Study in Canada: A Guide for International Students
Want to study in Canada? We answer all your top questions, including how much it costs to study in Canada, which courses are available and how you can use your Canadian study permit as a pathway to obtain Canadian permanent residence.
What Are My Chances of Becoming an International Student in Canada?
The number of international students in Canada continues to grow every year. Many of them are able to stay in Canada after finishing their studies.
Approval of a Canadian study permit is always at the discretion of the visa officer.
Last year, Canada admitted more than 400,000 international students. The majority of those students came from France, Nigeria, China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Iran, India, and Vietnam.
Diversity of international students is a priority for the Canadian government. In 2019, it launched Building on Success, a new International Education Strategy (IES).
The government has budgeted $147.9 million dollars towards this goal over the next five years.
You can boost your chances of success by working with us through our International Student Program.
Visaab International Student Program
Visaab’s International Student Program can help to guide you through the process. From getting your study permit to permanent residency, we’ll be there every step of the way. With our help, you can transform a Canadian education into Canadian permanent residence.
Every one of our International Student Program clients is paired with an Educational Counsellor who has been trained in the landscape of Canadian higher education and immigration in Canada. With their help, you will submit the strongest possible application.
Here are the basic steps of the application process:
1. Choose a Program: Your program choice is one of the most important factors of your study permit application. You must present a strong case for studying in Canada in this particular program. We make program recommendations based on your work experience and education history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.
2. Apply to the School: After deciding on a program, we will help you prepare and submit your application. You need to have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit.
3. Apply for a Study Permit: With your acceptance letter in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for your study permit. We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada?
The good news is that studying in Canada is affordable. Canadian tuition fees are generally lower than those in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K.
In the 2018/2019 school year, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate international student in Canada was $27,159 CAD. The average tuition for the same year spent at an American university can be compared at $45,950 USD.
You can use this tool to find tuition costs for college and university programs in Canada, as well as the estimated costs of books and supplies.
When deciding where to study abroad, cost of living is also an important factor to consider. The cost of living in Canada can be very affordable compared to most other top destinations for international students:
Click here to learn more about your housing rights as an international student in Canada.
Cost of Canadian Student Housing
There are many options for living as a student in Canada. From living in university residence, to apartment rental, students can pick the living style that suits them best. Typically, large cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, have higher housing costs than smaller cities and towns.
The University of Toronto, which serves nearly 20,000 international students, estimates the monthly cost of housing for a student to sit somewhere between $1,080 to $2,982 CAD in downtown Toronto.
In Montreal, the cost of living is low compared to other major North American cities. The University of Montreal estimates a monthly student housing cost of $550 CAD. The city of Montreal remains a very popular study destination for international students, and recently ranked fifth in the world for best study destination.
In Saint John’s, Newfoundland, one of Canada’s smallest cities, the cost of living is 10-30% lower than other Canadian cities. The average monthly cost of a two-bedroom rental is just $710 CDN, or $350 per room.
Food and Transportation costs
Similar to housing, cost of food and transportation varies between provinces. Let’s stick with the three examples from above to explore the price of amenities in cities in Canada.
All prices in Canadian dollars
Toronto:
Local transportation: $122.45 per month
Basic lunchtime menu in the business district: $17.00
Suggested monthly grocery budget: $200.00 to $400.00
Montreal:
Local transportation: $80 per month
Basic lunchtime menu in the business district: $16.00
Suggested monthly grocery budget: $350.00
Saint John’s:
Local transportation: $78.00 per month
Basic lunchtime menu in the business district: $18.00
Suggested monthly grocery budget:$240.00
Health Insurance
All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage. Certain provinces automatically give international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system, but others do not. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage to international students must purchase private health insurance. Schools in these provinces generally offer health insurance plans for international students which may be added to your tuition and student fees.
How to Study in Canada for Free
There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in Canada.
The opportunities available to you will depend on your field of study or research and your country of origin.
You can find more information about scholarships that may be available to you by using this database.
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A designated learning institution (DLI) is any school that is allowed to admit international students.
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs and can admit students from foreign countries.
Not all post-secondary schools are DLIs, so you must check the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.
What are the Different Types of Canadian Post-Secondary Schools?
Canada has a reputation for providing accessible, quality education for international students. To understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.
Any educational program beyond the twelfth grade in Canada is considered post-secondary education. There are a few different types of post-secondary education, each with a different purpose.
Certain programs may have specific admissions requirements.
