Vocational School/
University Quebec Only
Career College
Secondary/High School (Grade 9-12*)
Primary/Elementary School (Grade 1-8)
Pre-School/Kindergarten
Fig 6: Overview of the Canadian Education System and the flexible study pathways it offers
*high school ends after grade 11 in some provinces
Canadian Education System / 23Pathway Programs In some cases, students can simultaneously apply
for admission into the language program and
Students who wish to study in Canada may first into their academic program. If they meet the
attend a prerequisite or preparatory program to academic admission criteria, they will receive a
meet the entry requirements for their desired conditional offer of admission, which is contingent
degree or diploma program. This is called a on the successful completion of the language
pathway program. Pathway programs bridge the program. This is a great way for the student to
gap between the qualifications from a student’s be sure they will be able to study at their desired
home country and the level needed to enter into post-secondary institution before enrolling into its
a post-secondary institution in Canada. language program.
Did you know that ApplyBoard has
partnerships with many English Language
English Language Programs
Institutes in Canada? Find out which of our
English language programs are the most partner schools have English Language
common type of pathway programs pursued Institutes and the types of pathway programs
by students wanting to study in Canada. they offer on the ApplyBoard Platform.
The language programs are designed to get
Note that at some institutions, a student can begin
the student’s language skills up to the level
taking academic courses while also participating in
required for admission in their desired school
English language classes and activities.
program. These programs also include a social
component with events and activities that help Language pathway programs are also offered
students become accustomed to the Canadian by IELTS, TOEFL, and other recognized language
culture and seamlessly transition into their life assessment bodies, as well as by private
in Canada. preparatory education providers, such as Kaplan
and Pearson.
Many Canadian colleges and universities offer
English language programs through their
own English Language Institutes. Students Academic Pathway Programs
graduating from those programs can enroll
Academic pathway programs focus on academic
directly into the academic programs at those
subjects, offering students foundational courses
colleges/universities, provided that they meet
in math, the sciences, business, the arts, etc. to
the academic requirements.
improve their subject knowledge and to meet the
prerequisite course requirements for admission
into undergraduate and graduate programs.
Canadian Education System / 24Application Academic Requirements
Successful completion of secondary school is a
Requirements requirement for admission into an undergraduate
and Deadlines
program in Canada. In the Canadian context, this
means that a student must have completed Grade
12 or equivalent to gain admission.
Ready to study in Canada? Start by reviewing the A three or four year Bachelor’s Degree is
admission requirements for the programs the required, on the other hand, for admission into
student is interested in. Admission requirements postgraduate degree programs. Regular and
can vary by program and by institution. advanced diplomas are sufficient for admission
Requirements for the same programs can also into a postgraduate diploma or certificate
change over time. program. Some institutions may accept work
experience as a substitute for the required degree
if the student has extenuating circumstances.
Admission into a K-12 School
Grade Point Average (GPA)
International students can gain admission into
public and private K-12 schools at any grade level. Students will be asked to submit proof of degree/
Applicants need to provide their most recent diploma completion, as well as their transcript
transcript or school cards, as well as letters of or report card, which lists the grades the student
recommendation to be considered for admission. earned in each course. Typically, only the grades in
the student’s last two years of study are taken into
consideration for admission.
Admission into a
A student’s final Grade Point Average (GPA), as
Post-Secondary Institution
well as the type of courses taken, ultimately
determine if a student meets the academic
Students applying to Canadian post-secondary
admission criteria. GPA requirements, on average,
institutions are generally assessed based on
vary between 65% to 90% depending on the
their past academic performance, as well as
program and the institution.
their English language skills. Some programs
also require supplementary information from
the student, such as a resume, to further assess
a student’s suitability for the program before
making their admission decision.
Application Requirements and Deadlines / 25Prerequisite Courses Language test score requirements vary by
program and institution, and sometimes by the
Some postsecondary academic programs require
home country of the student applicant. Some
students to have taken Grade 12 equivalent
institutions only look at the overall scores, while
courses in related subjects. For example,
others have cut-offs for scores in each of the
students applying for engineering programs
four skills sections. Typically, students need
frequently need to have taken Grade 12 level
IELTS scores of 6.5 (7 for some postgraduate
math and physics courses. The prerequisite
programs) or TOEFL (iBT) scores between 70.0
course requirements vary by program and
and 90.0 for admission consideration. Always
by school. Be sure to check the requirements
refer to the admission requirements for each
specific to the chosen program on the
program on the ApplyBoard Platform for the
ApplyBoard Platform before applying!
most accurate information.
