Why study in Canada
With affordable tuition fees, quality institutions, post-study work and immigration options and welcoming people, it is no surprise that Canada is fast becoming a leading destination for international students.
Canada, a developed country, is in North America bordering with USA. It offers higher education which is internationally recognized and globally respected for its quality with affordable tuition fees. Canada has consistently maintained its prestige as an attractive education hub due to a variety of factors including its global recognition and reputation, affordability, cultural exposure and abundant research opportunities. Canada has established itself as an immensely high benchmark for academic standards and has rigorous processes to uphold quality that ultimately are designed to broaden opportunities for the longer term. Furthermore, a total of 13 Universities from Canada are recognised in the world’s top 200 by QS including 3 that appear in the Top 50. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) as compared to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries.
Canada hosts more than 250,000 international students and has experienced a huge increase in demand from overseas students in recent years. It is a safe, affordable and attractive destination for many Nepalese students. Statistically, more than 130,000 top international students and researchers choose to study in Canada each year who feel safe, secure and welcomed.
Education system in Canada
Canada makes a large investment in its education system. In fact, Canada is one of the world’s top education performers and among the top three countries in spending per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
There are a number of organizations in Canada that promote quality and the use of high academic standards in post-secondary programs such as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC). Higher education degrees from Canada are accepted and respected worldwide.
Canada is a federation of ten provinces and three territories. Under the Canadian constitution, provincial governments have exclusive responsibility of all levels of education. There is no ministry or department of education at the federal level.
Canada’s three territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, do not have the same constitutional status as the provinces, but with respect to education, the federal government has delegated this responsibility to the territorial governments, which, in turn, cooperate with the provinces to deliver post secondary programs.
At the post-secondary level, Canada offers a range of education institutions:
- University
- University Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Career Colleges or Technical Institutes
Canada also has the highest ranking cities in North America for living according to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting Worldwide Quality of Living Survey 2007. This ranking is based on two important criteria of safety and stability. Five Canadian cities ranked within the Top 25 cities in North America include Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary.
The tertiary education system in Canada is divided into:
• Certificate level, generally for a year
• Diploma level, for one or two years
• Advanced Diploma, generally two or three-year programs
• Bachelor degrees, awarded after four years of full-time study
• Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates, for one or two years of study
• Master’s degrees, available after a bachelor degree to excel in a certain subject, for one to two years
• Doctorate or PhD, generally four to seven years
Benefits of Studying in Canada
- Quality and internationally recognized degrees
- A wide range of study options available
- Affordable education & living cost
- Safe, multicultural and welcoming country
- Post Study Work Visa facilities for students
Cost of studying in Canada
In Canada, you can receive a high quality education in a friendly and welcoming environment for a reasonable cost in comparing with other countries, which means international students can save considerably by studying in Canada. All Canadian universities receive public funding through their provincial governments, which allows for lower tuition fees and ensures all universities adhere to a code of academic standards.
Cost of higher education in Canada is quite affordable as compared to the cost of studying in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US. Let’s find out.
- Tuition Fee in Approx. (CAD$):
Undergraduate Degree – $15,000 -20000
Postgraduate Degree – $15,000 to $25,000 - Accommodation Approx. (CAD$): $8000 – $12000
- Minimum Cost of Living Approx. (CAD$)Average Total – $38,000 per annum
Accommodation
Rent costs will vary greatly depending on where you study, and if you live on or off campus.
If you choose to live off campus you will likely pay around $600 a month to rent a room and at least $1,800 a month to rent an apartment.
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Visa requirements
In Canada a student visa is often referred to as a ‘study permit’.
The following six steps outline how UIEF will guide you through the process of applying for a study permit in Canada.
Step 1: Visa advice
Step 2: Collate visa documents
Your UIEF counsellor will check all the documents you collate in support of your application for a study permit to Canada. The general sets of documents you will require for your study permit application comprises:
- Passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Unconditional letter of acceptance
- Fees receipt (recommended)
- Scholarship letter (if applicable)
- Any relevant correspondence with the institution
- Financial documents
- Academic documents
- Test scores
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
- Medical report (if already undertaken).
Your UIEF counsellor will assist you to complete the study permit application forms.
Step 3: Check provincial guidelines
Step 4: Submit application through VFS Canada
Step 5: Provide additional information or documents
Step 6: Let you know the decision on your study permit application.
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Employment prospects
In Canada, work rights are available to international students while studying and also upon finishing a degree or diploma.
During your studies
Canada recently announced new regulations for international students. As of June, 2014, students do not need to apply for a separate work visa to work off-campus, and are eligible to work as soon as their program of study begins.
Canada provides extensive work and career opportunities for all types of students. Many institutions in Canada offer a co-operative education program. This is a structured program where students alternate between periods of work and study. This integrated curriculum is achieved through a partnership between the educational institution and industry.
After graduation
International graduates from Canadian higher education institutions also have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years following the completion of their program.
To work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). If you would like to look into staying in Canada as a permanent resident after you finish your studies, there are several programs available, each with its own requirements.
Health and safety in Canada
Canadian universities are conscious of the safety of students on their campuses. Most universities and colleges have 24-hour campus security.
The Canadian government has launched ‘Walk Safe’ campaigns to help students safely use public transport late in the evening.
In Canada, each province or territory manages its own healthcare system, which covers the costs of Canadian citizens’ visits to hospitals and doctors. Virtually all Canadian tertiary institutions have medical insurance plans available for international students.
Your UIEF counsellor can provide you with more information on health insurance options in Canada.
Work opportunities
International students graduating from a program of 2 years or more in length would be eligible for a 3-year work permit after graduation with no restrictions on the types of employment and no requirement for a job offer. The experience gained would provide them an opportunity to work in an international setting and at the same time allow them to earn the money invested. Students who study a one-year program are eligible for a one-year Work Permit.
Exceptions to the general rule
- There are few universities which accept 3-year degree students for Masters programs like MBA, MSCS etc.
- There are number of programs and good universities in which you can get admission with your GRE/GMAT or SAT
- There are ‘Pathway’ programs which give you conditional admissions to Tier 1 universities with comparatively low academics and test scores
Institutions we represent