Study in Canada from China – Full Guide

Eligible students from any city can study in Canada from China. Currently, over 140,000 Chinese students are enrolled in universities and colleges in Canada. British Columbia and Ontario provinces has more concentration of students from China. Let’s explore your options if you’re looking to come here for school.

The country from which most of the foreign students came to Canada in recent years is China. The numbers themselves are quite high: 65,600 in 2014, which is a new record for Canada and shows significant growth compared to the previous year when Canada only accepted 29,000 new Chinese students.

Now, there are over 140,000 Chinese students in Canada. In this article, we will explain all you need to know about studying in Canada from China including information like cost, average tuition, visas, study permit.

Why study in Canada from china?

Some Chinese students report that they study overseas for the same reason as previously identified non-Chinese students, particularly good quality education. It has been suggested that Chinese students choose to study in Canada for several reasons:

1. Lower cost (financial aid is available).
2. Opportunity to improve their English and personal development.
3. The opportunity to stay in the country.
4. Personal academic achievement (ie higher quality education).

Another reason for studying in Canada is the opportunity to live in another country after graduation. Research has found that Chinese students chose to study in Canada because of the lower cost of living and better quality education, but also reported that such students were influenced by visa-friendly government policies (i.e., they see the opportunity in Canada to stay).

Cheaper fees attract more Chinese students to Canada

As the trade war with the US eroded China’s foreign exchange reserves, the government has tightened the buying and selling of foreign currency by Chinese residents, which means that Chinese households can now only get limited foreign exchange to send their children abroad to study.

On the other hand, some international students from China may choose to go to countries that offer free or almost free courses in higher education, for example, Finland, Germany, Iceland, or Luxembourg. Presumably, for these reasons, the number of Chinese students arriving in Canada rose only marginally by 1.7% in 2018, which is in stark contrast to the 39.1% of Indian students in the same year.

Chinese Students prefer BC and Ontario

Most of the Chinese Canadian community is concentrated in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario and most Chinese students prefer to school there to mingle with their people.

The four metropolitan areas with the largest Chinese Canadian population are the Toronto metropolitan area (631,050), the Vancouver metropolitan area (474,655), the Montreal metropolitan area (89,400), and the Montreal metropolitan area (89,400).

Seneca College has highest number of China Students

Seneca College, one of four universities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one of the top schools you’ll find Chinese citizens. It received 1,109 study permits in 2019, the highest rating of any Canadian public university

Types of programs Chinese students can study in Canada

Canada Offers 5 Levels of Education. The levels preferred by Chinese students in Canada are:

1. Bachelor
2. Master
3. Doctorate
4. Diploma

Additionally, majority of Chinese students do have to go through language courses prior to enrolling in Canadian schools. Example of these pre-qualification courses are English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL).

Cost of studying in Canada

The average tuition fees in Canada for Chinese students and non-Chinese students are estimated to be about $20,000 per year, making a total of $60,000 for a three-year degree and $80,000 for a four-year degree.

Undergraduate vs graduate tuition fees

The tuition fees for graduate studies are generally lower than for undergraduate courses in Canada; However, like undergraduate studies, this depends on the Canadian college or university you’re studying and the course you’re enrolled in. It is estimated at around $12,500 for an academic year.

International tuition fees are increasing yearly

The University of British Columbia claims that fees for postgraduate international students increase by an average of 25% per academic year. Tuition fees for most masters programs are approximately $23,000.

In addition to tuition fees, Chinese students should also carefully consider the cost of living. A study found that students in Canada need around $9,000 a year on average, although this can vary widely depending on where you are.

Hidden costs of studying in Canada

One aspect for students is the additional costs for study materials. To complete your degree, you will need access to a computer and the necessary textbooks.

If you are moving to Canada as a Chinese student from abroad, you may need to buy a computer and also, Textbooks or, if you want to save some money, go to the university library and borrow the books for free!

The cost of room and board on campus ranges from $6,000 to $11,000. The cost of living and food off-campus was estimated to be at least $11,000.

Who can Sponsor a Chinese Student to Canada?

Certain relatives (who may be in China, Canada or anywhere else in the world) can be your sponsor if they are 18 years of age or older and are:

• a Canadian citizen.
• a person registered in Canada as a Chinese under the Canadian Chinese Act.
• a permanent resident of Canada.
• Your parents, relatives in China or anywhere else in the world.
• Private, government or charity organizations can also foot the study bills.

To sponsor a Chinese student who intend to immigrate into Canada, the sponsor must live in Canada to sponsor eligible relatives unless overseas and planning to return to Canada if family members emigrate.

Can you secure a study loan?

Chinese students can now apply for a student loan without endorsement when enrolled in select Canadian schools. Chinese students may be eligible for a loan to cover the cost of their education, including tuition, room, board, insurance, and educational materials such as books.

With these loans, the lender reviews your academic success and career path and does not base its decision solely on your creditworthiness or that of a co-signer. Some other factors that it will consider include your country of origin, your graduation date, and the school you attend.

International student loans are offered by private lenders, and each lender has its own admission requirements and rules. It is important to research your options and find a lender who can offer you a loan that suits your needs.