Some institutions also offer students the option
English Language Requirements of completing an English language program to
Since English is the primary language of meet the language requirements for admission
instruction in Canadian post-secondary into their chosen program. Learn more about
institutions (outside of Quebec), students the English language programs in the Canadian
applying from a non-English speaking country education system section of this course.
need to demonstrate English proficiency
through an English Language Test as part of
French Language Proficiency
their admission applications. Standardized
English language tests evaluate students on their Students wishing to attend a school where French
reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. is the primary language of instruction must
demonstrate their French language proficiency.
All Canadian institutions accept English Language
Test d’Evaluation du Francais (TEF) and Test de
Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as
Connaissance du Francais (TCF) are the most
a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores as proof
commonly recognized French language tests.
of language proficiency. Some Canadian
post-secondary institutions may also accept
test scores from other accredited language
assessment institutes.
Application Requirements and Deadlines / 26Supplementary Requirements Application Deadlines
Depending on the nature of the program,
students may need to provide supplementary In Canada, admissions are typically offered for
non-academic documents or test scores to entry in fall (September), winter (January) and
support their admission application. These summer (May). September is considered the
could include personal statements, essays, official start of the school year and that’s when
resumes, GRE/GMAT scores, etc. Always review the biggest intake occurs. Many programs are
the program requirements before submitting an only available for admission in the fall.
application to be sure it is complete. Applications Private colleges and vocational schools often have
may be rejected due to missing documents. new classes starting every one to two months.
As a result, students can apply to begin their
Programs with a work component often ask for
education at any point in the year.
a resume. Personal statements and/or essays
are also frequently needed for competitive Application deadlines vary by institution, as well
undergraduate programs and professional as by programs. General application deadlines
programs. Many postgraduate programs also are outlined in the table below. We strongly
require a GRE/GMAT test score as part of their recommend checking the school’s page on the
requirements. ApplyBoard Platform for the most accurate
deadline information.
Table 5: Application deadlines and session start dates
Intake Session* Semester Start Date Application Deadlines**
Fall September January - March
Winter January September - November
Summer May January - March
*Some institutions have rolling intake seasons with Application Processing Times
classes starting every 1-2 months, and not only in
When it comes to admission application
September, January and May.
deadlines, we recommend applying as early as
**Many institutions offer rolling admission where possible to give students enough time to secure
applications are processed as they are submitted, and a study permit and visa. Schools can often take
close once the number of available spots are filled. up to 60 days after the application deadline
Some institutions review applications and issue to process an application and issue a Letter of
admission decisions as applications come, referred Acceptance (LOA), which is required to apply for
to rolling admissions, while other schools only make a study permit.
admission decisions after the application deadline.
Application Requirements and Deadlines / 27VISA APPLICATION VISA APPLICATION
Study Permit Applying for a Study Permit and Visa
and Visa Students can apply for their study permit once
they have received an offer of admission and
paid their tuition deposit. Applications can be
Getting admitted to one’s desired study program submitted online; however, paper applications
is a big milestone, but it is not enough to gain are also available and can be submitted at the
entry to and study in Canada. Visa Application Centres (VACs) or to the Canadian
Consulate’s Office in the student’s home country.
A study permit is needed to study in Canada.
Additionally, most international students also As part of the application, students need
need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or to provide:
an electronic travel authorization (eTA) - often • A letter outlining why they want to study
referred to as student visa - to enter in Canada
into Canada.
• Documentation which demonstrates that they
Students can submit an application for their have the financial means to support themselves
study permit and their visa/eTA at the same time. and their education in Canada
The student visa will be automatically issued
if the student gets approved for study permit. Know what you need before you apply. Review the
To learn more, visit the Government of Canada complete list of the documents required to get a
website for study permits. study permit.
Study Permit and Visa / 28Steps for Getting a Study Permit
Students must follow the steps below to obtain a study permit:
Gather all the documents needed for the application.
Submit the application and all the required supporting documents. Application is not considered
complete until the application fee is paid.
Give biometrics. Students will receive a letter indicating when and how to give their biometrics after
submitting their application.
If required, students must attend an in-person interview and/or send any additional documentation
that may be requested after the application is processed.
Find out what additional information the student might need to submit.
