CANADA
About Canada
Occupying the northern half of the North American continent, Canada is the second largest country on earth, covering an area of 10 million square kilometers (3.9 million square miles) and is widely known for its natural beauty – boasting a wealth of diverse landscapes including high mountains, different types of forests, prairie grasslands and arctic tundra where the ground is permanently frozen, as well as many lakes and rivers – and for its multicultural diversity.
The climate varies across the country, having generally four distinct seasons – summer, fall, winter, and spring. Summer lasts from around June to September and the weather varies from warm to hot. Fall and spring are transition seasons during which the weather becomes progressively colder or warmer and much of the annual rainfall occurs. Winter is very cold in most places, with temperatures often well below zero degrees Celsius. In some parts, snow covers the ground for almost half the year.
The country has official bilingual status, with English and French used concurrently in government and official documents and is also known for its sparse population despite it’s large size.
Why Canada?
Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations, it’s high academic standards and rigorous quality controls reflecting the high-quality education provided to students from all over the world.
According to the UN, Canada has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the world, owing to the country’s high measurement in quality of life and education, high income economy and a successful government.
A total of 26 universities in Canada feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, of which three are in the world’s top 50, with 11 more making the world’s top 300 – a feat matched only by a handful of other nations.
Furthermore, Canada offers education at a comparatively low cost than it’s other Western counterparts and is more receptive of students from diverse cultures around the globe since Canadians are also known for their friendliness and polite nature, which makes applying an attractive option.
What degree can I acquire in Canada?
You will be able to study degrees at the traditional three levels. These are bachelor’s, masters, and doctorate. The duration of your course will depend on your institution of choice.
Undergraduate degrees can take either three or four years to complete, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees last between one and three years to complete, depending on the type of degree. Different types of higher education providers in Canada includes universities (which carry out research and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees), community colleges and technical, applied arts or applied science schools (which grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees).
Cost of Tuition in Canada
Tuition fees in Canada vary depending on several factors: what program you’re studying, whether you are an international or home student, and whether you’re studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
According to Statistics Canada, the estimated average tuition fees for international students in 2019/2020 are
Undergraduate – CA$29714 (~US$22,500) per year.
Postgraduate – CA$17,744 (US$13,437)
How do I get a Visa?
If you are an international student, you will need to apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. This acts in place of a visa and can be applied for through the Government of Canada website or at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. A study permit allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your course plus an additional ninety days, within which, you will need to either apply to extend your stay, or make plans to leave the country. If you cannot finish your studies before the date on your permit for whatever reason, you will need to apply to extend your stay as a student. If you finish your studies early, you’re permit will stop being valid ninety days after you complete your studies, and this may be different than the original expiry date. You may also be required to apply for a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
What do I need to apply to study in Canada?
You will need the following documents:
- An international passport
- Passport photographs
- Bank statement and reference letter
- A qualified high school certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Academic References (2)
- High School testimonial and transcripts
- Medical Certificate
- English proficiency test result (depending on the university and your home country)
- Police Clearance
- Personal Statement
- University Certificate and transcripts (for a master’s degree)
Additional documents may include:
- Letter of Sponsorship from sponsor where applicable
- Statement of affidavit
- Marriage certificate
