OVERVIEW

Canada is a highly developed North American country and one of the wealthiest in the world. It extends from the Atlantic Ocean on the West to the Pacific Ocean on the East, moving North into the Arctic Ocean as well. Canada is the second largest country in the world with respect to total area. As of 2015, Canada is the world’s eleventh largest economy and stands among the top ten trading nations of the world. Its highly globalized economy draws a multi-cultural crowd, and provides heaps of opportunities for those looking for a better life.

Why Study in Canada

Students who set out to study in Canada do so mainly because of the excellent education opportunities there, and the focus on research and innovation. Considering the fact that Canada spends a higher percentage of its GDP on education, it’s no wonder that it has become an educational hub for international students.

Some other reasons why students prefer to study in Canada include:

• Internationally recognized education
• Canadian degrees are considered equivalent to degrees from the United States and the Commonwealth countries.
• The tuition fee is affordable.
• Cost of living in Canada is much lesser than other famed countries.
• International students are provided with a comprehensive support system in universities.
• Some Canadian universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
• Canada has over 100 educational institutions that offer over 10,000 degree programs.
• International students are permitted to work for the duration of their study.
• Eligible students can apply for jobs and immigration after their graduation.
• Spouses of students are permitted to accompany them and work in Canada.

Courses Offered

Canada offers a huge umbrella of higher education courses on a variety of subjects. Some of the courses offered are:

• Certificate (1 year)
• Diploma (1 – 2 years)
• Advanced Diploma (2 – 3 years)
• Bachelors Degree (4 years)
• Masters Degree (1 – 2 years)
• Post Graduate Diploma (1 – 2 years)
• Doctorate Degree (4 – 7 years)

Education Requirements

Depending on the selected course, each university has its own set of academic requirements that students need to meet before they are granted admission. Students would also need to be fluent in the English language, as proved by their TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Most universities require scores that fall within the following brackets:

• IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0
• TOEFL: 80 to 100

A good GMAT score is often required by top universities for business management courses.

Cost Of Education

The cost of studying in Canada is a bit more affordable when compared to the US and UK. Most universities receive funding from their respected provincial governments, which translates to lower tuition fees.

The cost of education in Canada starts at 7 lakh rupees. This represents only the annual tuition fee; some specialized courses might cost a bit more.

Application Procedure

Canada has a very flexible student intake. Here’s a quick rundown of the application procedure.

• Select a course and the university.
• Go over course requirements and ensure they are all met.
• Apply to the university with supporting documents.
• Once offer letter is received, apply for the student visa with required documents including medical certificate.
• On receiving the visa, coordinate with the university and plan travel details.

Work Rights

International students studying in Canada are eligible to work as soon as their course begins. Many universities also offer co-operative education programs wherein students gain first hand practical experience in their field of study as part of their course curriculum. These full time co-op jobs tend to last for 12 to 17 weeks.

Students can work part-time on campus for the first 6 months of their course, and then proceed to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week. On completion of a year long course, students get to work for up to one year. Students who have completed a 2 year program in Canada are eligible to work for 2 to 3 years.

Canada also has a straightforward immigration policy that skilled professionals can take advantage of. Canadian permanent residents are allowed to apply for citizenship after just 3 years.

More About Canada

Canada is a progressive, modern country with friendly, polite and open-minded citizens. Canadians enjoy a high standard of living and live quite comfortable lives. The languages spoken are primarily English and French.

Canada is a high-tech country, and an international leader in all major sectors. Considered one of the best places to live in the world, Canada offers students a safe learning environment and unlimited opportunities to grow their careers.