The student will receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI) from the visa office once their application
is approved. This letter confirms approval of the study permit and is used to obtain a study
permit once you arrive in Canada. Along with the LOI, students also receive an Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa at that time, which they will need to enter into Canada.
Send their Passport to the visa office to get the visa stamped. The passport will be requested when
the LOI is issued.
Since visa requirements and application process Check the processing time estimates from the
can change over time, applicants should also Government of Canada to find out how long it
always refer to the Government of Canada takes to process most applications.
website for the most up-to-date information.
We recommend applying 90-120 days before
the start of academic session to allow for any
Application Processing Times processing delays, as well as to ensure that the
student will have enough time to reapply for the
The time needed to process the study permit
permit if their application is initially rejected.
application varies by country, the type of
application, and the volume of applications.
Study Permit and Visa / 29Application Rejections Bringing Family
If study permit application is denied, they will be
notified with a letter which will include an expla- Canada’s welcoming immigration policy allows the
nation of why the visa was refused. Students are spouse and minor children of international students
encouraged to address the refusal reasons and to accompany them to Canada to work and study.
reapply, where possible. Common reasons for Students can apply for their family’s visa alongside
refusal include: their own. The children do not need a study permit
to enroll into a primary or secondary school while
• Insufficient proof that the student has enough
they are in Canada.
money to support himself why studying in Canada
• Failure to convince the visa officer that the main Student Direct Stream (SDS)
purpose of travel to Canada is to study
• Failure to convince the visa officer that the student The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited
will leave at the end of the study period study permit processing program for students from
selected countries who demonstrate upfront that
they have the financial resources and language
Getting the Study Permit skills to succeed academically in Canada.
The SDS program is currently available to legal
Once the student lands in Canada, they will be
residents who also reside in: China, India, Pakistan,
greeted by a Canadian Immigration/Visa Officer.
Philippines, Vietnam, Senegal, and Morocco. Most
The Officer will inquire about the reason of
SDS applications are processed within 20 days.
the student’s visit and ask for the supporting
documentation that the student had submitted Students applying through the SDS stream must pro-
as part of their initial study permit and visa vide the following documents with their application:
application. The Officer will issue the study permit
• Proof of a language test result from IELTS or
if they are satisfied that the student’s visit is
TEF (French)
legitimate and they will comply with guidelines of
immigration. Student will then be able to collect • Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate
their luggage and head to their destination. (GIC) of CAN $10,000
Pro Tip: Bring all documentation, such as offer letter • Proof of full payment of tuition for the
and proof of tuition payment, in hand luggage. The Visa applicant’s first year of study
Officer will ask for those and inquire about the student’s
• Letter of acceptance from a post-secondary DLI
future plans before issuing the study permit.
• Most recent secondary or post-secondary
The study permit will contain information about educational transcripts
the student’s purpose of visit, academic program,
and duration of stay. The permit will also indicate • Proof of completion of upfront medical
if a student has any restrictions on working while examination
studying. Learn more in the Working While Studying Visit the Student Direct Stream page on the
section of this course. Government of Canada website to learn more about
The study permit is typically issued for the length of the SDS eligibility criteria and application process.
the students’ study program, plus an extra 90 days.
The 90 days lets students prepare to leave Canada
after graduation or apply to extend their stay.
Study Permit and Visa / 30Financial Costs Tuition Fees
According to Statistics Canada, the average
Though a worthwhile long-term investment, inter- annual tuition fee for international students
national education can be expensive. Being aware for academic year 2018/2019 was $27,159 CAD
of all living costs and budgeting accurately is criti- for undergraduate studies, and $16,497 CAD for
cal for ensuring students have the financial means graduate studies.
to complete their education. Fees can vary greatly depending on the field of
study, as well as by the academic institution. At
the undergraduate level, annual fees range from
approximately $20,000 CAD to $60,000 CAD for
professional programs like dentistry and veteri-
nary medicine. For graduate studies, annual tuition
fees can range from $10,000 CAD to $57,000 CAD
for an Executive MBA. See Table 6 for the average
international tuition fees by field of study during the
2018-2019 academic year.
