Introduction to Canada and its colleges

It is now one of the most sought after countries for higher education by Indian students specifically. High-quality education along with job opportunities, in addition to liberal government policies related to post-study work and immigration, provides a perfect environment for students all over the globe.

Canada is among the most developed nations of the world and is counted in the likes of the USA, UK and various developed European Nations. The school and Universities there are recognised among the best in the world. Moreover, the cost of living and tuition fees are much more affordable as compared to other developed nations which makes it a much more affordable option for higher education without any compromise on the quality of education.

Canada is the best recognised and popular country with the largest economy in the world. As the modern infrastructure develops and unfolds so does the working opportunities for students. As a student, one has the opportunity to connect with leaders of various fields according to the choices. While studying, or after graduating one can gain experience working for leading companies in the world. High standards of research, development and teaching, permits the students seeking admissions in these foreign universities an experience worthy of a lifetime. The land is beautiful and easy to travel to, which makes it a point of great enthusiasm for dreamers and employees of the future. Like the forests, urbanised cities, falls etc for example Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.

One of the most culturally and intellectually developed and diverse nations in the world. People from all over the world have been migrating there for a long period and Canadians consider this diversity as their strength. As per the same culture and tradition. The people of Canada are really helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming.

All these qualities, along with a safe and secure environment, friendly people, affordable lifestyle and a beautiful location make Canada a top choice for Indian students and other foreign natives all over the world. Some of the student cities of Canada are

• Toronto has Canada’s most reputable university. The city is the financial centre with 5 of the largest banks in the country.
• Vancouver is the youngest and third-largest metropolis and is home to universities like British Columbia, Simon Fraser, Victoria, and others.
• Montreal, the second-largest city, has the best Student Cities according to the rankings of QS. Some of the schools and universities are McGill, University de Montreal, and Concordia University.
• Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and is the Festival City.

Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa are some of the major cities of Canada and together they consist of the largest foreign-student population and they all provide a vibrant and hospitable atmosphere and environment for growth to the prospects.

Here are some of the main reasons why one should consider Canada as the destination for studying abroad

• 1. High-quality education and academic excellence

  Canada is one of the leaders in terms of quality education and is home to many leading universities in the world such as the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia etc. The degrees offered are at par with the qualitative degrees of the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Also in almost all the surveys and rankings for the higher education system, Canadian universities consistently perform well in international rankings.

• 2. Wide variety to choose from

  As far as streams of education are concerned, all sorts of courses from various Categories are available in Canadian Institutes from engineering, business management, IT, agriculture, sports, finance, economics, energy, healthcare and various other options. Whether one wants to study a more traditional course or an offbeat program, it can be sure to find a relevant course in Canada.

• 3. Affordability

  Studying abroad can be expensive, especially when considering a developed country like Canada. But, luckily Tuition fees in Canada are fairly much cheaper in comparison to other leading educational destinations such as The USA, UK, Australia and others. The average tuition fee yearly for Studying in a Canadian University for an undergraduate course is approximately USD 16,750. In comparison,the fees in the U.S., UK and Australia are $24,920 USD, $ 21,380 USD ,$24,000 USD(Approximately).

• 4. Work while studying

  To gain necessary work experience or to earn extra pocket money, students are eligible to work part-time for about 20 hours per week on campus or outside. They can also apply for up to 3 years of post-study work permit depending on the program duration of which they are apart.

• 5. Cultural diversity and quality of life

  The varied culture of ethnic and linguistic opportunities in the diverse countries spectrum of the world. Over 120,000 students from all over the world come to Canada to study every year Which makes their student population multicultural and racially diverse.

• 6. Immigration options

  The courses in the universities and schools of Canada are designed to encourage international students to have a permanent residency with decent living after the completion of the education. Options like the Post-graduation work permit let graduates stay and work on an open work permit after graduation and allow them to get some work experience in Canada.

• 7. Welcoming culture

  A sense of belongingness and mutual attraction for both the students and the residents for one another helps in the increase of foreign students in the country of Canada.

• 1. Master of Business Administration(MBA)

  MBA from the start of the trend of abroad education has been in the top courses to study abroad. An MBA degree gives one’s career diverse opportunities and connects the student to a diversified business network, new skills and knowledge, and an overall overview of the business world. Most of the foreign MBA aspirants aim for international work experience and a satisfactory job in a reputed company.

