Studying abroad is all the rage now. And Canada happens to be one of the top choices for international students. The number of international students who opt to study in Canada is increasing every year, so much so that the pandemic also couldnt affect the influx of students to Canada much. The world-class education system, vibrant cities, affordable living costs and tuition fees, immigrant benefits, safety, friendly people, etc., make Canada a very attractive country to pursue ones higher education.
Are you also planning to study in Canada but confused about how to go to college in Canada? Dont worry. Ive got you covered. Let us look at what the requirements of getting into a college are and how to get into a college in Canada. Heres a brief guide that might help you achieve your dream of studying in Canada.
How to go to college in Canada: A Guide
Check the Requirements
You cant get admission to a college for a course if you dont meet their eligibility criteria. Different provinces and colleges have different rules and eligibility criteria for international students. Check the requirements of every college that you wish to apply to. Dont forget to check the list of documents that you need to study in Canada beforehand. Also, make sure that you have an updated passport.
Choose College and Course
You should be careful in choosing a college as only Designated Learning Institutions can offer admissions to international students. But dont worry too much about it, as Canada has its fair share of colleges that has a DLI status that you can choose from.
Do your research and compare courses before choosing your course. While the Canadian education system allows you to switch courses, it is important to choose a course based on your educational history, work experience, and interests.
Write an English Proficiency Test
If you are from a country where the primary language is not English, then you might need to prove your proficiency in English by means of English Proficiency Tests. There are a number of English Proficiency Tests that are accepted by Canadian colleges. The commonly accepted English Proficiency Test is IELTS. Some educational institutions also accept TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge Advanced.
Check what minimum scores in these tests are required for you to be able to get admission to each college and course. Yes, every college has different minimum score requirements on language tests.
Make sure to book your test day in advance and prepare well so you can meet the minimum score requirements of your preferred college.
Apply to the College
After deciding on which course you want to take and checking your eligibility, apply to your preferred colleges. It can be done online. Some people use the services of an agency wherein the agency applies to the college on your behalf. You should also take a look at the colleges tuition fees, the application fee, health insurance, the language tests, etc., before applying.
Another important thing to remember is to apply well before the deadline. Be careful while filling out the application form and check a few times to make sure every information you have provided is correct. The college will send an acceptance letter if you are selected.
Apply for a Study Permit
International students require a study permit to study in Canada. It is a document providing permission for you to study in Canada. But you need to have an acceptance letter from a college to be able to apply for a study permit. So once you get an offer letter from the college(s) that you applied for, you will have to apply for a study permit.
You can apply for a study permit online or visit the nearest visa application center. To receive a study permit, you will need to provide the acceptance letter, passport, and proof that you are financially capable of paying the fees, rent, etc. All the required documents should be in English. If they are not then they should be translated to English by a certified translator. The processing time for study permit varies depending on the country therefore apply as soon as possible and dont leave it till the last minute.
Travel
After your study permit application has been processed, you might be called for an interview if required. Then the immigrant officer will decide whether you should be given a study permit or not.
You can start planning your travel as soon as you get your study permit. Note that you cant go to Canada before the date on which the permit comes into force. When you reach Canada, the immigration officer will check your study permit and all the other necessary documents to allow you to enter the country.
FAQs
Is studying in Canada expensive?
Studying in Canada is cheaper when compared to other countries. The accommodation expenses are also a lot more affordable when compared to US and Australia.
Is Canada a safe place to study for female students?
Yes, Canada is a very safe country. And female students have nothing to fear. Canada is known for its quality of life. The crime rate is very low, making it a safe place for international students. The people are also very friendly and accommodating. The number of international students who opt to study here every year is also proof of this.
Can an international student earn while studying?
Yes, most of the students work part-time jobs. The university or college timings allow the students to work while also giving attention to their studies. International students are allowed to work for about 20 hours a week, and they can earn up to 10- 15 CAD per hour.
Is living costs high in Canada?
While living costs in Canada is comparatively less when compared to many countries, it is still the 25th most expensive country to live in. But the cost of living varies from city to city. But it is also one of the best countries to live in.