Our mandate is to ensure that you meet the basic admissions requirements for any program that you are applying for
Do I Need to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada?
To study at a Canadian school you will need to be proficient in English or French.
Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next.
While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies.
Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the IELTS.
Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.
Do I Need to Submit a Letter of Intent to Study in Canada?
Your letter of intent is a critical part of your study permit application. It should explain your plans to study in the country and your goals. You should acknowledge the conditions of being a Canadian study permit-holder.
The purpose of the letter of intent is to assure the Canadian government that you will respect the conditions of your permit. You must agree to leave the country once your permit has expired.
Our international student program offers guidance on writing your best letter of intent!
When is the Deadline to Apply?
Each school has their own deadline. You should make sure to submit your application well before this deadline.
Canadian schools are flooded with applications every year. As the deadline approaches, schools become more selective. The more reputable schools are especially competitive, so the earlier you get your application in, the better.
Which Canadian University is Right for Me?
Canada has a selection of post-secondary institutions of different sizes and specialties. Here’s a list of five of the country’s most recognized schools, and a description of each to help get you started!
- University of Toronto (UofT)
The University of Toronto is likely one of the Canadian schools you have already heard of! International students choose UofT for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. 20,000 of them, to be exact. It is also located in the downtown core of the world’s most diverse city. - University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC is North America’s most international university. Thirty percent of UBC’s student population is international—16,188 students from 156 countries. Located on Canada’s beautiful west coast, the university is part of busy Vancouver. UBC is an excellent choice for those interested in living in a city while still having access to nature. Living in Vancouver means easy access to the beautiful outdoors, including forest, ocean and mountains. - McGill University
McGill has an international reputation for excellence. It’s no wonder it has a population of more than 12,000 international students. Although it is in the French province of Quebec, McGill is an English university. The city of Montreal is known as one of the best cities to live in as a student. The cost of living is low and it is home to a vibrant artistic and cultural scene. - Université de Montreal (UdeM)
UdeM is one of Canada’s highest ranking universities, and a great option for those interested in studying in French! Located in the city of Montreal, UdeM and its affiliate schools serve 9,500 international students each year. - McMaster University
McMaster is one of the world’s top 100 universities. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the university is only an hour drive from Toronto. Hamilton is experiencing a significant job boom in the tech sector. This is great news for those interested in working during or after their studies!
Can I Change Schools or Programs While on a Study Permit?
With a Canadian study permit, you can change your school or program at any time. To do so, you will want to make sure you are following the right procedure and staying within the conditions of your study permit.
Here are the exact steps you need to follow to change your school or program through the online portal:
- Sign in to your account.
- Find the section called Designated Learning Institution student transfer
- Click transfer from DLI number
- Enter your study permit application number in the search field and then click search for my application
- You may be prompted to enter more details from your original study permit application, so it’s important to have this handy.
- Enter the information about your new program or school, including the new DLI number, your new student ID number, and your start date.
- Click submit transfer
- You will then be asked to review all the information you have submitted. If everything looks good, you can complete the process by clicking confirm transfer
- You will receive a notification that your request is complete. This confirms that you have successfully informed the government of your change in plans.
Can I Work While Studying in Canada?
Yes! Another perk to studying in Canada is that international students have the right to work. This helps offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time.
Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus.
If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only.
Can I Bring My Family With Me While I Study?
International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.
Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.
If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.
You can learn more about applying for a study permit with your family here.
Can My Spouse Work While I am Studying in Canada?
If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.
Can I Study in Quebec?
Studying in Quebec gives you the option to study in English, French, or both. However, Quebec student visa requirements are a little different from the rest of Canada.
What Are the Requirements to Study in Quebec?
In order to study in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This document is issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) . It confirms that Quebec has accepted you as an international student. You need a CAQ before you can apply for a study permit if your program of study is in Québec.
To be eligible to apply for a CAQ, you need to meet the following requirements.
- Be accepted into a Québec designated learning institution
- Pay the fees associated with a CAQ application
- Agree to comply with the conditions for issuing a CAQ for studies
You do not need a CAQ or a study permit if you intend to study a program that is less than 6 months in duration.
Once you have a CAQ, you have to apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada. When you receive your study permit, you’re ready to start studying in Canada!
Are International Students Covered by Canada’s Healthcare System?
All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage.
Certain provinces allow international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage must buy private health insurance. All Canadian schools offer health insurance plans for international students.
Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?
Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.
The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. Studying must have been your primary activity during your time in Canada.
A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.