Scholarship for Chinese students in Canada.

In addition to those scholarships sponsored by the Chinese government, there are also international students of Chinese origin who are sponsored by the private sector at foreign universities.

These funding options are encouraged by their parents who want to teach them important skills abroad. You would need a study permit. There are two scholarships Chinese students can apply for awarded by the Chinese government:

1. The Canadian Initiative.
2. Supporting The Youth.

How to apply for admission in Canada from China

If you are applying to a Canadian school, you must meet the following minimum academic requirements for admission to an undergraduate or graduate degree: 

1. You have acquired your high school certificate or a certificate from the upper secondary level or are currently in the process of doing so. (Please note that Canada does not consider Huikao or Gaokao results during the admissions process of your choice of the study program).
2. If you are applying for an English-language degree, take an English proficiency test. Admission is competitive and not guaranteed. Canada reserves the right to refuse admission, even if an applicant meets all requirements.
3. You must currently be studying a French Lycée or other recognized curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, the GCE curriculum, or a curriculum with American Ulum patterns.

Prepare the required documents

After you have submitted your application and you have received a confirmation receipt that you can use to submit your documents. If you are currently in the final year of senior or 12th grade, please submit the following:

1. Transcripts from the last three years of high school.
2. English proficiency test results.
3. Transcripts from the first section of your senior year (Senior 3 or Grade 12).

If you have completed your high school program, please submit the following documents: 

1. Certificates from the last three years of your high-school.
2. High school leaving certificate.
3. Results of the English proficiency test.

Applying for a Canada study visa from China.

To study in Canada from Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen or any other city in China, you need to first obtain a study permit and temporary resident visa from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC.

When applying, you must submit a letter of admission from a designated learning institution (DLI) that you will be attending. If you are coming from outside Canada to study as a Chinese student, your letter of admission to a DLI with an approved COVID19 prep plan must include as many of the documents required for a full application as possible to complete your study permit until you get one.

If you are planning to study in Quebec, you will need to present a valid Certificate of Acceptance for Québec or proof that you have applied for it.

Some Chinese students can get their study permits earlier by applying through the Student Direct Scheme (SDS), as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) process most eligible SDS applications within 20 calendar days.

Canada Study Permit processing time for Chinese Students

Study permit outside Canada takes 14 weeks to get processed, however Chinese students applying through the Student Direct Scheme option can obtain their visa within 20 days or less. You may need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. This processing time does not include:

1. the time required to submit an application between a Visa Application Center (VAC) and our office.
2. Or the time you need to provide your biometric data.

You have the option of applying online or visiting the Visa office in Beijing, China to apply via paper route.

Frequently asked questions

Students from China often have questions regarding securing admission into Canadian institutions and actually arriving for their programs. Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you get started.

How much does it cost to study in Canada from China?

Your annual tuition fees will vary based on your location, the programs you choose, and which of the many fantastic universities in Canada you enroll in.

According to Statistics, you can expect to pay an average of $29,714 for undergraduate programs to CAD 17,744 for graduate programs per year, while MBA programs pay an average of $27,397 per year.

What is the best time to apply for study in Canada from China?

Canadian colleges and universities offer three admission options. At some universities, courses of study can also be referred to as semesters. The three degrees available in Canada are: 

1. Fall – A popular semester among Chinese students, fall admission starts in September.
2. Winter starts in January; best if you missed September.
3. summer admission – Available for limited programs and colleges, summer admission usually starts in April and May.

How to get a scholarship to study in Canada from China?

There are lots of scholarships opened to Chinese prospects in Canada. You just need to go online and search for the perfect one for your school and course.

How to study in Canada after graduation from China?

The application process varies depending on the federal state and institution. You have to research the entry requirements for the desired degree program and apply directly to the university.

You can apply to study in Canada one year before you begin your studies. For admission in September, you must apply in March at the latest. However, if you are applying for a popular degree program, apply early to optimize your chances of success. Usually, there is a second intake in January or February of each year.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to study in Canada from China?

To study in a Canadian school, you must be fluent in English or French. Canadian post-secondary schools have their language proficiency standards for Chinese students. Language requirements vary from school to school. When preparing your application, you should find out about the specific requirements of your degree program. At some schools, you can even take English courses after you have started your studies.

What is the population of Chinese students in Canada?

There are about 140,000 Chinese students in Canada.

Can China students work in Canada while studying?

Canada makes it easy for Chinese students to take up permanent residence if they wish to stay in the country. The graduate work permit allows Chinese students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduation. International graduates may be able to apply for permanent residence after working in Canada for a year.

Is Canada the best country for China students?

Canada is the fourth-best country for China students due to lower cost of living, higher quality of education, but also reported that such students were influenced by a favorable government visa policy (i.e., they get the opportunity to stay in Canada).

Conclusion

As more and more younger Chinese students come to Canada and attend schools here, I think these academic challenges will become less important in the future.

However, Canadian universities should strive to improve their services to international students, given their increasingly visible presence on campus, especially when the path from international student to permanent residence is expected to be clear and fluid.