Study in Canada

Canada has a population of a little over 35 million people, considered to be small as compared to the area in which the country is spread. Even the state of California has a larger population than Canada. The majority of the Canadian population lives in urban areas. The four main residential hubs are Ontario, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary-Edmonton. 90% of the Canadian population lives in this area and within 160 kilometres of the US border. The harsh climate in northern Canada has made it difficult to live in, hence only a small population inhabits this area.

Ranked as the sixth most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index, Canada is a safe nation to live in. Nearly half a million students study in Canada and enjoy the same rights as Canadians. The high quality of education with globally recognized degrees make Canada a popular destination for students to study, work and for immigration. Canada is also the most educated country, with a high standard of life. The top three industries in Canada are services, manufacturing and natural resources, provide great employment opportunities.

Canada experiences four seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. While the summers (between June and September) can be hot and humid, the winter (between December and April) in most of the country is extremely cold and the temperature falls down below 0 degree Celsius. Coastal areas such as Vancouver and Victoria experiences milder winters with more rain and less snow, making it a preferred destination for students and residents to settle. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with more rain and the temperature typically rises or falls a little.

Why study in Canada?

• Quality of education – Canada’s universities have consistently featured on world rankings as some of the best globally. Over one-third of research activities in Canada take place at universities, the highest ratio out of all G8 and OECD nations.
• Flexibility – Canada offers a variety of world-class institutes, from university colleges to technical institutes, for students to pursue degrees in a vast variety of career streams.
• Study Direct Stream (SDS) – This is an excellent initiative under which students from India who meet certain academic criteria can have their visas processed much faster than under normal circumstances and also require far fewer documentation formalities.
• Low fee structures – The fee structures at most Canadian universities are considerably lower than for similar programmes in other countries, making them an affordable choice for international students.

Requirements for Canada Study Visa

Students have to meet several requirements for getting admission in Canadian Colleges or Universities. Students must have an offer letter of the College/University before applying for a study permit. Moreover, students must have an IELTS scorecard with a minimum of 6 bands overall. Some documents are also required for the Canadian Visa process.

• A valid passport: Passport is the main requirement for any kind of visa. Students need a valid passport in order to become eligible for applying for a Study visa. According to the Canadian High Commission, International students must have a passport with a validity that can cover their intended stay in Canada.
• Proof of Funds: Students have to show proof of Funds at the time of Study Visa Application. Such funds are to prove that a student has enough funds to pay tuition fees for one year as well as daily expenses. So, GIC proof of Scotiabank/ICICI Bank is required for the study visa application of Canada.
• Passport Size Photographs: Students need two passport-sized photographs of given standards.
  Note:
  • Image size should be at least 35 mm X 45 mm.
  • The Image should not be older than 6 months.
  • The background should be plain or white.
• Immigration Medical Examination (IME): International Students who want to go to Canada for higher study must pass through a compulsory Immigration Medical Examination. Students have to visit the listed doctors for a Medical examination, preferably a week before the starting of the Visa Application.

The Interviewer may request some additional documents including:

• Academic Documents
• Score Card of Language Proficiency Test
• Scholarship letter (if applicable)

Work while Study in Canada

International Students can work in Canada during their studies and earn enough to pay their daily expenses. Permission of working hours is different according to the type of course. Usually, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the course and can work full time during the vacations. There are an ample number of Colleges and Universities which offer Co-op/internship programs to the students.

• Working off-campus: Students have permission to work while studying for 20 hours a week during academic sessions. They are allowed to work full time in their scheduled breaks.
• Working On-campus: Students having valid study permits are eligible to work on-campus at the Canadian institutions.
• Co-op/ internships: These programs are available for such International students, for whom practical work experience is an essential part of their study program.