Do you want to study in Canada? Read this!

In the fourth part of the study abroad series, Suchitra Surve, counsellor, Global Education Counsel tells us why Canada is an emerging destination to study abroad and offers advice on the education system and student life in the country.

Why Canada?

Canadians have placed great importance to learning and also developed a first-grade education system with high standards.

Its ability to offer a stable, stimulating, motivating and excellent environment to study has increased the interest of the international students in pursuing higher education in Canadian Universities.

Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for international students.

As a great travel destination, students who come to Canada can also witness one of the most beautiful, natural environments in the world. In fact, since the year 1994, Canada has been ranked as one of the top ten places to live in the world according to the United Nations (UN) and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

In the UN survey, Canada particularly earned high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates. Also the 2011 QS-World Universities survey featured four universities from Canada in the top 50.

In addition, Canada's largest cities -- Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal -- have been recognised as world class cities in which to live and work, for their cleanliness, safety and for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.

Also read: Want to study in the US? Read this!

Also read: Want to study in the UK? Read this!

Also read: All you need to know about studying in Australia

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

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The education system in Canada consists of both publicly funded and private schools.

However, standards across the country are uniformly high. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) programmes for students who wish to learn either or both languages.

Canadian education system consists of different types of educational institutions they are:

• Universities
• University colleges
• Community colleges
• Private schools
• Public schools

Majority of Canadian universities are largely public funded due to which they are able to offer consistently high quality education at lower tuition rates for international students as compared to other countries.

Universities here offer a broad range of courses and degrees from undergraduate to doctorate. They also offer certificate and professional degrees.

Canadian university system offers students a choice of either academic oriented university degree programmes and also of the practical oriented college diplomas and certificates.

All the programs offered have a strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also offer combined degree/diploma programmes and university transfer programmes.

The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September.

Many institutes offer a limited number of courses and special programmes during the summer session. In order to apply to any undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, students are required to submit the relevant academic documents and transcript.

All overseas students are required to obtain a Study Permit i.e. a Student Visa for going to Canada for studies.

Students must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations. Under normal circumstances, at least two months are required for visa processing. Application should be made to the nearest Canadian visa office.

Students applying for Undergraduate Programs like BS, BE, BA etc in various fields in most of the Colleges and Universities all over Canada require a minimum of 12 years of formal education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in class 12th examination or junior college, as applicable or even diploma holders. For all undergraduate programs, an international student needs to give SAT.

Students applying for Graduate Programs like MS, MA, MBA in any field require a Bachelor's degree for admission in any post graduate program. For Masters Courses GRE is required and most of the Business schools certainly wants the students to have good GMAT score for admissions.

For all Undergraduate & Masters Program student has to give his/her proficiency in English by taking the IELTS/ TOEFL exam. Minimum band score required is 6. Good Universities require the score of 7 to 8 band.

Cost of education

Tuition fees for international students vary from province to province. So, students should select their university or college depending on how much they can afford to spend on their education.

Tuition fees represent only 25 per cent to 35 per cent of total expense. Books, supplies and instruments, student activity fees, housing, food, laundry, transportation, healthcare, clothing and entertainment are additional costs you must consider.

On an average, an Indian student will need approximately INR 8 to 12 lakhs per year for studying in Canada, depending upon particular university's tuition fees and location.

Scholarships

Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students but they rarely cover the full cost of a study programme and are not always easy to find.

The calendar of each university in Canada includes a detailed list of the scholarships it administers.

Obtaining a scholarship is very competitive and applications must be made directly to each University along with the application for admission. Merit based assistance is awarded in many forms, from tuition waivers, assistantships, or fellowships.

Students will have a greater chance of getting financial aid if they have high level of academic achievement along with high GRE/GMAT/TOEFL or has an outstanding letter of recommendation and an impressive statement of purpose.

Accomodation

Many students share accommodation to keep costs down and usually find places to meet their needs and preferences. Many schools and colleges offer an off-campus housing service, which can provide affordable listings that are near the campus.

At this service centre, those seeking shared accommodations can also find roommates.

Once on campus, students will often find a variety of postings throughout the campus advertising nearby housing, but it is always best to make arrangements before coming to Canada.

Hostel accomodation is a temporary and inexpensive way to stay in major cities. Accommodation is economical, and primary facilities (toilets, baths and kitchens) are shared.

Average cost of residence/dormitory rooms works up to $5,000 to $10,500 CDN per year.

Average cost of home stay accommodation: $400 to $800 CDN per month. For more information, students should contact the school /college which they will be attending.

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• University of Victoria
• McMaster University
• Queen's University
• University of Western Ontario
• University of Calgary
• Dalhousie University