Canada is a highly sought-after destination for international students every year. Nearly all of these students work while they study, and 50% of them successfully secure post-study visas to live and work in Canada.
Over the last twelve months, multitudes of international students from a variety of nations such as India, Nigeria, Ghana, China, Vietnam, and beyond have arrived.
In addition to providing exceptional education, Canadian universities present a remarkable opportunity for students to convert their study visas to permanent residency.
Picking the right course to pursue is just as crucial as sorting out your visa requirements. It’s crucial to select a course that you’re confident in and can justify in your statement of purpose. Take into consideration key factors like your work history and education level before deciding on which course to pursue.
Below are the steps to starting your admission application process;
Choose a course and find a University:
Once you have made up your mind about the course you want to take, it’s recommended to initiate the school application process in Canada.
Begin your Application:
To increase your chances of securing a spot, it’s advisable to apply to multiple schools and keep your options open. It is good to apply to more than one school to enable you to have options. Start your application and submit it as early as possible, because there are high numbers of other international students applying as well yearly.
The following documents are needed for the application process:
- International passport
- Academic records; high school diploma, degree results and transcripts,
- Recommendation letters,
- Statement of purpose stating the reason for your intent to study in Canada,
- English proficiency test results.
- Depending on the university you are applying to in Canada documents required may vary.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
For international students, financing one’s education and living expenses alike can present a sizable obstacle. Consequently, many students lose hope when financial aid falls through. However, several Canada-based scholarship opportunities specifically cater to international students, offering a ray of hope amidst financial hardships.
Financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships is scarce among Canadian universities, whether they be internal or external. However, international students are encouraged to seek out available scholarship opportunities and apply to as many as possible to increase their chances of receiving aid.
The scholarships on offer are either partially or entirely funded. Those fortunate enough to receive a fully funded scholarship can expect coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, study materials, and even health plans. In some cases, a monthly allowance is also provided.
Below, you’ll find a compilation of Canadian universities that provide scholarships and grants to international students, along with the links to their respective official websites:
University Of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships
https://cgps.usask.ca/documents/UGS%20application%20form.pdf
Dalhousie University
https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/programs/graduate-programs.html
The University Of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
https://cgps.usask.ca/documents/UGS%20application%20form.pdf
University Of Waterloo Scholarships (Fully funded scholarships)
https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/future-students/programs
The University Of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/how-apply/dates
Canada student visa and study permit.
Once your university applications have been reviewed, and at least one school has accepted your candidacy, an official letter of admission or acceptance will be forwarded to you.
As soon as you receive this letter of acceptance or offer, you are welcome to start your study permit or study visa application without delay.
The initial step in the process of applying for a study permit involves assembling the necessary documents, which may include:
An official correspondence, either in the form of an offer letter or a letter of acceptance, from a Canadian university.
A legitimate global passport,
Documentation of available finances.
To study in Canada as an international student, it is necessary to submit a statement of purpose outlining your intentions for studying in Canada. Additionally, the statement should affirm that you will adhere to all laws of the country throughout your stay.
After assembling the necessary paperwork, you may commence your Canada student visa application. The application process is available online or offline, with paper applications accepted. Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp to access the official website of Canada’s immigration department.
However, some students from specific countries are exempted from applying for study permits. Find out the countries in this list using the above link
It is crucial to note that the offline application takes a longer time to process.
Using the website link below, find the Canadian embassy or VAC closest to you and other information needed for the application procedure:
