Study in Canada from United States – Full Guide

Many students apply to study in Canada from United States of America annually. It is a smart decision for US students to choose Canada as their study country of choice due to low tuitions and favorable exchange rates.

Canada is a modern and progressive country with friendly and open-minded citizens, known for its large, dynamic cities as well as its pristine and picturesque landscapes. Canada has well ranking universities and colleges that admit students from USA.

Apart from being close to the United States, Canada is among the best countries for international students in the world, and the credentials of Canadian post-secondary institutions are widely respected in the global marketplace.

Canada’s job market is thriving, from big industries to entrepreneurship to small businesses. Here is a complete guide for you if you want to study in Canada from the USA, including cost of study, average tuition, visas, study permit and scholarship options.

Why Study in Canada from the United States?

A lot of American students choose to study in Canada for different reasons but here are the common ones: 

Affordable Tuition Fees

The average tuition fees for international students are $14,000 in Canadian dollars per year (2 semesters) or about $10,500 per year at the current rate. This is fair for US students compared to the tuition fees of schools in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Low Cost of Living compared to USA

The fact that the US dollar has more value means you get more value for your buck in living costs such as rent, utilities, and transportation.

Multiculturalism

Canada is known for its diversity and inclusiveness. Everything from ethnic food and cultural celebrations to newcomer support and services speaks volumes about Canada’s diverse culture.

Most Canadian university, especially those in larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, etc can help you connect with ethnic clubs and organizations in your area. It is believed that more than one in five people in Canada was born outside the country.

Stability and Safety

You’ve probably heard that Canadians are friendly and polite, but what you may not know is that Canada is consistently among the most peaceful places in the world to live.

Canada is home to stable and peaceful communities and they have a low crime rate that is constantly falling. If you’ve already decided that studying in Canada is the right choice, you need to learn about the programs they offer to students from the United States of America.

Program options for US students in Canada

The first step in choosing an institution in Canada is to determine its status as a Designated Learning Institution. Only DLIs can accept US students.

Before applying to study in Canada, you must posses the minimum requirements for admission into your program and university or college of choice. This pre-requisite is obtained by completing specific core courses in your high school or undergraduate program as the case may be.

The Canadian academic environment is flexible to change. It is best to compare your options with top institutions in the USA beforehand and choose a major that interests you.

Top Courses among US students in Canada

Below are some of the top programs to study in Canada for a bachelor’s degree:

1. Civil Engineering.
2. Law.
3. Computer Science and IT.
4. Psychology.
5. Public Health.
6. Statisticians.
7. Public Relations.
8. Mining Engineering.

How much to study in Canada from United States

Average tuition fees for US students in Canada is about $15,000 per year. For example, the University of Ontario’s international tuition fees is approximately $ 14,000 in Canadian funding per year (two semesters). Some colleges may accept tuition payment in US dollars too.

Be aware that colleges may also charge administration fees and ancillary fees that cover things like book materials, accommodation, and so on. As an international student in Canada, American students have to pay compulsory surcharge fees for courses registered.

Who can sponsor American Students in Canada?

Your sponsor can be your parent, relative, or guardian. The aim is to be able to provide bank account statement to prove that the funds specified in the sponsor’s letter are available and that the sources of the money are genuine.

How many US students are in Canada?

Canada attracts more than 10,000 American students from around the world each year. Students come to Canada to pursue their studies in one of the best educational systems in the world.

In their spare time, students can explore the second largest country from bustling cities to pristine wilderness. If you are an American student looking to study in Canada but need financial help, you may be eligible for US international student loans.

Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States to be eligible and enrolled (or enrolled) in an accredited school in Canada. You first have to make sure your school is recognized.

For students assessing student loans, only your lender can confirm that your school is eligible and provide up to the full educational costs set by your school minus any other grants received. The cost includes tuition, room and board, and living expenses.

Scholarship for American students in Canada.

As an American student, you are not eligible for financial assistance from the Government of Canada unless otherwise under certain special government programs.

If you are applying for a degree in a Canadian university, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the United States’ student scholarship program. Just make sure the college (s) to which you are applying are in this program.

