Many students from Japan study in Canada for the same reasons International students from other countries do. Canada has one of the best educational programs in the world. Over 150,000 international students migrate to Canada each year for study purposes.
According to the Canadian Consular office, International students bring a rich culture to Canadian classrooms. Knowledge and skills of international students are welcome in Canadian schools.
Japanese students are not left out of this race. Foreign students come to Canada with their rich culture and wealth of knowledge to add color to their classroom experiences.
If you are from Japan and had always wished to study in Canada, we have compiled this article for you. In this article, we are going to take you on a course on how you can study in Canada as a Japanese student. You will learn more about the admission, cost of studying and living in Canada, scholarships and everything you need to know.
In this article
- Why study in Canada from Japan?
- Studying in Canada versus studying in Japan
- Permanent Residency after study
- Popular Canadian Provinces for Japanese Students
- Admission Process for Students from Japan in Canada
- Study Programs in Canada for Japanese Students
- Financial Aids to study in Canada from Japan
- Cost of Studying in Canada for Japanese Students
- Tuition: Canadian versus Japanese students
- Cost of Living in Canada
- Student Visa Application for Japanese Students in Canada
- Language Requirements for Japanese Students
- Frequently Asked Questions by Japanese Students
Why study in Canada from Japan?
Of late, Japanese firms expanded their overseas operations. As a result, they need some capable hands that can handle their businesses with their skills and expertise abroad. They prefer hiring employees with international training and who lived abroad in the course of their studies.
Moreover, the Canadian government regards Japan as a great international partner. There are numerous reasons Japan and Canada will always have a common ground. One of them is for study purposes.
Among other reasons, below are some of the reasons to study in Canada as a Japanese student:
- Academic excellence: one of the numerous reasons given by students as to why they are drawn to Canada is the high quality of education. A degree from a Canadian university is a mark of trust and excellence in the country’s education system.
- Low cost of study: the cost of studying in Canada is quite low and affordable when compared to schools in the US and UK. When considering the return on investment, it is a worthwhile decision for Japanese students. In addition to the affordability of studies, there are numerous scholarships one can apply for to take care of their educational expenses.
- Safety and peace. Canada is known as one of the safest and most peaceful countries to live in. You will enjoy a considerable level of peace and will be treated the same way as the Canadians.
- You can work as a student: Canada provides students with an opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week. This means you can earn as you study and also take care of your financial needs. The good news there is that your study permit covers your work permit and it is enough to avail you of any part-time position.
- Exciting and active student life: Canadian campuses are known for hosting vibrant events, fests and other activities that you are excited about while studying. It is one of the ways to balance study and life as a student and get to mingle with other students on the campus. Moreover, it keeps the homesickness at bay.
Studying in Canada versus studying in Japan
Both countries are amazing to study as an international students of Japanese origin. They both offer you the opportunity to sharpen your career skills as a student. However, in contrast, Canada has an open policy with diverse opportunities for international students, even after graduation.
You will meet people from diverse countries of the world who are also utilizing their student visas to work and earn a living as students. in doing business, it is better to live in a country that is not so far from the US, UK, South America and Europe where better opportunities reside.
Permanent Residency after study
After studies, Japanese graduates can work and gain permanent residency in Canada. This is allowed by the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). You can gain experience while working as a student to enable you to apply for work after graduation.
Your spouse can also obtain an Open Spousal Work Permit to enable them to work. Through the PGWP, you can obtain permanent residency in Canada after graduation.
Canada is constantly trying to redefine itself and as much, is open to opportunities, innovation, new ideas and positive transformation.
Popular Canadian Provinces for Japanese Students
The Japanese people have some popular provinces in Canada where you can find the majority of them at once. People of Japanese origin make up the majority of the residents of British Columbia. Aside from that, you can find a good number of them in Ontario and Alberta. A handful of them can be found in Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.
Admission Process for Students from Japan in Canada
To apply for admission to any of the colleges in Canada, you need to follow the following processes:
- Complete the online application.
- Send your high school transcript to the school. It is best to have the documents translated into English or French.
- Send your high school GPA or prior placement test result from another school.
- Send your proof of language proficiency in English or French.
Furthermore, the application process depends on the province. You can apply directly to the university or through a central application service. You may also wish to apply to many colleges in case your first choice denies you admission.
The application deadlines vary, however, applying at least eight to twelve months before admission is ideal. September to January is typically the entry point for international students.
Study Programs in Canada for Japanese Students
The Canadian education system has done enough to upgrade its programs for students of diverse study levels. Some of them can be found below for students from Japan who wish to study in Canada:
- Certificate and diploma – they are vocational and job-oriented programs and are mainly technical-related. The duration is 1 to 2 years
- Associate degree – it is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year program and lasts for two years.
