Study in Canada from Poland – Expert Guide

A good number of students want to study in Canada from Poland as a result of good educational system in the country. Currently, there are about 50,000 Polish students from Warsaw (the capital city), Krakow, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Zakopane, Poznańin and other cities in Poland studying various degree programs in colleges and universities in Canada.

International students from Poland have many reasons for choosing Canada as their best study destination. Let’s talk about the reasons and how to apply to study in Canada from Poland.

Why Study in Canada from Poland?

Evidently, Poland has many reputable universities such as Jagiellonian University, University of Warsaw, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, AGH University of Science & Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Gdansk University of Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Life Sciences and Wroclaw Medical University. However, many Polish students still choose Canada because of their quality of education and opportunities to immigrate after their programs.

While some prefer to study in Canada from Poland because of the education system, others choose Canada because of the friendly nature of the country.

On the other hand, many others prefer Canada as their destination because of the various opportunities available in Canada after studies.

Benefits of Studying in Canada from Poland

Below are the reasons why students prefer to study in Canada from Poland:

#1. A path to long term visa options for permanent residency in Canada

Canada offers a special pathways to international students in the country after their studies. Polish students in Canada can make use of these opportunities to get Canadian permanent residence after their studies. With this, Polish students can also bring their family members to Canada without exception. 

#2. Better education at cheap rate

Among the top countries with good education system, Canada offers the cheapest education in the world.

Therefore, students prefer to study in Canada from Poland in order to take advantage of the quality education at a cheaper rate. 

#3. Options to work while you study

As a Polish student in Canada, you can work while you study. However, you must meet certain requirements and be admitted into a designated learning institute. 

One advantage of this option is that it gives the student opportunity to get the required work experience needed while applying for permanent residence through Canada Experience Class. 

Opportunities for International Students in Canada

International students who study in Canada have a lot of opportunities in Canada both during and after their studies.

For instance, Polish students who studied in a Canadian designated learning institution can get a Post Graduate Work Permit.

With this work permit, the student can work in Canada after his or her studies. Thus, they have many opportunities open for them in Canada.

On the other hand, students with a valid study permit can work while they study in Canada. As such, at the completion of their studies, they can qualify for Canadian Experience Class due to the work experience that they have.

With this, they can get permanent residence status in Canada. What this means is that, they can live and work anywhere in Canada. Thus, a lot of opportunities are open to them.

Popular Canadian Provinces for Polish Students

First of all, it is good to know that Canada is a friendly country for international students. This also includes students from Poland. Therefore, students who come to study in Canada from Poland are very much welcome.

However, the most popular cities in Canada for international students include: Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. 

Ontario

The most populous province in Canada is Ontario with about 40% of the population residing in the province. In addition, Ontario is also the province with highest number of international students.

Therefore, students from Poland can choose to stay in Ontario when they come to study in Canada from Poland. 

Apart from being friendly to international students, Ontario also has the highest number of universities and colleges in Canada where students from Poland can study for their various programs including: diploma, bachelor’s degree as well as master’s degree programs. 

British Columbia

Second to Ontario for International students is the province of British Columbia. This is because apart from the number of universities and colleges located in the province, it also offers quality, wide-ranging education opportunities at all levels.

Quebec

If you are good in French and you are able to pass your French Language test, Quebec is also a good place to live and study in Canada as an interest student from Poland.

In addition to excellent quality of education, affordable tuition fee and living costs, shorter programs, Quebec also offers good and cheap accommodation to international students.  Additionally, Quebec is the province with  lowest cost of living in Canada.

Types of programs to Study in Canada from Poland

Many students who study in Canada from Poland have plenty of study options to choose from. These include:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Diploma
• MBA

Bachelor’s Degree

There are many undergraduate programs for international students in Canada. So, students can choose from the variety of undergraduate degree.

Students can choose either three or four years of full-time study. However, this depends on the program depending on the province or program. 

Master’s Degree

If you want to study for a master’s degree program in Canada, it takes about one or two years for international students. 

Diploma

Just like master’s degree programs, diploma programs also take between one and two years. The major diploma programs for international students in Canada include:

• Computer Science & Information technology.
• Accounting & Finance.
• Business Administration.
• Engineering – Aerospace, Electrical, Civil, Software.
• Engineering Management (Electrical, Construction, IT)
• Renewable Energy & Earth Sciences.
• Agricultural Science & Forestry.

MBA

Another popular program for students who want to study in Canada from Poland is MBA programs. It takes about two years to graduate from an MBA program. 

Cost of studying in Canada from Poland

Most universities in Canada set their their fees themselves. Thus, there is no common fee for students in Canada.

However, your fee depends on many factors including: your program of studies, the university of your choice and whether you are an international student or a Canadian citizen. 

In spite of all these factors, if you are a Canadian citizen, you may pay an average tuition fee of CAD $6,463 per year for an undergraduate program. Whereas a graduate program costs around CAD $7,056 per year.

