Study in Canada - Strategic Plan & Benefits

Nowadays, many students worldwide prefer Canada over other study destinations like the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Australia. This is because Canadian education offers several advantages. The opportunities range from more affordable tuition and higher quality education to a pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Choosing to get an education in Canada can be one of the most significant decisions a young person makes, regardless of their origin.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

First-Class Colleges and Universities

Canadian higher education institutions are well-known for their innovation and research. They vary in scope, size, breadth, and character of programs. Standards of academic study ensure that students receive a high-quality education that will benefit their future careers in the long term. A Canadian degree, certificate, or diploma is regarded similarly to degrees from Commonwealth countries.

Lower Tuition Expenses

One great benefit of Canada is the lower tuition costs compared to other countries. Canadian international tuition fees, housing, and other living expenses are very competitive.

Multicultural Community

You can meet almost all of the world’s national groups in Canada, making it easy to find ethnic foods and activities. Your international student advisor can help you connect with ethnic clubs. Additionally, teachers and professors are always eager to assist with studies, which is another reason to choose Canada for education.

Safe and Healthy Communities

Canadians are known for their open and friendly nature, and the United Nations considers Canada one of the best countries to live in. As an international student, you’ll enjoy the same freedoms and rights as Canadians, including equality, respect for human rights, and a peaceful, stable society. You’ll also have opportunities to meet talented individuals and gain valuable experience through student-run businesses, government, newspapers, and radio.

Work Opportunities

Students in Canada can work while studying, allowing them to manage their finances without incurring huge debt. To work off-campus, students must have an official study permit, study full-time, be enrolled at a post-secondary institution (a vocational program at the secondary level in Quebec), and be studying for a diploma or certificate that is at least six months long. A study permit allows students to work full-time during holidays and up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Post-graduation, international students can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid for up to 3 years, which helps with immigration and facilitates becoming a permanent resident by gaining Canadian work experience and additional points for permanent residence.

Pathway to Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident

Canadian work experience gained through the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program helps graduates meet the criteria for permanent residence through federal and provincial immigration programs. This is a compelling reason to study in Canada.

Don’t waste your opportunity for success; take your chance now. With high-level education, various work opportunities, immigration options, and the potential for permanent residence, you can achieve your dreams.

Strategic Selection and Considerations for International Students Considering Study in Canada

The Canadian education system is well-recognized globally, offering high-quality education while maintaining comparatively low tuition fees. However, if you want to work for a Canadian company or immigrate to Canada permanently, select your institution and study program carefully! Consider the following factors: your education and profession (if any) back home, language ability, available funds for your stay in Canada, time constraints (if any), what your family members want, and how you see your future job and life in Canada. These considerations are crucial for your future.

Factor #1: Education and Profession in a Home Country

The Canadian labour market strictly follows job requirements for certification and licensing, especially for regulated professions. For instance, if you are a lawyer with ten years of experience in your home country, you still need to study at a three-year J.D. program at a Canadian university or go through the accreditation process with the Law Society of a specific province. The same applies to doctors, electricians, accountants with CPA accreditation, etc. If you have a clear vision of your job in Canada, choose the right study program before applying. You can also switch professions and start a new career.

Hint: Explore careers at Job Bank by typing in the desired occupation to see employment potential and trends in Canada. Consider trades for higher job offer chances, check if the desired profession is regulated, and understand the time and funds required to pursue it in Canada.

Factor #2: Work Experience in a Home Country

Your occupation matters. For example, if you are an IT professional with extensive experience, you might not need to study in Canada. However, other jobs might require Canadian work experience, as many employers prefer it.

Hint: If your desired profession is competitive in Canada, consider a co-op study program to gain Canadian work experience. Also, look into licensing requirements and professional fees.

Factor #3: Tuition Fees and Funds for Your Stay in Canada

Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study, program, institution, and province. College fees are cheaper than university fees, and institutions in Ontario and British Columbia are more expensive. For instance, a one-year college program might cost about CAD 25,000, while a year at a university might cost CAD 60,000 or more. Additionally, students need to show at least CAD 20,635 for living expenses, more if accompanied by family members. Admission requirements differ as well.

Hint: Canada participates in major International Scholarship Programs. Check if you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Universities and colleges in Canada also provide information about financial options and incentives for international students.

Factor #4: Family Accompaniment

Spouses or common-law partners can accompany you to Canada if you hold a valid study permit and are studying in a master’s or doctoral degree program or certain professional degree programs. They can work for any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Dependent children can also accompany and study in school.

Hint: If it is critical for your spouse or partner to accompany you to Canada and work, choose a study program that offers this benefit.

Factor #5: Language Ability

Canada has two official languages, English and French. University-level programs generally require an IELTS average of 7, while college programs start from IELTS 6 (for diplomas) and IELTS 6.5 (for post-graduate programs). You can also take alternative language tests. Canadian multiculturalism means nobody cares about your accent, but you must speak and write correctly.

Hint: If English is your weak point, consider studying at an ESL school in Canada. For courses less than six months, you only need a visitor visa. If fluent in French, this can aid in finding a job and obtaining permanent resident status in Canada.

Factor #6: Study as a Way to Obtain Valuable Work Experience in Canada and Immigrate to Canada

International students at eligible institutions and programs can work off-campus for 20 hours per week, gaining valuable Canadian experience. After completing their study program, they can continue working by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Graduates from master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (minimum 8 months) may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP. For other eligible programs, the PGWP duration matches the study program or 3 years if the program is at least 2 years long. Those with at least one year of Canadian work experience can apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class program.

Hint: Don’t wait until you finish your study program to apply for permanent residence. Many international students have foreign work experience and degrees. Create your Express Entry Profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and you might be eligible to immigrate even before completing your study program in Canada.