Canada is a popular destination for international students seeking to pursue higher education. With world-class universities and colleges and a welcoming society, Canada is a top choice for students worldwide. If you’re considering studying in Canada, it’s essential to understand how to navigate the Canadian education system. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started.
Step 1: Choose a Program and Institution
The first step in studying in Canada is to choose a program and institution that fits your needs and interests. Research the different programs and institutions available, and consider factors such as tuition fees, location, reputation, and program requirements.
This step will also depend on whether you are applying for high school or post-secondary education (university or college).
For high school, you’ll need to apply to the school board in the area where you plan to study.
If you’re interested in pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, there are several options available, including universities, colleges, and technical institutes. Each institution has its own admission requirements. It’s essential to research the programs that interest you and understand the application process.
Step 2: Apply to the Institution You Have Chosen
Once you have chosen a program and institution, you need to apply to the institution. You must provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. Depending on the program requirements, you may also need to provide a personal statement and other supporting documents. It is important to contact each institution that interests you to get the most up-to-date information regarding their requirements and tuition fees.
Step 3: Obtain a Study Permit
International students need a study permit to study in Canada. You can apply for a study permit yourself or through licensed professionals such as mana immigration’s expert RCICs.
NOTE** If you are seeking help from a representative, make sure they a regulated IRCC professional to avoid potential fraud.
You will need to provide proof of acceptance to a Canadian institution, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents that may be needed for your specific application.
Step 4: Secure Housing
After getting your acceptance letter and obtaining a study permit, you must secure housing. You can choose to live on-campus or off-campus, depending on your preference and budget. The on-campus living arrangements for some colleges and universities get booked months in advance on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, it’s important to make arrangements as soon as possible for those. Make sure to research your housing options and plan ahead to secure your housing before you arrive in Canada.
Step 5: Get Health Insurance
As an international student, you need to have health insurance while studying in Canada. Most institutions offer health insurance as part of their student services, while others require you to purchase your own health insurance. Make sure to research your options and obtain health insurance before you arrive in Canada, as this is a crucial part of the process.
Step 6: Arrive in Canada
Once you have secured your housing and obtained health insurance, it’s time to make your travel arrangements and arrive in Canada. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your new surroundings.
Step 7: Plan Your Budget
In addition to the above steps, international students should know the costs associated with studying in Canada. On average, international undergraduate students pay CAD 29,714 in tuition fees for the 2020-2021 academic year, while the average tuition fee for domestic undergraduate students is CAD 6,833. According to Statistics Canada, Ontario has the highest tuition fees compared to its fellow provinces, with an average of CAD $45,242. International students also need to factor in the cost of living, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses, which can vary depending on the location.
As an international student, you can work part-time (20 hours per week) during your school time to help with your expenses. The work can be on or off campus. On your legal breaks between your studies, you are eligible to work full-time (40 hours per week). For example, if you have courses in the fall and winter break but are on a break in the summer, you can work full-time in the summer.
It is also good practice to regularly research scholarships and funds for foreign students that many institutions and private companies offer in some conditions. These funds can greatly help you make ends meet in your study period.
Get the Help You Need
Mana immigration is a professional firm specializing in assisting international students with their study permit application and navigating the Canadian education system. With our expertise and knowledge, we can help students understand the admission requirements, provide guidance on which institution to choose and offer advice on the immigration process. We also offer services such as application review, document preparation, and submission to immigration authorities, ensuring that students’ applications are complete and accurate.
