Why Study in Canada?
Canadians place a premium on education and demand first-rate schools. Canada spends more per capita on its education system than any other country in the G-7 and is among the top three countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A degree from a Canadian university is recognized world-wide and as a result, international students who graduate from Canadian universities enjoy successful and prosperous careers.
Student Visa Basic Requirements
The Canadian Student Visa allows people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents to take advantage of Canada’s world-class education system.
If you wish to study in Canada for 6 months or more, you will generally need to apply for a Student Visa. The specific requirements for the Student Visa will vary depending on your level of study, your educational background, and your country of citizenship.
To qualify for a Study Visa you will need:
• Acceptance to a university, college or technical institution in Canada.
• A valid passport or travel document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it.
• Proof of financial support which shows that you can support yourself (and any accompanying dependants) while you are studying in Canada.
CANADIAN EDUCATION: NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES
Canada is a huge country of diverse peoples, lifestyles and landscapes. It offers a multiplicity of top quality education programs of interest to international students.
Canadian educational institutions welcome international students. Many provide special services for international students, designed to assist them to integrate into the academic community and to help them throughout their stay.
THE STARTING LINE: BASIC INFORMATION
There are two major steps to take if you wish to come to Canada to study at the secondary or post-secondary level (in Canada the term post-secondary is commonly used to refer to tertiary or advanced education). First you must be accepted in a program of study by a recognized Canadian secondary school or post-secondary institution. Second, you must apply for and be granted a student authorization (and visa if required) from Canadian immigration authorities. These procedures take considerable time, and you should apply six months to a year in advance of when you wish to begin study in Canada.
LIVING COSTS
Students must meet the costs of study and living in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires proof that the student has sufficient money available. If the institution provides a cost of living estimate, the immigration officer will generally follow it. In the absence of a cost of living estimate, the immigration officer will require evidence of $10,000 to cover 12 months living expenses for a single student. An additional $4,000 will be required for a spouse and an additional $3,000 for each dependent, to cover 12 months living expenses. This amount includes food, accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, books, clothing and sundries. These are minimum estimates. Tuition and other student fees are not included in this amount.
ACCOMMODATION
Acceptance at a Canadian school, university or college does not automatically secure accommodation in residence. At universities and colleges, on-campus housing is often available; arrangements for on-campus housing must be made separately through the Directors of Residences. Such accommodation is limited, and reservations must be made early, usually by the May preceding September enrolment.
Off-campus housing
In rented rooms, housekeeping flats or apartments cannot be reserved in advance. It may be necessary to secure temporary accommodation upon arrival until permanent housing is arranged. Information on housing is available from the housing office or the International Student Adviser at most institutions.
Secondary students are usually responsible for finding their own housing. Sometimes the international student office will arrange home stay (room and board with a family), or assist in finding apartments for students. Ask about housing services at the time of application.
CLOTHING
Students from warmer climates must expect to spend a considerable amount of money in the first few months on winter wear such as coats, boots, sweaters and gloves. On the campus most students dress informally.
MEDICAL EXPENSES
It is imperative that every student and dependent obtain medical and hospital insurance, as health care in Canada is expensive. Public medical and health insurance plans are administered independently by each province, and some private or supplementary plans are available. Some universities and colleges require compulsory health insurance coverage. It is not possible to arrange for coverage in advance, but it should be secured within the first week after arrival. Please note that even if provincial coverage is available free of charge to international students, the students must nevertheless register with the provincial health coverage authority to ensure coverage.