  MBA degrees are one of the most costly courses and since Canada has affordable and reputable colleges it is a great fit for people looking to make a career in Management, business administration, Investment finance and banking.

• 2. Computer Science and Information Technology

  Engineering graduates and software developers are always highly sought after among recruiters and big companies all over the globe. In recent years, Canada has been making a major investment in economic sectors such as infrastructure, construction and transportation which increases demand for engineering and IT-related jobs.

  Specialisations in the field include aeronautic engineering, electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering and can choose from a wide variety of career opportunities in this field after graduation.

• 3. Heath and Medicine

  The health care service system in Canada is known to have always been highly rated compared to other countries. Students can make their career in nursing, medicine, biotechnology, biological sciences and pharmacy among others. Though it's high risk and tough job the benefits and pay scale are very good.

• 4. Agriculture, forestry and environment science

  We have been seeing the harmful effects of global warming, Overpopulation and Climate change on the environment for several years now. Therefore, studying environmental science has been one of the fastest-growing careers right now. Huge prospects are available in the country for the same. Typical job positions include agricultural scientists, forestry consultants, Earth scientist and agricultural consultants.

• 5. Arts and social sciences

  The art scene in Canada is vibrant with Painting, sculpting, photography, film and theatre gaining prominence over the years. Many universities in Canada offer a multitude of art courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Toronto film school and the University of Windsor are some of the popular art institutes.

• 6. Business and Finance

  Canada has the most modern and largest production contribution in the world. And we all know how big a role Finance plays in the development of an economy. A degree in finance or Economics opens up a plethora of opportunities with the understanding of financial markets. One can specialise in various courses including Brand management, risk management and Logistics. Canada is home to leading business institutes including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.

• 7. Core Engineering & Engineering Management

  AutoCAD, CATIA, Data science, mechanical and software development are the effective and the most efficient courses in the country. The best salaries are also offered to people in the country.

• 8. Physical & Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy

  An important source of energy in the current times and concerning the growing and emerging complexities in the environment. Canada generates the majority of electricity and consumable energy from the hydroelectric dams made around the country because of the blessed area and natural fortune of the land. Biomass products are abundantly available, because of the natural covers and forests in the country. Active investments in the bio-energy sector are also growing which is a good sign to generate employment and energy-efficient ways of study.

Some of the major Universities offering a plethora of courses preferred by international students are

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• McGill University
• Mcmaster University
• University of Calgary
• Dalhousie university

The basic requirements to Study In Canada

• Proper Documentation as per the course one wants to study in

  • Completed application form (For personal and professional details).
  • Proof of Secondary School Completion (Class 12th mark sheet, only in case of studying for graduation)
  • Proof of Undergraduate Programs (Aggregate Marksheet of Graduation years)
  • Proof for Post graduation (for further doctorates and PhDs, as per requirement)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP), well written which crucially illustrates who one is, his/her beliefs, career growth prospects, plans, strengths and weakness, the reason to study in a particular university, future goals after completion of that particular course and education. It is a long-form, based on which an individual is judged. All social, environmental, and work experience are extensively mentioned in the same. All these are given rewarding points, which are added to generate the final allotment of admission seats.
  • Transcripts, from colleges to be attached.
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  • Test Scores (Any exam for admission or particular university or if the USA takes in any country)
  • Visa(Student Visa)
  • Correct stamps and Passport verified

  • Academic certificates

    All academic certificates including 10th-grade mark sheets, relevant mark sheets, Competitive exams if any, degrees and certificates etc.

  • Entrance exam scores

    Every university or particular stream of subjects have various competitive exams, after the clearance of which a certificate is issued. According to the cut-offs of these scores one is selected in a college, and a particular seat is allotted for the course. Some examples of these world-famous tests are GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc.

  • Passport size photographs

    WIth certain backgrounds, pixels, quality, smile etc. Otherwise, a potential candidate can get rejected out of the authentic and professional photo.

  • Photo ID

    Either PAN card, voter’s ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, 10th Marksheet etc.

  • Work experience documents

    For some courses like undergraduate or postgraduate courses, most universities and colleges prefer candidates with experience. Hence it is advisable to have the proper experience, before applying to the colleges. And these need to be duly attested and submitted with the forms. This is to generate all-around exposure of a person.

  • Recommendation letters

    It increases the weightage and chances to be chosen and selected in the particular seat.

