Study in Canada from Mexico: Admission, Visas, Study Aids

Choosing to study in Canada from Mexico for your academic qualification is one of the best decisions you can make. Canada is one of the countries in the world respected for academic excellence. Studying in a country with over 500,000 international students offers you a unique experience multi-culturally, in a safe and beautiful faraway land.

In this article, you will learn more about studying in Canada, the cost of studying in the country, the visa requirement, how to gain admission, study permit application tips and everything else you need to start your academic journey in Canada.

Why Choosing to Study in Canada?

Historically, Mexican students have preferred universities and colleges in United States of America due to proximity considerations. However, Canada is beginning to draw students from Mexico due to her comparably lower tuition cost than US, especially following many anti-Mexican policies by Trump administration. Also Mexico have thriving population and communities in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary.

Studying in Canada offers you an exciting and rewarding experience. You will have access to one of the best research centres for your program. The education of Canada is based on quality and excellence. Your certificate will be valued anywhere in the world. The following are some of the reasons you should choose Canada for your study destination:

Canadian universities are among the best in the world

All over the world, Canada is renowned for its excellent and high-quality academic standards, with affordable tuition.

The country is one of the most favored higher education destinations for students from all over the world, especially Mexico. Most top Canadian universities ranked the highest in the QS World University Rankings 2021.

Canada is home to most Mexicans

It is estimated that close to 96,000 Mexicans live in Canada. The majority of them live in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. In addition, close to 9,000 students who study in Canada are from Mexico.

Study and work permit

The rate at which Mexican student study permit application increases every year is quite overwhelming. The reason is not far-fetched though. Many students who came to study in Canada from Mexico choose to do so because they want to get permanent residence status. Interestingly, the best and easiest way to obtain this is by applying for college programs.

The commonest programs people from Mexico choose to study in Canada include Sales and Marketing, International Relations, Public Relations, Journalism and Communication and some other related programs. This does not mean that you cannot choose any other program of your choice.

Opportunity to learn English

They can learn English in an English-speaking community. There are various language schools across the country where you can enroll. Make sure the language school you apply for has the legal backing of Languages Canada. Moreover, Language schools offer programs for English and French test preparation like TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, TCF among others.

Improved standard of living

The standard of living in Canada for students from Mexico is quite affordable. Studying in Canada will give them the life they aim for and an incomparable standard of living experience.

Studying in Canada versus Studying in Mexico

The number of students in Mexico who push to do their secondary and university education in Canada are enormous. There are many reasons for it.

Mexican education has experienced some decline in patronage due to some crises rocking the education system over the years. This has so much to do with the Mexican National Educational Workers Union being run by crooks.

They sell a good number of teaching positions to some teachers at an exorbitant price. Most of such teachers are not qualified to handle their job position. Teachers with good skills but no money to buy the positions are denied the offer.

Another interesting reason is that private education is quite expensive for most students. The best public schools in the country have limited space for students and so, most of them seek education elsewhere. Canada becomes a good option for them.

The standard of education in Mexico is pretty low, unaffordable and sinking inwardly when compared to the excellent quality and affordable schools in Canada.

Types of Programs to Study in Canada from Mexico

Finding a reputable programme in Canada is the best thing any student from Mexico can do. The programs include:

• University programs: earning a university programme in Canada can avail you of unlimited opportunities. All you need to do is to find a reputable program that is affordable too. If you are a student on a budget, some lower towns and cities can give you just what you are looking for.
• Graduate programs: investing in your graduate programs is a smart way to succeed in life. Both master’s and PhD programs in Canada are recognized in the world. With the relatively lower cost of living, it makes it an appealing opportunity for students from Mexico. What’s more, Canada is quite affordable for you.
• Professional certification programs: There are numerous professional certification programs in Canada. You can find them both in-person and online through distance learning.
• Student exchange programs: Canada also has numerous student exchange programs you can run as a student from Mexico. Everything depends on the organization running the programs and their fee structure. You may use an education tool to enable you to find an affordable one.

Admission Process for Mexican Students in Canada

Each year, many Mexican students troop into Canada for admission due to their multicultural and bilingual (English and French) environments. To apply for admission, you must then meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have obtained or are in the process of obtaining your bachelorette.
• Have completed or are in the process of completing the prerequisites for the program.
• Have submitted your English language proficiency.

For you to have the ability of scaling through, you must meet the basic admission requirements. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to prepare your required documents like your transcript and Baccalaureate results.

