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Study in Canada from Guatemala – Full Guide

If you are planning to study in Canada from Guatemala, you must know the necessary steps to achieving your dreams.

You may wonder why many students are coming to study in Canada from Guatemala. Over the years Canada has become the best place for students from Guatemalan cities like Guatemala City, Petapa, Mixco, Villa Nueva and Petapa in order to study in Canada.

There are many reasons for this development especially as Canada has recently announced that Guatemalan students have been given special place in the Canadian workforce when they graduate.

Thus, many students from Guatemala now wish to study in Canada and make use of this opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their family.

In addition to that, Canada is a friendly country for international students with about more than 150,000 students coming to study in Canada every year.

Therefore, if you wish to study in Canada as a student form Guatemala, you are very much welcomed to study in Canada.

Canada is also among the top countries in terms of higher education with many Canadian universities ranking among the best 100 universities in the world. One good thing about Canadian universities is that they offer quality education at a very cheap rate. 

Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss all you need to know about coming to study in Canada from Guatemala.

Why Study in Canada from Guatemala?

This is a question that many Guatemalan students ask. This is because they want to know exactly what they can get while they study in Canada. So, if that has been your question, you will get the answers below:

#1: The best universities and colleges

Canada has some of the best universities and colleges in the world. These universities are known for the quality education that they offer. For instance, from the 98 universities in Canada, about ten of them rank among the best 100 universities in the world.

Therefore, students who come to study in Canada from Guatemala have access to the best universities in the world. 

#2: Good lecturers and professors

With the number of good universities in Canada, the country has been able to produce skilled lecturers over the years. Most of these universities use specialists in their faculties. As such, students learn directly from experts in their selected fields. 

#3: Wide range of programs for Guatemalan students

One thing that draws many students to study in Canada from Guatemala is the variety of courses and programs available at Canadian universities and colleges.

This means that students can choose form these programs based on their choice of career. Some of the programs available to Guatemalans studying in Canada include: programs in engineering, IT, healthcare, agriculture, sports, management, accounting, economics, mining, petroleum, renewable energies.

However, before you can study for any of these programs in Canada, you must meet the minimum requirements for each program. 

#4: Cheap universities and courses

Another reason why students come to study in Canada from Guatemala is because of the availability of cheap universities and courses.

Since universities and colleges are in charge of the tuition fee in Canada, certain universities provide cheap courses for international students in Canada.  Also, qualified students can qualify for scholarships in Canada for international students. 

#5: Quiet and secure environment

Canada also rates among the most secure countries in the world. Thus, in 2018, Canada was rated the 6th most secure place to live in the world. Therefore, students especially international students who come to study in Canada know that they have a secure and quiet environment for their studies. 

Opportunities for Students Canada after their Studies

With Canada’s recent plan on international students, especially students who come to study in Canada from Guatemala, there is now great opportunities in Canada for students from Guatemala.

Post graduate work permit for  Graduates

Foreign students in Canada will always need a work permit to work in Canada after their studies.

However, they will need some work experience to get their work permit. In order to help students who have studied in Canada for at least three years, the Canadian government introduced the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program(PWPP). 

With this program, qualified international students can now work in Canada in any profession and can also switch employers any time they need. 

However, before you can qualify for the program, you must graduate for a Canadian Designated Learning Institute.  

Opportunity to work in Canada

Students who come to study in Canada from Guatemala have the opportunity to work while they study.  This has two advantages, the first is that it gives the student an opportunity to earn while studying.

Secondly, it also helps the student to qualify for Canadian permanent residence after graduation through Canada experience class. 

Types of Programs to Study in Canada from Guatemala

There are multiple programs available to students in Canada from Guatemala. Any student coming to study in Canada from Guatemala must have in mind the type of program they want to study.

The program types in Canada for Guatemalan students include: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctor’s degree, MBA and diploma programs.

Before you can study any of these programs, you must first of all meet the admission requirements for that program.

And since, the program requirements are set by the universities, you must check to know if you meet the required that the university set for a particular program.

How much to Study in Canada from Guatemala

Different universities in Canada set their tuition fees. Therefore, tuition fees in Canada vary from university to university. It can also vary according to programs.

Tuition fee for Guatemalans in Canada

Normally, tuition fee in Canada depends on the choice of program and university you choose. Whichever program you choose to study determines the amount you pay for tuition.

However, some courses are cheaper than others in Canadian universities, with courses in Arts and Humanities attracting lower tuition fee than others.

For a bachelor’s degree programs in Canada, Guatemalan students will pay an average tuition fee of between CAD $6,000 and CAD $18,000. While graduate students pay around CAD $35,000 per year. 

Minimum personal amount to study in Canada from Guatemala

Apart from your tuition fee and visa application fee, all students from Guatemala must have extra money to cover expenses while they study in Canada. 