Financial Costs / 31Table 6: Average international tuition fees* by field of study during the 2018-2019 academic year
Field of Study Undergraduate Graduate
Education $19,461 $15,236
Visual and performing arts, and communication technologies $22,950 $14,144
Humanities $26,175 $13,520
Social and behavioural sciences $24,808 $14,304
Law, legal professions and studies $29,756 $15,941
Business management and public administration $26,395 $22,442
Executive MBA Not Available $56,282
Regular MBA Not Available $37,697
Physical and life sciences and technologies $29,067 $14,664
Mathematics, computer and information sciences $30,187 $15,553
Engineering $30,742 $17,753
Architecture $24,101 $14,016
Agriculture, natural resources and conservation $24,101 $14,016
Dentistry $55,802 $21,635
Medicine $29,905 Not available
Nursing $20,354 $13,713
Pharmacy $34,726 $11,642
Veterinary medicine $60,458 $9,088
Other health, parks, recreation and fitness $23,192 $16,590
Personal, protective and transportation services $20,453 $13,948
*Weighted average tuition fees in Canadian dollars (CAD). Source: Statistics Canada
Financial Costs / 32Living Expenses expenses. Costs are generally more expensive in bigger
cities and will also depend on a student’s lifestyle,
In addition to tuition, students must also account choice of accommodations, and spending habits.
for books, housing, food, and other day-to-day living The costs, on average, breakdown as the following:
Table 7: Estimated living and studying costs for the academic year (8 Months, in CAD)
Expenses On-Campus Off-Campus
Books & Supplies $1,000 - $2,000 $1,000 - $2,000
Housing $3,000 - $8,400 $5,000 - $13,600
Food $2,500 - $4,000 $1,600 - $2,500
Transportation $0 - $200 $640 - $1,000
Utilities $0 $400 - $800
Internet $0 $320 - $680
Phone $320 - $640
Clothing $800 - $2,000
Laundry $200 - $300
Health Insurance $600 - $800
Entertainment & Fun $1,000 - $2,000
Personal/Miscellaneous items $1,000 - $2,000
Notes:
Transportation is not needed on a daily
Off-campus costs assume the student is living basis if a student is living on-campus as
independently. Students can lower costs by the residences are located within walking
sharing off-campus housing with other students. distance of the campus.
Books and supplies costs vary by program. When it comes to food, some institutions
require students to purchase a meal plan.
Utilities and Internet are included and available
Students can use the money added to their
at on-campus residences.
meal plan to purchase meals from on-
campus cafeterias and restaurants.
Financial Costs / 33Financial Assistance also get scholarships from their home country and
should do their research ahead of time to ensure
International students have a few financial aid they don’t miss any deadlines.
options available to them to finance their studies in
Canada, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
Grants and Bursaries
Bursaries are offered by post-secondary institutions
Scholarships and are available to students who demonstrate
Scholarships are awarded to students with financial need. Students typically need to submit
academic excellence through a competitive an application with details of their finances to show
application process. Students can apply for financial need.
scholarships at their chosen institutions when
they apply for admission. We strongly recommend
Loans
searching for scholarships early on in the
admission process as many scholarships have International students can apply for student loans
short application deadlines. from financial institutions in Canada in the form of
a student line of credit (LOC). Student LOC typically
Many post-secondary also grant automatic
has a lower interest rate than a regular credit card
entrance scholarships to students with high GPAs.
and the credit limit is based on the student’s tuition
Students can check the amounts they may be
and level of studies.
eligible for by visiting the institution’s website for
scholarship, bursaries and financial aid. Students can apply for a LOC when they are in Canada
and enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program.
Government of Canada and related government
agencies also offer numerous scholarships to
international students. Additionally, students can
Financial Costs / 34Working While Eligible international students can work up to
20 hours per week during a regular academic
Studying session and full-time during regularly scheduled
breaks between academic sessions, such as
the summer break. Students cannot start their
Canada’s student-friendly work policies are employment before their studies begin, and
amongst one of the major reasons international require a work permit to resume employment
students choose Canada as their study once their study program ends and their study
destination. permit expires.
Many international students opt for working Students are ineligible to work if they are:
while studying to earn an income, as well as • Only enrolled in an English or French as a
to gain valuable Canadian work experience to second language (ESL) program,
support their professional growth.
• Only taking general interest courses,
There are many work opportunities available
• Only taking courses required to be accepted
to eligible international students, including
into a full-time program,
on-campus employment, off-campus jobs,
co-ops, and internships. • Only enrolled as a part-time student, or
• Have any other restrictions specified on their
study permit
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria and requirements may
International students do not need a work permit change over time. Please refer to the Government
to work while they study. They are eligible to of Canada website for the most up-to-date
work in Canada provided that there aren’t any information about studying and working in
restrictions on their study permit. Canada as an international student.
