Why Study In Canda
Last Updated: 25 February 2021
Between 2015 to 2019, the number of international students in Canada climbed by more than 80% in the 5 year period. Making Canada the fastest-growing among the world’s leading study destinations during that period.
Canada offers one of the best education standards in the world. In 2019, 3 Canadian cities, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver were ranked within the top 15 destinations for students for higher studies. Canada also offers one of the fastest and easiest pathways for students to permanent residence and eventually Canadian citizenship. Our team will find the best match with your academics with the best college or university, increasing your chances of success.
In 2019, 827,586 international students held valid study permits in Canada. Of these, 402,427 new study permits were issued (a 15% increase from 2018). As per IRCC 2020 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration – Canada.ca
In 2019, 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency. When compared to other OECD countries, Canada had the 7th highest percentage of international students enrolled in post-secondary education in 2017.
International students contribute to Canada’s prosperity and have a greater impact on Canada’s economy than exports of auto parts, lumber or aircraft. In 2018, international students in Canada spent an estimated $21.6 billion on tuition and other expenses.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has introduced a lot of policies, to help international students. Canada has allowed international students to study online and yet maintain the benefits which come with a Canadian education, to make it easier for their Canadian immigration journey. International students can study online from their country of residence until they are able to make it to Canada to study. Even if they complete their entire education online, they still are eligible for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP will allow them to work in Canada after completing their education.
There are over 1,400 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Canada’s universities offer more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs – as well as professional degree programs, diplomas and certificates – in a broad range of disciplines.
Some of the top-ranking internationally-renowned universities are:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- York University
- University of Alberta
- Queen’s University
- University of Calgary
- McMaster University
- University of Victoria
- Université de Montréal
- Western University
- Ryerson University
- Université Laval
- Concordia University
- Carleton University
- Université du Québec à Montréal
- University of Ottawa
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- Dalhousie University
- University of Montreal
Cost of education in Canada
The cost to study in Canada can be based on various factors. The institution you choose the city you choose to stay and other factors. The tuition cost can vary depending on the region you choose to study. Below is the average international undergraduate fees by province for 2020/2021
| Province | International Undergraduate (Canadian $) |
|---|---|
| Alberta (AB) | $27,404 |
| British Columbia (BC) | $28,240 |
| Manitoba (MB) | $17,099 |
| New Brunswick (NB) | $16,744 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) | $11,983 |
| Nova Scotia (NS) | $19,639 |
| Ontario (ON) | $40,724 |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI) | $21,093 |
| Quebec (QC) | $26,147 |
| Saskatchewan (SK) | $20,636 |
Cost of Living in Canada
Although Canadian student visa requirements say you must have at least CA$10,000 on top of your tuition fees, you’ll likely need to budget much more than this for your living expenses. Your living costs will vary considerably depending on your location and spending habits, with large cities generally more expensive to live in.
You will need to purchase compulsory health insurance while studying in Canada. This will cost approximately CA$600-800 (~US$455-607) per year. You should also budget for extra costs, such as warm winter clothing if you don’t already have any.
What are the next steps?
You will need a study permit also commonly known as Study Visa, to study in Canada, for programs more than 6 months in length.
You will need a number of documents and forms which depend on the country from where you are applying and or a citizen of, generally, you would need the following:
Generally, to apply for a study permit, you will need the following documents:
- Acceptance letter from the eligible institution;
- Your passport or another travel document;
- A proof that you have enough money to study in Canada and to cover the living and travel expenses for you and your family if they plan to come with you to Canada;
- Medical examination and police checks may be required.
You may need to gather other documents depending on your situation and the country of your origin. You will also need to satisfy the visa officer that you will leave Canada after you graduate.
Fast Track Processing / Student Direct Stream
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days by the IRCC.
To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:
- be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
How to get a Study Permit (Visa) for Canada
What happens once you finish your studies in Canada
After successful completion of your studies in Canada, students are expected to update their status within 90 days with IRCC. All graduates should stop working and immediately update their status with IRCC. Usually, the last day of attending college is considered to be the day of completion of studies for fresh graduates. You should always ensure, that you do not work or join a new study program until you have the approval for a work or study permit.
Based on the eligibility, graduates may apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP is an open work permit issued to successful graduates after successfully completing studies in Canada. PGWP is issued for a maximum validity of 3 years. PGWP holders can work for any employer in Canada. This gives an opportunity to gain Canadian experience and also helps in obtaining Canadian permanent residence through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and some Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP).
If you are not able to obtain a PGWP or do not want to enrol in a new study program, please ensure to change your status to visitor status or leave Canada within 90 days of completion of your studies. If you do not do so, you will be at risk of being out of status which can have future implications.
