Study in Canada

Undergraduate degrees in Canada 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 include: 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).

As universities in Canada are managed by provincial governments, you’ll find there will be slight differences in how education is carried out. Quebec, in particular, is markedly different to the rest of Canada, with different term times and length of study. For instance, students finish secondary school a year early and must take a mandatory pre-university General and Vocational College (CEGEP) course, essentially eliminating the freshman year of university. Check with your chosen institutions for specific details.

Co-operative education: This unique platform brings together classroom-based education and practical work experience making for more structured and pragmatic learning. This is an exceptionally wonderful avenue for international students who do not wish to consume themselves in a completely lecture-based education. Note that 50% of the program will include work experience therefore you must have a work permit.

Pedagogy in Canadian classrooms: Active participation, research and analysis via presentation, assignments and lab tests are the basis of Canadian learning. Classes are usually a mix of lectures, tutorials and lab sessions having student strength of about 30 to 200. While lectures may have a higher number of students, tutorials are generally held within small groups for better and in-depth understanding of the concept. Canadian universities focus on providing a holistic experience wherein students get opportunities that improve their learning, career and life.

Tuition fee: In comparison to the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for foreign students.

To cover tuition fees, you will need between CAD 7,000 and CAD 29,000 (indicative costs) a year. However, this is a general guide only and cost varies in relation to the institution and program you are applying for, as well as the location and lifestyle.

Intakes/Academic Year: Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. Intakes may also be referred to as a semester in some institutions. The three intakes available in Canada are:

• Fall: A popular intake among Indian students, Fall starts in the month of September
• Winter: Starts in the January; it’s best if you miss the September intake
• Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around April and May

Which intake to opt for? 

It can get a bit confusing to choose the intake that’s best for you. Consider factors like the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness to join the program whilst making a decision.

While most Indian students prefer the September intake, January and April intakes are equally good for certain programs. We suggest, if you do not have your score cards ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.

English language requirements:

A student visa for Canada would need you to score at least 6.0 in each of the four segments with an overall minimum score of 5.5 and above for undergraduate courses.

For graduate courses, the same goes up to 6.5 and above with a minimum of 6.0 score in each of the four tests of IELTS.
Academic Requirements

You need to provide the relevant prior educational certificates for the level of courses you are applying.

Here is a list of documents required for Canada:

• Attested copies of X, XII & Graduate Degree (if applicable), Mark Sheets including Backlogs (Re-sits)
• Evidence of English Language proficiency e.g. IELTS, PTE, etc.
• Standardised Tests
• Two academic references & Two references from employers (where applicable)
• Resume/CV

• Portfolio (for Art, Design & Architecture programme)
• Other Certificates & Achievements of Extracurricular Activities

Note: Documents required for individual universities and individual courses may vary in Canada.

For Undergraduate Degrees:

• Overall IELTS exam score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 issued in the past two years.
• Study gap of no more than two years, with some exceptions made for students with excellent grades and a three-year gap.
• The program applied for must be complementary and should add value to the previous education.
• The student should have an overall minimum score of 50% in their more recently completed diploma or degree.
• Proof of tuition payment for one semester or one year (as asked by the SPP institution).
• The purchase of a special Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from Scotia Bank, in the amount of $10,000 CAD to cover living expenses for your first year in Canada.
• If you have previously been refused Canadian student visa, you are not eligible to apply under SPP.

For Post Graduate Degrees: 

• Overall IELTS Score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 issued in the past 24 months.
• Study gap of no more than 5 years, with some exceptions made for students with excellent grades and a six-year gap.
• The program must be complementary and value added to their previous education.
• The student should have a minimum Second Class of C-level with an overall minimum score of 50% in their more recently completed diploma or degree
• Proof of tuition payment for one semester or one year (as asked by the SPP institution).
• The purchase of a special Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from Scotia Bank, in the amount of $10,000 CAD to cover living expenses for your first year in Canada
• You should have graduated with not more than eight backlogs in your previous degree
• If you have previously been refused Canadian student visa, you are not eligible to apply under SPP.

Education System

One of the major reasons behind Canada’s popularity among students is its affordable quality education. The Canadian government spends generously on higher education and is among the top three countries to spend per capital on post-secondary education. Let’s find out more about the Canadian education system.

We provide consultancy to study at below levels in Canada

Since the education system in Canada is managed by the provincial governments, the study levels and educational stages may lie in different clusters with different names. Here’s a synopsis:

Types of institutions

There are different types of qualifications offered by various institutions of Canada.

• University: Students can apply for undergraduate degree, postgraduate certificate, diploma and degree, professional degrees and doctorate in universities of Canada.
• University colleges: Programs offered by university colleges include diploma and university transfer programs.
• Community colleges: Students can get certificate, diploma, associate degree, undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma in community colleges.
• Career and technical colleges: Certificate and diploma offered for technical education.

Top colleges and Universities in Canada: 

• Sheridan College
• Lambton College
• Seneca College
• Centennial college
• Conestoga College
• Humber College
  
  

• Thompson River University
• Mohawk College
• University of Toronto
• University of Alberta
• MCGill University
• University of Canada west

Study permit for Canada costs CAD$ 150, which is roughly equivalent to INR 7,845 (as shared on the CIC Website) as per the current exchange rate. Since the exchange rate keeps changing, we would advise you to check the same at the time of your visa application.

Canadian Visa Applications are available both online and offline. As such, the visa processing fees can be made both online (by means of a credit card) or offline (by means of demand draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada) or by cash at the VAC. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted or a fee receipt of online payment provided. The Demand Draft required is to be drawn out in favor of High Commission of Canada in Indian rupees. VACs accept only Cash Payments.

Also, the visa fee mentioned does not include the VAC service charges. You would have to pay the additional service charges as applicable for your region. Also, a receipt will be issued for each payment received.  Please keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Courses

All levels of courses are available under Canadian Education System like Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas, Certificate programs, Bachelors and Masters.  Students can choose the preferred programs as per their choice, interests, previous education and affordability.

Top Universities

Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations. The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada.

For those looking to study at an elite university in one of the world’s most developed nations, applying to study in Canada can be an attractive option. 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. 

The two highest Canadian entries are the University of Toronto (28^th) and McGill University (33^rd), located in Toronto and Montréal respectively (the two largest cities in Canada). Also ranked within the global top 220 are the University of Alberta, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, the University of Waterloo, and Western University.