Posted by Most International students struggle with the choice of going to Canada or USA. Knowing why you should study abroad in Canada will leave you with only one choice.
Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students, owing to many interesting factors which includes it’s cultural diversity, educational standards, beautiful landscapes, not to mention it’s welcoming and out-stretched arms open to foreign citizens.
Well, if you’re ever considering going to Canada as an International student, then this article is probably for you.
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Study Abroad in Canada
What’s so interesting about Canada? Why must you study abroad in Canada as an international student. Some things you should know about Canada before looking deep into the Universities and requirements and visas, and other do’s and don’ts.
Why Study Abroad Canada?
Here are interesting things you should know as an International student who wants to study abroad in Canada.
- Quality of Life
When it comes to the quality of life, Canada ranks #1. It’s a beautiful places to live as well as work. The World University ranking shows that Canada has 4 out of the top 100 best students cities in the world. I won’t want to miss an opportunity to study in Canada.
- Affordable Cost of Living
Canada has a low annual inflation rate. This proves how affordable Canada is to International students, whether they’re coming to Canada with their families or not. More opportunities will be open for you as a skilled immigrant, since there is also a high employment level in Canada.
- Affordable Tuition
Canada is known to have some of the lowest university tuition fees among many English speaking country. It just meets your budget. Whatever your budget maybe, there is always an available and standard university that meets your demands. Remember Canada is among the world’s best in terms of education.
The work and study environment is available to allow students meet their financial demands. You can take a look at the cheapest schools in Canada.
- Available Scholarships
Scholarships are available to pursue whatever course of study in Canada, mostly for high-scoring students who may be financially disabled, anything to get the International students rolling in.
Other forms of financial aids are also available to make sure you are economically comfortable during your stay in Canada. These could take the form of grants and loans. Considering these diverse options, you’ll have more reasons to study abroad in Canada.
- Outstanding Education
Now that’s what you want to here. It should not be overstated as it speaks for itself. Canada prides itself with an outstanding quality of education among others in the world. Of the world’s best 250 Universities, 10 of them are Canadian. What an outstanding number.
- Cultural Diversity
Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world today. Issues of racism are so minimal if found. The environment and people are there to welcome every international student no matter their ethnicity. It’s important to know that French and English are the official languages spoken in Canada.
It’s provides the environment to meet diverse people with different cultural backgrounds as well as beliefs, who pursue one goal.
General Cost of Living In Canada
If you must study abroad in Canada, considering the general cost of living is very important. From housing to feeding to clothing, entertainment etc., they all constitute the general cost of living in Canada. As an international student you should expect an average in the following:
- Accommodation
- Groceries/ Food
- Clothing
- Health Insurance
- Transportation
- Entertainment
Accommodation
It all depends on your choice as well as finance. You can choose to live off-campus or to live in a residence. If you’re living near your campus or in a university housing, or in college it’s referred to as living in residence.
Most Canadian students live in residence during their first year of study. This provides you with an opportunity as an international student to get to know more about Canada and the environment.
Living in a residence has the added advantage of affordability. Considering this option, you would want to consider living in a residence for the first year of your stay as an International student at least.
Cost(off-campus)
- 400 CAD to 800 CAD(to rent a room)
- 900 CAD to 2000 CAD per month(apartment in a high rise-building)
- 900 CAD to 3000 CAD per month(apartment for cities like Vancouver, Toronto)
Cost(in residence) – 550 CAD to 660 CAD
Groceries/Food
Since Canada is a multicultural country, it offers a variety of international foods which will make you feel at home. If you live in residence you can easily opt in for a meal plan that better suits you. Staying off-campus requires that you do the cooking of buy from restaurants or grocery stores.
On the average:
- Coffee – 4 CAD
- Beer – 6 CAD
- Meal – 17 CAD
Clothing
Always set aside some funds for your clothing budget. Of course, you can’t do without getting new clothes. But this budget depends entirely on you, how you like to shop and how much you feel you need for your entire stay in Canada.
Cost – about 1000 CAD
Health Insurance
Unfortunately, Canada has no national health care plan. It’s province or territories provides a universal health care to the citizens. You could check whether the health insurance provided by the province extends to you as an International student, else work out a health plan with you university.
Cost – 59 CAD
Entertainment
Entertainment all depends on you. From attending games like hockey games, basketball, soccer games to attending clubs and parties, they all constitute entertainment. You could also consider a yoga class as part of the fun.
It all depends on you; however you want to be entertained, endeavor to put some bucks in the budget.
Visit here for more information of the general cost of living in Canada.
Some Renowned Universities in Canada
The education in Canada is outstanding, and internationally recognized. Canada is currently ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of educational system. Below are some of the renouned universities in Canada.
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Western University – Canada
- Dalhousie University
- Laval University
- Queen’s University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Manitoba
You should also consider checking out >> Study Abroad in Ukraine
Best Courses to Study in Canada
Below are the top courses in Canada. As an international student who wants to study abroad in Canada, you should consider one of these courses since they’re among the best taught in the world.
- MBA,
- Computer Science & IT,
- Business & Finance.,
- Core Engineering & Engineering Management,
- Physical & Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy,
- Agricultural Science & Forestry,
- Biosciences, Medicine & Healthcare,
- Media & Journalism,
Top Cities to Study in Canada
if you want to live the best of your stay in Canada, you would consider studying in these cities, or visiting them once in a while. Conditions in these cities are quite favorable for international students.
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Quebec
Student Visa
A student permit is issued to students who want to pursue their degree in Canada. If you must study abroad in Canada, you’ll need a student permit.
Cost of student visa- $150
Eligibility to Study Abroad in Canada
In order to get a study permit to get to Canada, you must meet the under-listed requirements as an International student. Take note that application for the study permit should be done before coming to Canada.
Well, you can apply for a study permit if you meet or will meet up with the following requirements.
- That you are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Prove you have enough funds to sponsor your tuition fees
- Prove that you have enough money to pay for the living expenses for yourself and any family members who may or may not with you to Canada
- Prove you can pay for the return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- Be obedient to the law, no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- Must be in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
- And prove to an officer that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires.
How to Apply for a Study Permit
Before you apply for a study permit, you must provide the following documents:
- An acceptance letter from a DLI-designated learning institution
- A valid passport or your travel document
- Proof you can support yourself, and any family members who come with you during your stay in Canada
Get more information on the documents required to get a study permit by clicking here
If you think you are able to meet the above requirement, visit the Canadian government website above and follow the processes for application. Application for a student permit cost $150.
Note that the study permit is not a visa, you can’t use the study permit alone to get into Canada. If you meet the requirements to get a study permit, you’ll be issues a visitor’s visa or an electronic travel authorization(eTA)
People who don’t need study permit
Most foreign nationals need a study permit. There are however exceptions and exceptions to extensions of these study permit to some foreign nationals. You don’t need a study permit to study abroad in Canada if the following requirements are satisfied:
- Short-term studies (6 months or less)
- Family or staff of foreign representatives
- Members of foreign armed forces
- Registered Indians in Canada
- Minor children in Canada
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