Typically, international students can work while
studying if they are enrolled as a full-time post-
secondary student in a Designated Learning
Institution that is over 6 months in duration and
leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Working While Studying / 35On-Campus Employment Co-ops and Internships
“On-campus” refers to all the buildings and Some study programs include work experience
offices on the school premises. Full-time students as part of their curriculum, which is known as
can work on-campus if their study permit a co-op placement or internship. International
indicates that they’re allowed to work on- or students can take advantage of these work
off-campus. For most up-to-date information on placements by getting a co-op or intern work
which students are eligible to work on-campus, permit. Note that some employers also offer
please visit the Government of Canada website unpaid internships as a way to gain work
for Work On-Campus. experience.
For most up-to-date information on whether a
student is eligible for co-op or intern work permit,
Off-Campus Jobs
please visit the Government of Canada website.
International students can join the Canadian
workforce while studying on a part-time basis
if there are no work restrictions on their study
permit. For most up-to-date information on
student eligibility for off-campus employment,
please visit the Government of Canada website
for Work Off-Campus.
Working While Studying / 36Working and in an 8-month to 2-year program can obtain a
PGWP that is valid for up to the same length as
Staying in Canada their study program. For example, if a student
completed a 9-month program, a work permit
After Graduation may be issued for up to 9-months. Students in a
program that is less than 8-months in duration are
not eligible for PGWP.
International students place post-graduation PGWP requirements and eligibility criteria
benefits as an important factor when deciding can change at any time. Always refer to the
where to study. Canada’s foreign-worker policies Government of Canada website for the most
and post-graduate work programs make it possible accurate information.
for international students to work in Canada after
they graduate, and give Canada a competitive
advantage over other international education Other Work Permits
destinations.
The experience international graduates gain – and If a student is not eligible for the Post Graduate
income derived – from this employment is important Work Permit (PGWP), they may still be able to
to offset their family’s investment and help repay work in Canada by obtaining an open work permit
their study loans. The work experience gained after or an employer-specific work permit. For more
graduation can also help international students information about other work permits, please visit
qualify for permanent residence in Canada. the Government of Canada webpage for Types of
Work Permits.
For more information about staying in Canada
after graduation, visit the Government of Canada’s
website on Stay in Canada after Graduation. Paths to Permanent Residence
Canada welcomed more than 286,000 permanent
Post Graduate Work Permit residents in 2017 and plans to welcome over a
million new immigrants by 2021. International
The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows
students can use their Canadian work experience
students who have graduated from eligible
to qualify for permanent residence. In fact, 40%
programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs)
of all economic-class immigrants accepted by the
to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
federal government are international students
Did you know that not all programs at a DLI who have graduated and who want to stay in
make students eligible for PGWP? To find out Canada.
which post-secondary institutions are DLI, and
Visit the Government of Canada webpage on Find
which of their programs are eligible for PGWP,
Your Path to Permanent Residence to learn more
review the Designated Learning Institution List.
about the different immigration & PR pathways
Students graduating from a 2+ year PGWP- and their requirements.
eligible academic program can work up to three
years following their period for study. Students
Working and Staying in Canada After Graduation / 37Arriving in Canada
It can be daunting to think about leaving friends
and family behind to travel thousands of miles
away to an unknown destination across the world.
Proactive planning can help students travel and
settle into their new home away from home. Here
are a few tips and a checklist to make sure the PASSPORT
student is prepared before the board their plane
to Canada.
Student Checklist
Arrange accommodations. Learn more about how to secure your accomodations
in the Living in Canada section of this course.
Register for courses
Pack bags
Buy plane ticket
Obtain ground transportation from the airport to accommodation
Create an emergency contact list
Need to travel with medication? Learn how to travel with medication and what
documentation the student needs to bring with them.
Arrange banking - consider buying traveller’s cheques for large denominations, as
well as carrying a smaller amount of cash. Monetary Instruments, including cash
and traveller’s cheques, valuing at or more $10,000 CAD (or its foreign equivalent)
must be declared at customs. Learn more.
Keep documents secure! Have the student save pictures of their passport, study
permit (and visa, if relevant); have electronic copies of insurance and rental
agreements saved securely for future reference. Make sure they know when their
study permit will expire.
Arriving in Canada / 38You can also read