However, in order to this, you will need a proof of fund. This proof of fund shows that you are capable of covering your living expenses while studying in Canada.

The money in your proof of fund should be able to cover expenses like accommodation, transport, books and other necessary expenses at least for one year in Canada. 

Therefore, students who come to study in Canada from Guatemala must have at least CAD $10,000 for their living expenses. Without this, they may not be admitted into Canada. 

Who can sponsor a Guatemalan student to Canada?

If you can sponsor yourself in Canada for your studies. Then, you may not need a sponsor.

However, in a case where you cannot sponsor yourself, anyone with a good job and proof of financial sustainability can sponsor you.

Therefore, the following people can sponsor you while you study in Canada from Guatemala: parents, other family members, friends and Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 

Loans in Canada for students from Guatemala

Many students from Guatemala study in Canada under loans. These loans can come from either the government, private institutions or universities and colleges.

But whichever type of loan it is. Students must meet the eligibility criteria. With these loans, certain financial burdens are taken care of including accommodation, feeding, books, transport and tuition fees. 

What are the benefits of Canada Student Loans?

As mentioned above, loans in Canada can be used for different purposes. Therefore, students who are eligible for different loans in Canada can use the loan to cover expenses including

  • tuition fees
  • housing
  • food
  • health insurance 
  • educational resources
  • books

Who is qualified to apply for a Canadian international student loans?

Every Guatemalan student in Canada can apply for student loan provided they are enrolled in a designated institution.

However, before they can borrow from private companies, they must have to meet the minimum requirements of that particular lending company.

Each company in Canada has their eligibility criteria for lending money to international students in Canada. Before applying for loans, students who come to study in Canada from Guatemala must know:

  • the maximum amount they can take 
  • how to get the money
  • the interest rate of the loan 
  • repayment terms 
  • when they will get the money. 

Procedures for applying for student loan in Canada

If you are planning for loan while you study in Canada from Guatemala, then, you must start immediately your application has been reviewed. This will help you to get the necessary information about the available loans for international students in Canada especially Guatemalans.

However, you can follow these steps for your loan:

  • First, look online for available loans
  • Secondly, check the eligibility criteria
  • Thirdly, check the interest rate and the amount you can receive.
  • Fourth, apply for the loan and submit the necessary documents
  • Then, finally, if the company approves your loan, they will send it directly to your university. 

Usually, it takes between 6 and 12 weeks to process loan for students from Guatemala.

Scholarships to study in Canada from Guatemala

There are many scholarships available to students who have come to study in Canada from Guatemala.

Therefore, international students can apply for any of these scholarships especially if they meet the eligibility criteria for them.

With scholarships, students can cater for their expenses while studying in Canada. The various scholarships in Canada for students from Guatemala include:

  1. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).
  2. International Global Citizen Scholarships and Awards at Trent University.
  3. H.Y. Louie and Lohn Awards for Entrance.
  4. University of Quest Scholarship.
  5. Course-Based Master’s Recruitment Scholarships at the University of Alberta.
  6. Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS).
  7. Graduate Bursaries At Simon Fraser University.
  8. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program.
  9. Humber International Entrance Scholarships.

How to Apply for Admission to Study in Canada from Guatemala

Students from many cities in Guatemala including Guatemala City, Petapa, Mixco, Villa Nueva and Petapa apply for admission into Canadian universities and colleges every year.

In total, about 10,000 students apply for admission to study in Canada from Guatemala every year.

However, before you can get admission into Canadian universities or colleges, you must reach the minimum requirements for admission.  

Academic requirements for undergraduate in Canada

Before you can get admitted for a bachelor’s degree program in a Canadian university, you must provide the following documents:

  1. Intermediate/secondary school certificate/12 years of education.
  2. Application form with correct details 
  3. Letter of Intent (LOI) 
  4. English or French language proficiency test result. 

Requirements for MBA

Generally, students for MBA programs in Canada require at least two years of work experience as well as a GMAT certificate.

You must make sure that all documentation are in English. Therefore, you will have to translate any certificate that is not in English and submit the translated copies. 

In addition to the general requirements, each university has their own admission requirements which you can get by visiting the university website. 

Canada Admission Requirements for Graduate Students from Guatemala

Students who have graduated from universities in Guatemala like San Carlos University, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Francisco Marroquín University, Universidad Galileo, Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala, Gálvez University of Guatemala, Rafael Landivar University and others can apply for admission into Canadian universities for their graduate programs. However, they must have the following documents:

  1. A bachelor’s degree 
  2. Application form with correct details
  3. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions 
  4. Two letters of recommendation from prior institutes 
  5. Letter of Intent (LOI) 
  6. Canadian language test result from trusted institutions. 

You must provide all these documents in English. Therefore, any document that is not in English must be translated. 