  • Travel documents

    Valid passport, authentic visa, International student ID card and even college acceptance letter, as proof that one is going on a student visa.

  • Financial documents

    Student loan statement, credit scores (for funds and statement of liabilities proof with the financial condition of the family members or the person asking for loans), scholarship letter, if attained in any way, Sponsorship proofs (Any individual, government department in regards to prices, company or agency if earned or won in any tests under any schemes; who are willing to financially support the candidate. These can be more than one individual etc. One’s family economic proof is also required.

  • Health certificates

    The world countries seek a health insurance card, some relevant test results and other vaccination certificates. The foreign countries are very particular about checkups and human resources of their country, and hence they take precautionary steps in the same. And more importantly, much more effective after the pandemic age.

  • Certification of language proficiency for English, as it is the medium of conversation in the state.

Apart from all these the proper submission of all these, the dates and times of submission, how and the whereabouts of the same are also necessary. Procedures for the same are,

Step 1: Understand the Requirements of different Colleges and universities

Decide and make relevant choices for the universities to apply to after understanding the roles, rules and procedures of the universities and the country too. First, just segregate the interest and desires, so the vision is clear as to what one needs to study. After the choice of subjects, look for colleges in the same department and streams. After finding the right match the education offering institution and university must be understood on grounds of popular belief, reputation, alumni and other core features like growth prospects, extracurricular activities etc. For more detailed analysis candidates must conduct a careful analysis of the rules and regulations applicable for the study permit process.

Step 2: Choose the Course and Institution

Collect all the information regarding the country, college ranking, courses offered, cultural duties, faculties, quality of courses, any alumni or someone related to the college. For information, one can seek advice and help from their websites or contact the academic advising centres. The relevant and shortlisted universities must be mentioned elaborately for their admission process before time, and request for their prospectus, also since these are different for different colleges, one has to take extra efforts in looking for this information. And then finally a major is chosen to pursue.

Step 3: Take the Language Proficiency Test

Only proficient candidates in English or French, can access and get the benefit of entering Canada. IELTS scores are accepted to authentically check the proficiency of the language English of an individual, with some institutions also accepting the Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam score.

Step 4: Apply to Universities

Subsequently, complete all the details and documents required for the application of the school and university one decides to pursue. Then finally collect all the records. Marksheets, statements, documents and submit them before the deadline of the particular secession. Then send in the application forms and the relevant application fees as per the school or university chose. Instructions for the same can be checked from forms or if one is taking any coaching for tests or tuition for preparation. This must be done under the appropriate time schedules and dates mentioned. Early bird offerings are also present in some schools. The application fee is approximately $100 to $250.

Since this must be done effectively, one must choose and apply after comparing all the options, and not in mayhem or randomly.

Step 5: Apply for a Study Permit

Since the institution is ready to offer admissions and the candidate is selected and has the offer letter in hand, one must apply to the Canada Study Permit. For the same one must apply online or through a local visa or immigration office with documents like the ones mentioned above. The important out of them are Offer letter, passport, Documents proof and original and also the statement stating the financial condition.

Step 6: Travel Time

With the application of the Visa application form, the step is done on the candidate’s part. But sometimes an interview is needed and required. After its conduction, the immigration officer decides and permits the application.

After the approval and acceptance of letters, one can easily book tickets to travel and stay in Canada.

The permit generally contains a start date, of the allowance from which one can stay in the country.

Step 7: Study Time

The final check of all the documents, for their authenticity and deadlines, check, is made at the airport, before entering the new country.

Undergraduate tuition fees in Canada

The average tuition fees are CA$29715, annually for the undergraduate level. Art courses are cheaper(averaging $5,540), while engineering and medicine are among the more expensive (an average of CA$21,720. Fees for business and management courses are lower than the national average, at CA$6,825 per year.

Postgraduate tuition fees in Canada

Postgraduate tuition fees are lower compared to under graduation but depend on the type of course and University chosen. The average postgraduate tuition fee for international students is at CA$17,740; As is the case worldwide, executive MBA programs are generally the most expensive, averaging around CA$56,330, while regular MBAs cost CA$27,400 on average.

Cost of Living in Canada

Although Living costs in Canada are a bit above average, there is a guarantee of high quality of life. One would need approximately between 800 – 1,500 CAD/month for most cities, such as Toronto, Quebec, Montreal and Ottawa.