To be eligible for the French Immersion Stream, you must submit proof of French language proficiency or proof that you have completed a French course in the last three years.

The documents required include:

• Completed application form.
• Letter of recommendation.
• Essay writing sample.
• Statement of Purpose (optional for undergraduates).
• Official score reports of TOEFL, IELTS, GRE/GMAT to be sent by ETS.
• Bank statement from parents or sponsors.
• Transcripts (contact WES for verification).
• Certificates of Extracurricular Activities.

Language Requirements Admission in Canada by Mexican Students

All Canadian universities require proof of language proficiencies, whether French or English. The French proficiency exams include TEF and TEFAQ and the average score is 400.

If you opt for an English-taught program, you will need test scores like IELTS (6.5), TOEFL (86 – 100), PTE (59 – 65) and CAEL (70). The scores vary based on the institution.

Cost of studying in Canada from Mexico

Canada is known for its affordable and high-quality education standards. The tuitions in Canada are usually lower than other post-secondary programmes in the US, UK, Australia, among others. However, the tuition for students from Mexico depends on the program and city of study.

Some schools also offer free tuition, while others offer programs that range from CAD 2000 TO CAD 18,000 per year. It pays to do more research on this, to compare the schools you want.

Similarly, the cost of transportation, food and accommodation varies from city to city. However, the average cost of living in Canada in a year is CAD 12,000.

Scholarships to Study in Canada for Students from Mexico

If you are looking for scholarships to fund your program. You can always find scholarships to study and conduct your research. Some of the scholarships in Canada are awarded by Canadian governments, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

The criteria to obtain a scholarship in Canada often differ. Some may require a personal essay and references. Others may be offered based on financial needs or academic excellence, extracurricular activities or other criteria.

In addition, there are full and partial scholarships. While full scholarships pay the whole cost of studying per year, partial scholarships take care of certain needs, leaving the candidate to seek the remaining fund elsewhere.

Organizations that offer scholarships to Mexican students include the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Getty Images Inclusion Scholarships, Univision Natas Scholarship, etc.

Some of the scholarships available for students from Mexico include:

• UBC Sauder School of Business Hoegg Family MBA Scholarship in Canada.
• Academic Excellence Award at Polytechnique Montreal.
• UVF International Excellence Entrance Scholarship Canada.
• York University – Dean’s International Scholarship.

Student Loan in Canada

You can now apply for a student loan without a cosigner if you are enrolled in a select Canadian school. You may be eligible for a loan to cover your tuition, housing, food, insurance and educational supplies. There may be factors that would determine your eligibility like your academic progress.

Study Permit and Visa from Mexico

The most important document you need before you enter Canada as a student from Mexico is your study permit. Before you apply for a study permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a school, university or college in Canada.

To get your study permit, you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution and a valid passport or travel document.

To apply for a study permit, you can apply online or go to a visa application centre in your country to apply. You must do so the moment you have your letter of acceptance to study in Canada.

To check the status of your visa application, you need to visit the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You will need to set up an account with the platform though.

The study application cost is $150, excluding an extension. Some Mexican students may be eligible for visa free travels to Canada, please check.

Work in Canada while studying

Students from Mexico are eligible to part-time work while studying. There are on-campus works, off-campus works, co-op placements and internships you can do to make extra money while studying in Canada. Your wage or salary will depend on your skills and the nature of your work. It also varies by province. The minimum hourly wage ranges from $11.75 to $16.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Application Fee for Admission in Canada?

The application fees vary from institution to institution. Nevertheless, you can budget between CAD 105.5 to CAD 180.

What are the requirements for admission into Canadian universities?

Each Canadian university has its admission criteria. Contact the university of your choice directly and obtain the information you need.

Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada while I study?

Yes, it is possible. But they must apply for their work permit.

What is the population of Mexican students in Canada?

There are no current statistics of students from Mexico. Nevertheless, using the 2016 census as the only current statistics, the total population of Mexicans in Canada by ancestry is 128,480 and by birth is 80,590.

What is the best time to apply for studies in Canada by Mexican Students?

The admission process starts from September/October with the deadline usually in January/February. Between March and May, the university sends their response. Between May and June, you are required to apply for and obtain your student visa to Canada.

Is Canada the best country for Mexican students?

Going by the standards of top countries in the world, Canada is one of the cheapest and most affordable countries, in addition to their excellent standard of education.

Conclusion

Studying in Canada could be the best choice for you as a student from Mexico. You have a lot to enjoy studying in Canada and nothing to lose by doing so. And so, choosing Canada is the best decision you can make.