In addition to these general requirements, every university has their own admission requirements in the website.

Admission Requirements for PhD Programs in Canada

If you have completed your graduate studies in Guatemalan universities like San Carlos University, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Francisco Marroquín University, Universidad Galileo, Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala, Gálvez University of Guatemala, Rafael Landivar University, you can apply for a doctorate degree in Canada if you have the following documents:

  1. A master’s degree certificate with required GCPA.
  2. Application form
  3. Transcripts from all academic institutions
  4. Two letters of recommendation from prior institutes 
  5. Employer’s certificate of experience 
  6. Letter of Intent (LOI) 
  7. Canadian language proficiency test result from accredited institutions. 
  8. A compelling thesis that you can defend 

All required documents must be in English. Therefore, if any is issued in another language, you must translate it into English and submit the English version.

Language Requirements

International students especially students from Guatemala must produce an English language proficiency test result. This result helps to show their competency in English language in the areas of speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Therefore, for admission purposes, you must present a result from an accredited institution. Some of the accepted results in Canada include TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or CAE, among others. 

Application steps for Guatemalan students in Canada

Students who want to study in Canada from Guatemala must follow the steps below for admission into Canadian universities or colleges:

  1. Fill an online application form
  2. Submit the necessary documents
  3. Follow up the admission
  4. Receive letter of acceptance from the university or college if you qualify for admission
  5. Use the admission letter and other documents for study visa application

Self application v IRCC representative

While applying for admission into Canadian universities or colleges, you can do that in two ways. Either you do it by yourself that is self application or use do it through an IRCC accredited representative that is a consultant or agency.

However, with all the processes involved in admission into Canadian institutions of learning, it is best to use IRCC representative who are professionals in this. The good thing about this is that they will give you the necessary information you need as well as give you updates on new developments. 

Using an IRCC representative has many benefits, one is that they know when you have the chance of getting admission. Secondly, they already know the requirements and application deadlines for each university in Canada. So, in order to avoid losing your chances of admission, you should use an agency while seeking admission into Canadian universities.

Even though self application may be a lot cheaper because you don’t have to pay third party fees. However, you may end up losing your admission and that means starting the whole process again.

How to Apply for Study Permit to Study in Canada from Guatemala

In order to apply for admission to study in Canada from Guatemala, you must have your study visa. The study visa is the only document that will allow you to live and study in Canada as an international student.

Studying Visa Requirements

You will need the following documents for your study visa in Canada from Guatemala:

  • Letter of acceptance from a designated institution
  • A valid passport.
  • Two recent passports (six months) 
  • Receipt for tuition costs.
  • A proof of fund.

Canada study visa cost for students from Guatemala

For a study permit in Canada, students from Guatemala have to pay a fee of 150 CAD. This fee also includes extension fee. 

Student’s Visa Checklist

For your Canada study visa, you will need the following documents: 

  • transcripts of your completed diplomas, degrees
  • letters of recommendation from your home institution
  • letter of intent
  • letters of recommendation from your home institution
  • proof of fund
  • language proficiency test certificate.

In addition to these general documents, the university or college may have additional documents that you may require for visa.

How Long does it take to get a visa?

Study permits in Canada takes about 3 to 6 moths to process. However, you can apply on time so that if there is delay in the processing, you will be able to get it before the time for resumption in school. 

Paper versus online application:

Most of applicants for Canada study visa do that mostly online. When submitting the application, you will take your biometrics and also pay your application fee online.

However, if you are not able to do online application, you can use paper application. So, if you choose paper application, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents to the study visa office in Guatemala.

Canada study visa office in Guatemala

For your study visa, you will have to go the Canada visa office in Canada. Below is the details about the Canada visa office in Guatemala.

Office Address:

Diagonal 6 12-42 Zona 10. Edificio Design Center Torre II Oficina 801

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Phone: (+502) 23763702

Email: [email protected]

Days of Operation: Monday to Friday except holidays

Hours of Operation: CVAC Opening time: 09.00 – 17:00

Application reception: 09:00-16:00

Passport Collection: 16:00 – 17:00

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To study in Canada from Guatemala, you will pay an average tuition fee of CAD $9,000 per academic year.  

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

In order to apply for admission into Canadian universities, it is advised that, you start three months earlier.

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

To get a scholarship in Canada from Guatemala, you must first of all have an excellent academic record, be good in English and be involved in extracurricular activities.

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

For your studies in Canada from Guatemala, you will need an English language proficiency test result from a designated institution like IELTS or TOEFL.

What is the population of  students in Canada?

About 10,000 students come to study in Canada from Guatemala every year. 

Can Guatemalan students work in Canada while studying?

Yes, students from Guatemala can work while they study. However, you will need a work permit before you can work in Canada.