Accommodation cost

The main housing options for students living in Canada include University hostel and homestays, student residences and rented and shared apartments which will cost around 250- 600 CAD/pm for student residences up to 700 CAD per month for sharing an apartment. Food and grocery bills will probably be around 300 CAD pm.

Transportation costs

Many students prefer public transportation including buses, subways and taxis for their daily commute. The monthly passes range from about $80 to $150 on average. One can take advantage of many student discounts and passes offered by many transit providers.

Many of the universities offer grants and scholarships to individuals, to clutch in the best pool of human resources into premises or campus, to have good environment check, with quality students. It also builds goodwill and brand identity for the college or university. Generally, the universities of Canada do not offer grants in any regards or scholarships for undergraduate programmes of education, but there are a few of them for permanent citizens. For international students, several other grants are available which are provided by the private organization or Private resource, Corporate houses and companies, Nonprofit organizations, Government scholarship programmes etc.

Some financial aid programmes and grants that support international students in Canada:

• Scholarships provided by various Canadian universities for Master and doctorates after post-graduation.
• Scholarships available to academic institutions in other countries to facilitate collaboration with the local academic community.

Bursaries are a type of financial assistance provided by universities and colleges for international students in Canada. For granting assistance to weaker sections of the society and considering the personal and family income, these Bursaries are issued, and they differ from the scholarships and grants.

Other methods of financial aid and assistance include student loans, student line of credit and Grants.

In terms of funding the stay of the student, one could look for even a Part-time job to support during studies. If someone is studying for at least two years in the country, one is eligible to work for 20 hours(part-time) per week (and full-time during university holidays).

To be eligible for working part-time while studying one must fulfil the following conditions:

• Have a valid study permit
• Be a full-time student in a Canadian college or university.
• Should be enrolled at an esteemed and deemed institution or college at the post-secondary level

• Must be a student of any academic, vocational or professional program. And should be pursuing any degree, diploma or certificate with a minimum of at least six months duration.

  For this one must require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Canadian administrations and services to work in Canada or to receive benefits as per the offerings in the mainland or the services from the government.

To apply for funding in foreign lands as Canada, these documents might help to generate funds

• Proof of the Canadian bank account with proper balance and statements.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) by a Canadian bank.
• Proof of student or education loan.
• Bank statements(last four months).
• A bank draft which can in future be changed to Canadian dollars.
• Proof of payment of tuition fee and accommodation amount.
• A letter as a statement, mentioning the person and school offering money(for scholarships and grants).
• Offer letter as authentic documents

• Study about job markets in Canada

  Before someone decides to find a job in Canada, it’s beneficial to carry extensive research on the recruiters in the areas one wishes to work in and the companies that are in requirement of skilled and industry-ready individuals in which they specialise in. Find what's in demand and plan the career accordingly.

• Look for the qualities Canadian employers look for

  There are some Qualities that employers always look for in a potential candidate which help in the job search. These include the ability to work as a team, good Analytical and communication skills, Flexibility and a positive attitude.

• Look for job prospects and requirements on various job portals and websites

  One may look for various designations, required skill sets, salary for different roles, and potential employers based on previous experience and Qualification on these job portals.

  After landing on a good and suitable employer, one should hover over and just catch the opportunity itself, then and there. One can directly contact on their end through the valid job portals or by directly contacting them through their social media pages, contact numbers, email ids and other formal ways.

• Research on probable employers

  Upon finding suitable employers, the next step should be to do a thorough background search and find out more about them. This ideally should include:

  • Kind of sector they are involved in
  • Size and nature of the company
  • Their potential competitors
  • Information related to their clients and customers
  • Benefits for employees

• Investment with the required time and monetary resources is necessary

  Since a few jobs may require one to register for them in Canada or get certain transcripts assessed. Also, one must apply for a work visa to successfully clear a job interview.

  The expected average highest packages in the country are in the following fields like

  • Management

    • Statistician and Actuaries $69,404
    • Senior Business Manager $75,241
    • Recruitment Professional Specialized $62,932

  • Engineering

    • Chemical Engineer $65840
    • Mechanical Engineer $61,967
    • Environmental Engineer $80348

  • Medicine

    • Dentist $99,148
    • Pharmacist $77,465
    • Veterinarians $77,465

The best and most popular Canadian universities, providing the highest packages of placement and employing the most candidate rate are

• Concordia University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo