Study in Canada from Saudi Arabia – Expert Guide

Studying in Canada from Saudi Arabia has had significant inflow of students from the country since 2005 with an average of 8000 to 14000 students enrolled into Canada’s universities and colleges.

The country is ranked fifth largest in sending students to Canada to study, this makes Saudi Arabian students studying in Canada to be about 4% of the entire international students population in Canada’s Universities and Colleges.

However, the diplomatic dispute between the Government of Canada and Saudi Arabia as regards to the release of jailed women activists has affected the enrollment which has been on decline, for instance in 2017 the number of students were 7,620 compare to 2018 in which 5,100 Saudi students are still studying at Canadian universities.

Yeah, as a prospective international student planning to study in Canada, the diplomatic dispute might be of concern to you, worry no more because it doesn’t slim your chances of being admitted and talks are going for peaceful resolution.

In a bid to make easy access to information about studying in Canada from Saudi Arabia, this article is put together to give you details as regards benefits, study permit application, scholarships available, tuition fee, and how to study effectively and comfortably in Canada.

Why Study in Canada

Health and safety environment is very essential for everyone to be able to study comfortably; no doubt your life is very Canada.

According to world peace global index of 2018, Canada is ranked sixth most peaceful nation in the world so you are very safe once you are in Canada. Other benefits of studying in Canada are stated below:

• Job security is highly guaranteed after graduation from any of the programs offered in the universities or colleges.
• The opportunity to work as a student for maximum of 20 hours weekly in and outside the campus, so you earn while learning.
• The Academic Excellency is highly prioritize by the provincial governments such that you get the required knowledge and the needed skills to make you employable as you graduate from either the universities or Colleges throughout Canada.
• Canadian communities are very friendly and accommodating to international students.
• Availability of financial aid to international students including Saudi Arabia.

Studying in Canada versus Saudi Arabia

As mentioned earlier, there is high possibility of getting a job after graduation from either the university or college, when you compare to the average disposable monthly salary after tax in Canada it is $2,773.5 compared to Saudi Arabia at $1,786.07.

When you also compare the amount you spent to access the for your research studies you pay less ($43) compare to Saudi Arabia ($54) Monthly.

In Canada you have access to almost all the courses in all professions because the Country has the best universities in the world.

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Popular Province for Saudi Arabian Students

There are no specific province or cities where most Saudi Arabian students lives but considering the fact that most Canadians of Arab origin lives in Toronto which is the largest city and accommodate more students you likely going to see significant number of Saudi Arabian Students there likewise the city of Montreal.

However, considering the tuition fee of both the undergraduates and post graduates international students in these provinces below, Saudi Arabian student will also domicile in them significantly.

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario

Types of Programs Saudi Arabians can Study in Canada

Saudi Arabian students like other top nations can have access to the undergraduate, diploma, MBA, Master’s and Ph.D. Degree programs in different area of specialization or discipline in Canada Universities and Colleges.

Undergraduate programs in Canada

The duration for undergraduate courses in Canada is not in any way different from the three to four years duration offered in Saudi Arabia aside the fact that you are more expose to new discoveries in your course of studies to boost your employability factor after graduation.

Diploma Programs in Canada     

These programs are popularly called top up in Saudi Arabia in case you don’t know, it duration in Saudi Arabia is a year to two years which is the same for students enrolled into the program in Canada except for advanced diploma that last for three years.

As an immigrating student especially for Master’s degree it is usually advisable to take the diploma courses to expose and enable you meet up with all the requirements for research work.

MBA Programs in Canada

Considering the enormous business opportunity in Saudi Arabia, student also flew to study and obtained masters in Business Administration (MBA) within 8 months to two years.

This program enable to have more entrepreneurial knowledge, effective business manage and international business opportunities and relations.

 Master’s Degree Programs in Canada

There are significant numbers of master’s degree programs you can opt for as a Saudi Arabian in the Canada Universities, they include MSc, MA, MPH, MLA, MFA, MSM, MPA and MPW. The duration for the course is one to two years.       

 Ph.D. Programs in Canada

Canada being a country with high quality and advance standard of Education has attracted more Saudi Arabian for their Ph.D. programs. The duration for the program is between four to six years.

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Cost of Studying in Canada from Saudi Arabia 

Generally, the cost of studying in Canada by international students when compared to countries like USA, Australia and UK is cheaper.

The average tuition fee for studying from Saudi Arabia in Canada for the different programs are stated below:

Undergraduate      –     $13,000 to $20,000

Master’s Degree    –     $17,000 to $25,000

MBA                        –    $30,000 to $40,000

Doctoral Degree    –     $7000 to $15000.

It is very important to note that the tuition fee varies from one university to another, the course you are studying and the Province the institution is located.

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador are the province with the cheapest tuition fee (less 20,000 CAD) for both undergraduate and post graduate course while Ontario is the most expensive.

Additional Costs of Studying in Canada

The additional costs to budget for while coming to study conveniently in Canada from Saudi Arabia include:

• Flight fee
• Accommodation fee
• Cost of visa and study permit
• Living expenses
• Taxes
• Health insurance support

The average cost of accommodation offered to international students is between CAD8000 to CAD10000 annually. You can opt for off campus shared apartment with other international students on average of CAD4000 annually. All other expenses is estimated to be Cad15, 000 maximum.

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Who can Sponsor a Saudi Arabian Student in Canada?

There are different categories of people or citizens that can sponsor Saudi Arabian students studying or intending to study in Canada. They include:

• The parent of the student
• A permanent resident of Canada
• A Canadian citizen
• Government
• Scholarship Organizations and other education support agencies

Can a Saudi Arabian Student Secure Study loan?

Saudi Arabian students that are enrolled into any of the universities or colleges in Canada are eligible to apply for study loan from the accredited lenders.

The loan covers cost of education which includes tuition, housing, food, insurance and education supplies such as books.

You can get an education loan with a fixed interest rate from $2,001 to $50,000 – making budgeting easier and stress-free.

It is very important to note that the lenders will look into your academic success, career path, home country, expected year of graduation date and the school you attend.

A co-signer is not required in Canada but having a creditworthy co-signer may improve the interest rate you are offered.

The organizations below can offer study loan for Saudi Arabian students in Canada.

• Prodigy Finance
• Future Finance Students loan
• The global student loan
• International Student loan                                                               

 Applying for Admission in Canada from Saudi Arabia

The minimum academic requirement to study in Canada is having a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 on a 4 scale.

For entering into a Canadian institution, the English language requirement for studying in Canada is IELTS, some institutions also require GRE scores before entrance will be gained to the university.

It is advisable to use consultancy guide option when applying instead of applying yourself, this option makes application much easier and increase your chances due to recommendation. It is not free.

Steps to Apply for Admission in Canada from Saudi Arabia

• Search online the available universities and Colleges in Canada
• Select your preferred University or college.
• Apply online
• Write your English proficiency exams (IELTS, TOEFL,GL)
• Send your transcripts and other documents.
• Receive an acceptance letter from Canada
• Apply to obtain a study permit from IRCC.

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Scholarship for Saudi Arabians in Canada             

There are significant numbers of Scholarships available for Saudi Arabian Students in Canada both the undergraduate and post graduate students.

However, to be considered eligible for a scholarship in Canada from Saudi Arabia you must have been admitted as a full time student into any of the programs and must be on a valid study permit.

The lists below some out the 206 available scholarships for Saudi Arabian students in Canada are as follows:

• DAAD Postgraduate Studies International Scholarship in Architecture and Arts Asia 2021.
• The smooth mover’s scholarships 2021.
• University of Waterloo-Succor emerging award in Engineering in Canada.
• UCW MBA scholarship for continuing study in 2021.
• Arthur F. Church Entrance Scholarship, 2021.
• Conestoga College international degree Entrance Scholarship.
• Graduate Student Scholarship programs, 2021.
• EIT international Excellence Scholarship in Canada.
• UBC public Scholarship Award in Canada.

How to Apply for Scholarship to Study in Canada from Saudi Arabia?

To apply for scholarship require that you check the available scholarship in your category (Undergraduate or Postgraduate), check for eligibility, type of scholarship be it full scholarship or partial, fill all the necessary details on and submit relevant documents such as official proof of your achievements, official proof of your nationality and low income and acceptance letter from the university you’ve been accepted.

It is very important to also to write a unique and impressive essay and personal statement.

How to apply for Canada study visa from Saudi Arabia?

As an intending student preparing to study in Canada, a temporary resident visa (TRV) will required.

To apply for this you will need to have an international passport issued by Saudi Arabia immigration then you proceeds online to apply or manually through Visa Facility service Office.

Note:

• You must be healthy,
• Must have no criminal records,
• You must be able to convince immigration officers of your academic intention.

Canada Study Permit Requirements for Saudi Arabians

• 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.

The study permit Canada processing time for Saudi Arabia students is at least 9 weeks and 11 weeks at most.

The paper application allows you to provide unique information about yourself that cannot be filled in the online application.

The online application is more convenient and faster to complete.

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Study Permit Extension

The study will become necessary if you will be staying longer than earlier stated due to one reason or the other.

It is important to apply for study permit extension 30 days earlier before the expiration of your study visa.

IRCC officers have been instructed to:

• Request additional proof of funds from the applicant
• Allow 30 days for the applicant to provide the proof of funds.

Canadian Visa Office in Saudi Arabia

Street Address

Embassy of Canada

Diplomatic Quarter

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Postal Address

Embassy of Canada

P.O. Box 94321

Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia

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

Canada still remain the best option for Saudi Arabia to send students to especially for postgraduate programs and medical trainings despite the resolvable diplomatic feud between the two countries.