- Bachelor’s degree – it requires successful completion of secondary education. The duration is between 3 and 4 years, depending on your program of study and the location.
- Postgraduate diploma – this is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree qualification and last for 1 – 2 years.
- Master’s degree – it could be a research or taught program. A research program requires a mandatory submission of the thesis, while a taught program does not. The duration is 1 to 2 years.
- Doctorate or PhD – this is awarded to students who have completed their dissertation and can defend their work before a panel of faculty members. The duration is between 4 to 7 years.
- Post-doctoral programs – it is a specialized research-oriented program and has no time limit.
Financial Aids to study in Canada from Japan
Financial aids are available to Japanese students in various categories like grants, scholarships, bursaries, tuition waivers, and so on.
The amount to be awarded is not the same among schools and programs. Since it is not easy to get a scholarship, it is recommendable to start with the procedure about 8 – 12 months before the intake begins.
There are different categories of scholarships for different programs at the Canadian universities available to all Japanese students. They include:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based grants and bursaries by college
- Tuition waiver
- Provincial government scholarship
- Commonwealth scholarship
- Private or organizational scholarships
- Fellowship (PG students only)
- Teaching assistantship (PG students only).
- Top Scholarships to Apply for in Canada
- David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Award.
- Ubakata Fund for Japanese Students at the University of Toronto in Canada.
- President’s Scholarships for World Leaders for International Students in Canada
- Merit Awards for International Students at CEGEP in Canada.
Cost of Studying in Canada for Japanese Students
Compared to the major study destinations of the world, including the UK, US and Australia, Canada is the cheapest and most affordable for students from Japan and other international students.
In Canada, universities set their fees and they vary depending on certain factors like the program you study, your country of origin and your study level.
Tuition: Canadian versus Japanese students
If you are a Canadian citizen, the average tuition you can pay is CAD 6,463 per year for an undergraduate program and CAD 7,065 for a postgraduate program. If you are an international student from Japan, you are expected to pay between the average of CAD 5,542 and CAD 29,714 per year.
Cost of Living in Canada
Canadian student visa requirement states that you must have at least CAD 10,000 if you are studying in the country as an international student. Nevertheless, you should budget more than that for your living expenses.
These expenses vary depending on the location and lifestyle. Large cities in Canada are generally more expensive to live in accommodation cost is between CAD 3000 and CAD 8,400 per year, including bills and utilities.
Some universities offer meal plans and allow you to purchase food from the university’s canteen.
You will also need compulsory health insurance that would cost you between CAD 600 – 800 per year.
Student Visa Application for Japanese Students in Canada
You will need to obtain a study permit that serves as a student visa for the length of your studies in Canada.
To apply for a study permit, you will need CAD 150. You will need to apply for it before coming to Canada. But you can apply for its renewal within Canada.
With your work permit, you can work on-campus, off-campus, as a co-op or intern as part of your program. It can also help you to stay in Canada as a permanent resident or find work after your program.
You can apply for the study permit online or through a paper application. You can visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for the application. You can visit the visa office in Japan to find out which document you need to provide and other instructions on what to do.
Requirements for a Canadian visa include biometrics (photograph and fingerprints), medical exam/police check, a valid passport, proof of funds to support your studies, etc.
As at October 2021, processing time for study visa application from Japan takes approximately 15 weeks. We have a general publication on visa application and duration of applications. Please take a look.
You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application.
This processing time does not include:
- the time it takes to send an application between a visa application centre (VAC) and our office.
- the time you need to give your biometrics.
Language Requirements for Japanese Students
As Canada is bilingual, courses will either be taught in English or French. Even if you are a native English or French speaker, you will need to take a language proficiency. IELTS is generally accepted for English speakers and TEF is for French speakers. The application fee is $100.
Frequently Asked Questions by Japanese Students
How much does it cost to study in Canada from Japan?
You are expected to pay an estimate of CAD 5,542 and CAD 29,714 per year for studies.
What is the best time to apply for study in Canada from Japan?
The application portal opens by September and the deadline is around January and February.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to study in Canada?
You can study in Canada without IELTS or TOEFL but you can choose other alternatives like the CAEL, PTE or CPE.
What is the population of Japanese students in Canada?
There is no recent data on the population of Japanese in Canada. However, as of 2015, the statistics is 5,424.
Can Japanese students work in Canada while studying?
Yes, they can.
Is Canada the best country for Japanese students?
Canada is one of the best countries to study abroad for Japanese students, depending on the individual’s choice.
Who can sponsor Japanese students to Canada?
Your sponsor can be your parents, relatives or guardians. What matters the most is your ability to prove that your sponsor can take care of your studies through your bank statement.
Conclusion
Students from Japan who wish to study in Canada can do so because the country offers great opportunities both during and after studies. The experience promises to last for a lifetime and you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of enrolling as an international student from Japan, would you?
