Study in Canada from South Africa – Detailed Guide

Students who study in Canada from South Africa have been testifying to the good life and quality educational structure provided by Canadian institutions to international students. Canada is welcoming and known as a study hotspot for students from Southern Africa.

Cheaper fees compared to US, Australia and UK are attractive. Undergraduate tuition fees are much higher than postgraduate tuition fees for South African students.

According to Canadian statistics, the average tuition fee for undergraduate South African students is US$22,500 (~CA$29,714), postgraduate is US$13,437 (~CA$17,744), and MBA is between US$20,747- US$42,657 (CA$27,397 -CA$56,328).

The thought of going to study in Canada from South Africa can be so exciting but ensure that you have enough money to cover your cost (if you are not on scholarship), study permit, and student visa.

This article will give you necessary information and answers to thriving questions such as; Why study in Canada from South Africa? Types of programs South African students can study in Canada, Cost of study in Canada from South Africa, Scholarship for South African students in Canada, How to apply for admission in Canada from South Africa and how to apply for a Canada study visa from South Africa.

Why Study in Canada from South Africa?

The education system of Canada is one of the best in the world. They have a lot of opportunities for students from South Africa to gain entry and earn permanent residence. Here are the benefits for you if you study in Canada from South Africa.

• Entry access to some of the high-rated institutions across the world.
• A popular and clear part of permanent residency in Canada.
• You can work and study in Canada to fend for your needs.
• They have a high quality of life.
• The experience you will gain is top-notch.

You can work and study in Canada If your study permit has a condition that allows you to work and study. Studying and earning your degree in South Africa will not give you the necessary exposure to an excellent educational system like going to study in Canada from South Africa.

The job prospects are also juicy, you get to work and study in Canada during your program and also get a permanent residence and create Canadian residency pathways for your family as well.

The popular Canadian provinces for South African students are;

1. Ontario,
2. Quebec,
3. Ottawa,
4. British Columbia,
5. Vancouver,
6. Saskatchewan,
7.  Manitoba

Types of programs South African students can study in Canada

There is a wide range of degrees offered by Canada University to students who study in Canada from South Africa.

BSc in Canada:

Earning an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree takes four years of full-time study in Canadian universities. The degree program certificates to be offered to qualified students depend on their type of institute and program. Many South African students take undergraduate degrees in Canada.

Diploma in Canada

To obtain a diploma degree certificate in Canada from South Africa you have to study for two years, but an advanced diploma degree will take up to 3 years of study. Diploma programs are also offered in South African universities located in Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, Capetown and other top SA cities; however Canada is a preferred option for most students from South Africa.

MSc program in Canada

Students who study in Canada from South Africa spend a duration of one to two years of study to earn a master’s (MSc) degree. Your program could either be course-based or thesis-based. However, in some universities, you can offer both. The requirement for admission for a master’s program in Canada is the completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

MBA in Canada

A Canadian MBA program duration is between 8 months to 2 years of study. South African students can select from any of the top MBA schools in Canada.

Ph.D. program in Canada

Earning a doctorate in Canada requires students from South Africa to complete original research that significantly contributes to their field of study and defense of their dissertation.

Cost of study in Canada from South Africa

Cost of studying in Canada vary from province to province, sometimes from city to city and depending on the school of choice and course of study too.

The tuition fees in Canadian universities differ with different universities, depending on the program, institution, and type of qualification you want to study.

The following are the average tuition fee for degrees in Canada

• BSc degree: Between $13,000 to $20,000.
• MS degree: Between $17,000 to $25,000.
• MBA: Between $30,000 to $40,000.
• Doctoral degree: Between $7,000 to $15,000.

How much minimum do you need?

Students who study in Canada from South Africa are expected to have the minimum personal support of about $10,000 plus cost of tuition for at least 1 year. You can be sponsored by your family, parents, guardian, or scholarships. South African students can also work part time while studying in Canada, with that they can earn income to support their living and personal expenses.

Study loans may be available

There are also student loans you can go for, the lender will assess your academic success, career paths, home country, and some other factors before authorizing your loan. The list of Canadian lenders that can offer loans to South African students are:

• Prodigy Finance.
• Future finance student loans.
• The global student loan®.
• International student loan.

Aside from the tuition fees, there are some other costs to be covered. To study in Canada from South Africa, you need money to cover the cost of your accommodation, student visa and permit, living expenses, flight tickets, health insurance, and transportation.