Once enrolled in a Canadian college, international US students generally qualify for the same awards and scholarships as other students.

How to apply for admission in Canada from the United States

After you’ve made a shortlist of college and universities in Canada, check to see if it’s a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This means that Canada recognizes them as trustworthy places to study and you do not run the risk of falling victim to educational scams.

Tuition fees vary

Tuition fees vary by country of origin, but universities provide more details on each academic program on their websites. Canada is bilingual, so you can choose a Master’s in English, French, or both.

Good grades are important in the application process. Many of the institutions require above-average grades of 70. The higher your grades, the better your chances of enrolling at a good university.

How old is too old to study in Canada?

If you are over 25 years old and completed your last degree at least two years before your application, you may have to provide information about your previous activities. The study permit application form gives you an opportunity to provide your activities in the recent 10 years.

Admission Requirements for Students from United States

Each Canadian university has its admission requirements, but these are the most common eligibility rules for students from USA:

1. Degree certificate/diploma.
2. Completed application form.
3. Resume or Letter of Intent CVA.
4. Proof that you can support yourself financially while studying in Canada.
5. Two academic certificates to prepare for the Masters / Ph.D. (including Letters from employers).
6. Translated documents must be certified by a professional translator. You should also include the original versions of the documents.

How to apply for Canada study permit from the United States

The Canadian government regulates the admission of international students to Canada. These regulations are subject to change, but are generally stable in their requirements.

After you have received a letter of admission from a University or college in Canada, you must apply for a study permit (form IMM1294).

Students from United States can apply for a Canada study permit online or submit a paper application to a visa application center (VAC) nearest to them. To do this, you will need: 

1. A valid passport.
2. In most cases a certificate of admission from the university stating the degree program, including start and end dates.
3. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your loved ones during your stay in Canada.
4. A letter from your sponsoring organization, if you are sponsored.

Study in Canada Assessment

How much does study visa cost?

There is an application fee to apply for a study permit in Canada -whether online or via paper route. The fee is currently $150 per application per student – according to IRCC fee list, and is subject to change from time to time.

Application for a study permit is not guaranteed. If your application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office explaining the reasons for the rejection. You can reapply after a rejection provided you have fixed all the issued raised in your previous application.

When you arrive in Canada from USA, immigration authorities will ask you to provide these documents: 

1. Your study permit approval letter.
2. A valid passport.
3. A visitor visa (if required).
4. Any documents used to obtain your study permit.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in Canada from the United States?

The average tuition fees for international American students in Canada is about $29,714 (~ US $ 22,500) per year. This fee depend on the school, course of study and other factors.

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

Typical entry points for international students are the September and January semesters. However, many universities have a “rolling admission process” to accommodate international students year-round.

How to get a scholarship to study in Canada from the United States?

Scholarships for American students wishing to study in Canada are limited and competition for these awards is fierce, so the scholarships and grants are only available to students with exceptional academic backgrounds. We recommend you check types of scholarships for American students in Canada.

How to study in Canada after graduation from the United States?

Most foreigners from the US require a study permit to study in Canada. You must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada but some people can apply for a study permit within Canada. Before applying, you must have a letter of admission from a specific educational institution in Canada.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to study in Canada from the United States?

Not really, students from America can study in Canada without an IELTS or TOEFL since US and Canada speak practically the same (English) language. Should you require any language test, there are alternatives such as TOEFL, Duolingo English Test CanTEST, PTE, CAEL, CPE, Cambridge English Exams, etc.

What is the population of American students in Canada?

An estimated 10,000 Americans are enrolled in colleges and universities in Canada. Canadian officials see this as a way to build a strong bond between the two countries and raise their international profile.

Can United States students work in Canada while studying?

International students in Canada with a study permit enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can work off-campus without a work permit, which means you can work for any employer in any profession anywhere in Canada for a maximum of 20hours per week.

Is Canada the best country for United States students?

Although both the US and Canada are dream destinations for students pursuing higher education abroad, Canada has recently overtaken US due to lower cost of tuition and living expense.

Conclusion

Given the low tuition fees, high standard of living, quality education, and myriad career opportunities, it can be assumed that Canada has proven to be one of the most desirable countries for US students.