Canada

Academic Structure
Student Life in the USA
Popular Subjects and Programs
Money Matters
Scholarships

Education in Canada is under the management of the Provincial Government of Canada. The major intakes in Canada are in September and January. Some Universities are also open for May.

The institutions in Canada are classified into 2 categories:

  1. Community colleges: These colleges can offer UG Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees, University Transfer programs, and PG Diplomas
  2. Universities: Universities can offer Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degreesas well as Ph.D. programs. Students can enroll in Masters and Ph.D. Programs at Universities only

Undergraduate Courses:Undergraduate courses in Canadacan be pursued by the students at a college or a university before earning a bachelor’s degree. Students can usually earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. Students can take up studies in acommunity college or a four-year university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

Program length is 4 Years to attain a Bachelor’s Degree, and 2 to 3 Years (2-year program is a Diploma and 3-year program is an Advance Diploma) for an undergraduate diploma.

Graduate: A graduate course is to be pursued until successful completion to get a master’s degree. A graduatecourse facilitates jobs at higher level positions. It is an ideal way to advance your careeror enter a profession of your choice.

Much like the undergraduate pattern, a master is provided by the university after a 2-year course from a university. Students also get an option to pursue PG courses (Typically 1 to 2 years) from community colleges to be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma.

Doctoral: Canada also offers research and doctoral programs at some of the most prestigious universities holding a high status in various rankings worldwide. Length of the program ranges from 2 to 5 Years.

  • All universities arrange for an International Student Orientation Programme, which is mandatory for international students to attend. This event is usually a two to three-day sequence of sessions wherein students are introduced to different facets of life in university and given a clear understanding of campus life.
  • Students get their ID cards, bank account, on-campus housing, medical insurance sorted out during this period. The USA is a beautiful country with lots of interesting tourist spots to explore ranging from the Grand Canyon to spell-binding national parks across the country.
  • If you can afford it, utilize the vacation time to explore the country. Limited opportunities to work are on offer when studying and you should contact your University for clarity on the number of hours that you are allowed to work when studying. Laws are quite strict and do not break them.

Popular subjects offered by Canadian universities:

Canadian Universities offer a large number of well-designed courses for both Graduate and Under Graduate aspirants. The versatility of the courses in various disciplines offers everyone a part. A few of such disciplines are:

  • Engineering
  • Business and management
  • Mathematics
  • Computer sciences
  • Fine and applied arts
  • English
  • Health Sciences
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Civil Engineering and Construction
  • Public Health
  • Finance
  • Finance
  • Pharmacy
  • Psychology
  • International Relations

There are other courses offered by Canadian Universities that might be of interest to you. Click here to be matched with a university of your interest.

Your average costs of living per month are likely to be around CA$600-800 (~US$450-600) for food and other expenses, not including accommodation, which will be your largest expenditure after tuition fees. Living expenses including accommodation in Canada are likely to be approximately CA$10,000-15,000 per year (~US$7,550-11,300). Living costs are generally more expensive in the biggest cities.

If you’re under 18 (or 19 in the provinces of British Columbia, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories) you must live with a host family in a homestay, which may be arranged by your university. At approximately CA$650-800 (~US$490-600) a month, this could be another fairly affordable option, particularly as your host family is likely to provide you with meals at no extra cost. 

Here are some examples of average living costs in Canada: 

  1. Eating out at a restaurant: CA$10-15 per person (~US$8-11)
  2. One-way ticket on local public transport: CA$3 (~US$2)
  3. Loaf of bread: CA$2.80 (~US$2)
  4. Cinema ticket: CA $12.25 (~US$9) 

Student visa and application fees: 

In order to study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay. You do not need a Canadian study permit if your course or program lasts six months or less. Applying for a study permit costs CA$150 (~US$110).

You should also remember that it is compulsory to purchase health insurance while studying in Canada. This will cost approximately CA$600 (~US$450) per year. 

Housing 

Most universities offer on-campus residences for students, some of them specifically for scholars from abroad. But acceptance at a Canadian school does not automatically mean you can get a room in residence. Students must apply separately for on-campus housing, and its cost varies across institutions and will depend on whether or not you want a private room or a meal plan. Some international students choose to live off-campus in an apartment. Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment in Canada averages $1,025 per month*, but varies depending on the city or neighbourhood and the type of accommodation. As a renter, you may also need to pay additional monthly costs for utilities such as electricity, home phone, Internet and cable television, as well as personal expenses and renters’ insurance. Some students share apartments or entire houses in order to reduce their housing costs, or they rent rooms in private houses, sometimes also paying for use of the kitchen. Most universities can provide assistance with finding housing, both on and off campus, and answer questions through their housing office or student services. 

Transportation: 

Many students, particularly those in larger cities, choose public transportation: buses, subways, commuter trains or ferries. One-way public transit fares typically cost a few dollars, and monthly passes range from about $80 to $150, although many transit providers offer student discounts. 

Health insurance: 

All international students in Canada must have health insurance, and the medical coverage that is available varies for provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan cover international students under their provincial health care plans, such coverage generally depends on the length of your stay.

Government scholarships on offer are:

  • Canada Graduate Scholarships
  • NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

Government scholarships on offer are:

  • Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation Scholarship
  • Trudeau Scholarship

Most universities tend to have their own fellowship or grant and students are advised to go through the university website and apply for relevant scholarships.

FAQ

What are the tests required for Canadian Universities ?

English proficiency tests in Canada, one must have scores of IELTS. TOEFL, PTE and DUO Lingo Test.
Admission Tests are GMAT and GRE

What is the application process for international students in Canadian universities?

These are the application process:-
Research and Choose Universities
Check Admission Requirements
Meet Language Proficiency Requirements
Prepare Educational Documents

How does the Canadian education system differ from other countries?

Canada is officially bilingual, with English and French as its official languages. One of the most significant differences in the Canadian education system is the provincial control over education. Each province and territory in Canada has its own Ministry or Department of Education, and they are responsible for setting curriculum standards, graduation requirements, and educational policies.

Are there opportunities for part-time work while studying in Canada to support living expenses?

Most international students with a valid study permit are eligible to work part-time while studying. However, there are some conditions and restrictions. It’s important to ensure that your study permit explicitly allows you to work off-campus before you start working.

Is there availability of on-campus and off campus jobs for international students ?

International students can also work on campus without a separate work permit. On-campus work is subject to the same weekly hour limits as off-campus work. If your study permit allows you to work off-campus, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., winter and summer holidays).

Are there any cultural adjustment or language support programs for international students?

Yes, Canadian universities often offer cultural adjustment and language support programs to help international students transition smoothly into the Canadian academic and cultural environment.

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