Scholarship for South African students in Canada

To be eligible for a scholarship in Canada as a South African student, you must be admitted into a graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level, you must have a valid study permit, and must have registered in full-time studies for more than two terms for the academic application.

Here is the list of scholarship opportunities available for students to study in Canada from South Africa.

• The British Columbia Neporany Doctoral fellowship,
• David W. Strangway Award for Excellence,
• Aspire – Canada scholarship program,
• HKADC overseas arts administration scholarships,
• National arts council arts scholarships in Singapore,
• The University of Toronto – petro Jacyk visiting scholars program in Canada,
• NEADS national student awards in Canada,
• Ritchie-Jennings memorial scholarship program,
• Royal society international exchange program,
• NWO Rubicon scholarship

You don’t need to travel abroad to get an application form to study in Canada from South Africa. You can easily apply for a scholarship by filling an online application form. Take note of scholarship deadlines and requirements while applying.

Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for a scholarship to study in Canada from South Africa.

How to apply for admission in Canada from South Africa

The South African language requirement to study in Canada is English by means of IELTS scores. Some institutions also include GRE scores. For international Master’s students, the minimum academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 on a 4 scale.

Here are the simple steps to follow to apply for admission to Canadian institutions.

1. Choose an institution,
2. Prepare and submit an application,
3. Obtain a study permit.

When applying for admission you may want to get the assistance of consultants/representatives or do a self-application. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. A consultant can give you an additional recommendation, however, it is costly and your decision might be influenced by your guidance.

But self-application will build confidence and self-reliance. However, when you make a mistake your admission can be forfeited. Therefore it is advised that you do a thorough check on the admission requirements before applying.

Applying for a Canada study visa from South Africa

Some necessities need to be in place while applying for a Canadian study visa from South Africa. You must have no criminal records, you must be healthy, and be able to convince immigration officers of faces of your academic motives.

Canada study visa requirements for South Africans

• Valid international passport.
• Academic documents.
• Acceptance letter from University.
• Prove that you have enough funds to support your study.
• English proficiency test results (IELTS or CELPIP).
• Certificate of medical fitness.
• Receipt of tuition fee payment (optional).

The study permit Canada fee is $150. The checklist for studying in Canada is as follows:

• Check passports for validity.
• Apply for visas and work permits.
• Lock in accommodation for students.
• Budget for settling cost.
• Do a health checkup.
• Double-check all documents.

It takes no less than 8 weeks to process your study permit to study in Canada from South Africa. You can either use a paper application or an online application. The paper application allows you to provide unique information about yourself that you are not able to fill in the online application, but online application is much faster and convenient.

Visa Application offices in South Africa

Some of the study visa application offices in South Africa are:

• Cape Town: Seventh floor, two Long streets, two on Long Building, Cape town 8001.
• Durban: Number four Linden Road, essenwood, Durban.
• Johannesburg: First-floor Rivonia village, Cnr Rivonia Boulevard, and mutual road, Sandton.
• Rustenburg: Inner arcade shopping center. Fatima Bhayat and Boom Street.

To check for your study permit application status, go to the authorized study permit website of Canada, find the selection of checking your study permit application, input your passport number and date of birth, enter the CAPTCHA code, and then submit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to study in Canada from South Africa?

The cost of study in Canada is as follow:

• The undergraduate program ranges between $13,000 to $20,000

• Master’s degree ranges between $17,000 to $25,000

• Doctoral degree ranges between $7,000 to $15,000

• MBA ranges between $30,000 to $40,000

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

8 months to 12 months in advance.

How to get a scholarship to study in Canada from South Africa?

Be on a consistent lookout for scholarship opportunities, while waiting do ensure that your documents are intact.

How to study in Canada after graduation from South Africa?

You have to apply for a Canadian institute, gather documents that will exemplify you at the embassy, then fill and submit the student permit.

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

In some schools, you don’t need an IELTS or TOEFL to study in Canada from South Africa if you can prove your English proficiency by getting a recommendation letter from your school.

What is the population of South African students in Canada?

In 2019/2020 population of South African students is not less than a thousand.

Can South African students work in Canada while studying?

Yes you can work and study in Canada.

Is Canada the best country for South African students?

Canada is one of the best countries for South African students, owing to its friendly cultural diversity and friendly environment.

Conclusion

As a student, you can work and study in Canada when you start your study program, but can’t work before studying. however, you may not be eligible to work and study in Canada if your study permit does not include a condition that says you can work off or on campus.