Undergraduate tuition fees in Canada

If you desire to study in Canada from Poland, the average tuition fee is around CAD $29714 per year.

Postgraduate tuition fees in Canada

For postgraduate programs, you are expected to pay an average tuition fee of CAD$17,744 a year.

Generally, executive MBA programs are the most expensive with an average tuition fee of around CA$56,328 per year. 

Cost of living in Canada

When applying for Visa, you have to have at least CAD $10,000 as a proof of fund.  This is different from your tuition fees.

However, it is necessary that you make a budget for your living expenses. The expenses normally vary from province to province with Quebec being the least expensive province to live in Canada. 

Cost of Accommodation for International Students in Canada

For international students in Canada, there are generally three types of accommodations. This depends on your budget.

So, you can decide which type of accommodation you like depending on how much you want to pay. As such the three types of accommodation in Canada for international students include: homestay, university accommodation and private accommodation.

While on campus accommodation costs CAD $3,000-7,500 annually. Those who live outside the campus pay around CAD $8,400 every year.  However, this includes other bills. Generally, university accommodation is cheaper.

Who can sponsor Polish Students to Canada?

As a student who come to study in Canada from Poland, you must not need a sponsor. However, you must provide a proof of fund showing that you are capable of settling in Canada for at least a year. 

But before you will be eligible to study in Canada, you must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI),

 One you meet these criteria, you can study in Canada even without a sponsor. 

However, the following people can sponsor you when you want to study in Canada from Poland.

• Father
• Mother
• Spouse
• Brother
• Common Law partner
• Friend
• Relative

Scholarship for Polish students in Canada

Students who come to study in Canada from Poland can have access to a number of scholarships available to international students. To be eligible to qualify for any scholarship in Canada, you must meet certain requirements. 

Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Basically, there are three types of scholarships available to international students in Canada. They include:

#1. Canadian Government Scholarships

These are awards offered by the government to encourage students to study in Canada.

#2. Non-Government Scholarships

Offered by various different trusts, foundations, and organizations to students pursuing a specific course stream to encourage participation and development in the said field.

#3. Institutional Scholarships

Offered by universities or colleges in Canada to students who are pursuing education with them.

Eligibility for Scholarships in Canada for International Students

In order to become eligible for scholarships in Canada, you must:

• have academic excellence,
• meet certain language proficiency,
• be involved in extracurricular Indulgence,

How to apply for scholarship to study in Canada from Poland

To apply for international scholarships in Canada, you must follow the steps below:

1. Look for all available scholarships. 
2. Communicate with your university/colleges to know the application process. 
3. Apply for scholarships before deadlines approach.
4. Finally, make sure to get your scores for tests required to study in Canada. 

How to apply for admission in Canada from Poland

Minimum academic requirements

First of all, all universities in Canada have different admission requirements. However, there are general requirements needed for admission into Canadian universities.

The general requirements include:

For underground students, you must have graduated from a Canadian high school or its equivalent from Poland. 

Then, graduate applicants must have completed an undergraduate program. 

However, you need to attain a minimum admission average of 70%.

English/French language requirements

Besides, the general requirements, students who come to study in Canada from Poland must meet the required Canadian language benchmark.

The accepted Language tests include:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) assessment
• Michigan English Test
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Duolingo English Test
• CanTest

Other requirements

Other necessary requirements include:

• Letter of intent or statement of purpose 
• Reference letters

Steps to apply for admission from Poland

If you have finally decided to study in Canada from Poland, then, you have to follow the steps below for your admission into Canadian universities:

Firstly, confirm its availability.

Secondly, check if you are eligible

Thirdly, check if you can afford the institution’s tuition 

Fourthly, apply for admission into the college or university. Of course, you have to pay the application fee.  

Fifthly, wait for the college or university to process your application.

Sixthly, get your admission letter if you qualify.

Finally, use the admission letter and other supporting documents to apply for study permit.

Then, once you get your visa, you can move into Canada immediately.

Self application vs. use of consultants/representatives.

When applying for Canadian study visa from Poland, you have two options. You can apply by yourself or apply with the use of a consultant or representative.

Whereas, when you apply by yourself, you may not pay third party charges, however, if you use a consultant, you must pay the third patty frees.

Applying for Canada study visa from Poland

Requirements For Study Permit

You will need the following documents while applying for Canadian study visa from Poland.

• Valid Poland Passport.
•  Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
•  Proof of Funds  
•  Passport Size Photographs.
•  An Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
•  English Language Proficiency Exam Score where required
•  Statement of Purpose for Travel (being to study)
•  Credit Card

Canada Study visa application offices in Poland

The address below is the Canadian visa office in Poland:

Address, telephone, fax, and email

1 Jana Matejki 1/5

00-481 Warsaw

Poland

Tel.: (+48 22) 584 3100

Fax: (+48 22) 584 3192

E-mail: [email protected]