in

Study in Canada from Fiji – Complete Guide

Undoubtedly, students gain a lot for coming to study in Canada from Fiji.

Indeed, you can come to study in Canada from Fiji as long as you have a Fiji School Leaving Certificate or have graduated from a degree program.

Besides, graduates of top Fijian universities, which include the University of Fiji, Fiji National University and the University of the South Pacific immigrate to Canada for greater opportunities, as well as to enroll in a graduate degree program in any of its institutions.

Nevertheless, bilateral relations exist between Canada and Fiji.Both countries are also members of World Health Organization, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, and Pacific Islands Forum.

However, the contents in this article will guide you if you intend to apply for admission to study in Canada from Fiji.

You will definitely find multitude of helpful information, ranging from popular provinces to academic programs, average tuition fee to scholarships and study loan, among others.

Why Study in Canada from Fiji?

Are you uncertain about the benefits of studying in Canada as a Fijian student? Read below to know why many Fijians leave Fiji for Canada.

  • Firstly, Canada is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. Aside from being a friendly country, Fijians also share the same rights with Canada’s citizens.
  • Secondly, Fijian students are allowed to work on-campus and off campus in Canada using only their study permit.

Thus, you will be opportune to work part-time (20 hours/week) during semesters. You can also work full-time (40 hours/week) when on breaks.

  • Thirdly, the colleges and universities in Canada have lively and interesting campuses. Hence, you will make more fun while studying through student clubs, events and activities, etc.
  • Fourthly, studying in Canada from Fiji is less pricey unlike travelling to other countries.
  • Fifthly, you can apply for scholarships and student loans in Canada.
  • Undoubtedly, there are immigration programs that eventually help students who came to study in Canada from Fiji to become permanent residents.

Popular Canadian Provinces for Fijian Students

If you intend to enroll in a program of study in Canada from Fiji, you may consider applying to institutions in these provinces due to their larger population of Fijian students.

Types of Programs Fijian Students can Study in Canada

  • Undergraduate programs: Of course, the colleges and universities in Canada offer wide-ranging undergraduate programs such as Associate and Bachelor degree programs.

You can apply for any of these undergraduate programs with your Fiji School Leaving Certificate.

  • Diploma programs:
  • Undergraduate diploma: Without doubts, Fiji School Leaving Certificate is required to apply for undergraduate diploma programs in Canada. This type of diploma program usually last for 1 or 2 years of study.
  • Graduate diploma: Indeed, you need higher education certificates in order to apply for a graduate diploma program in Canada.

Thus, it is necessary that you have completed your first degree in a Fijian post-secondary institution such as University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, University of Fiji, etc.

  • Masters: This type of degree programs involves up to two (2) years of study.

Moreover, you need a bachelor degree certificate to enroll in a Masters degree program in Canada.

  • MBA: Master of Business Administration degree is highly advanced than other master degree programs.

As a professional certification, MBA takes not less than two (2) years to complete and earn the degree.

  • PhD/DPhil: Doctor of Philosophy is the most supreme degree program attainable after a study of at least three (3) years in Canada.

Cost of studying in Canada from Fiji

Obviously, the amount of money you will spend to study in Canada differs by institution and program.

Therefore, it is vitally important to know the average tuition fee for international students in Canada so as to appropriately plan your budget.

However, the average tuition fee for most undergraduate programs in Canada range from CAD $13,000 to CAD $18,000 per academic year.

In addition, graduate programs (Masters, MBA & Doctorate) cost an average fee ranging from CAD $7,000 to CAD $32,000 depending on the type of program.

Nevertheless, you need to reserve some money, which serves as the minimum personal support amount in Canada. This amount must not be less than CAD $10,000.

Who can sponsor Fijian students to Canada

  • Father or mother/both parents
  • Guardian
  • Family member
  • Relative
  • Employer, etc

Study loan for Fijian students in Canada

Of course, study loans are very helpful to international students who choose to apply for study in Canada from Fiji.

Examples of these international student loans include MPOWER Financing, ScotiaLine® Personal Line of Credit for Students, as well as Royal Credit Line for Students.

However, these study loans are open to Fijian students in Canada with low interest rates, as well as no requirements for cosigner and collateral.

Other costs to put into consideration to study in Canada from Fiji

  • Round-trip flight cost: CAD $1,050
  • Student fees: CAD $400
  • Health insurance: CAD $650
  • Books: CAD $300

Scholarship for Fijian students in Canada

Indeed, you can apply for scholarships in order to partially or fully fund your tuition to study in Canada from Fiji.

Thus, the following scholarships are available to Fijian students in Canada.

  • CSA Group Graduate Scholarship: This partial funding scholarship is open to international students, including Fijians who registered in a Master degree program in Canada.

Moreover, your discipline must be social sciences, engineering or health sciences.

  • University of Guelph International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships: This scholarships offers partial funding to international students, including Fijians who studying to earn a Bachelor degree program in Canada.
  • University of Waterloo Arthur F. Church Entrance Scholarships: As an undergraduate Fijian student, you can apply for this scholarship to get partial funding.
  • David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards: This is a partial funding scholarship available to international students who are enrolled in Bachelor and Master degree programs in Canada.

General eligibility for scholarships

Undoubtedly, you may not need to apply if want to get an entrance scholarship in Canada. This is because they are typically merit-based.

For the most part, scholarships provided by organizations require you to score an admissions average not below 70%.

You may also need to express dedication towards the development of the Canadian community.

Besides, some scholarships require your active participation in sports, student union, and more.

Organizations that offer scholarships to Fijians

Here are Canadian and multinational organizations that avail to scholarships to Fijian students in Canada.

  • United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO
  • Aga Khan Foundation
  • Rotary Foundation

How to apply for scholarship to study in Canada from Fiji

Aside from entrance scholarships, you can apply for other scholarships in Canada by;

  • Visiting the scholarship/sponsor’s website for right information on eligibility criterion, requirements and procedures to apply.
  • Afterwards, send application with supporting documents as soon as possible without exceeding deadline.
  • Finally, wait to receive a decision

Difference between fully funded and partially funded scholarships in Canada

Without doubts, the major difference between fully funded and partially funded scholarships is that full scholarships covers all necessary expenditures to study in Canada while partially funded scholarships exempts some of the fees.

How to Apply for Admission in Canada from Fiji

Applying for admissions into Canadian post-secondary institutions is truly very easy.

Notwithstanding, you need to fulfill all minimum academic requirements before you can apply for admission into your preferred academic program.

Minimum academic requirements to meet before applying for admission

Below are the academic requirements that should be considered before sending an application for admission to a Canada’s post-secondary institution.

  • Firstly, your education level should not be less than high school grade 12 if you wish to apply for an undergraduate program of study in Canada from Fiji.

If you plan enrolling for a graduate program of study, it is required that you have graduated from a recognized university in Fiji.

  • Secondly, your admissions average must not be lower than 70%.

English/French language requirements

Undeniably, language requirement is a paramount requisite to study in Canada from Fiji.

Hence, you can submit the results of any of these English or French proficiency tests in order to pass the language requirement.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) exam
  • Test d’Evaluation de Français Canada (TEF)
  • Test de Connaissance du Français Canada (TCF)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • Duolingo English Test

Other requirements to meet to qualify for Canada’s institutions requirements

  • To begin with, you are required to provide a concise letter of intent or statement of purpose that elaborates on your purpose to study in Canada from Fiji.
  • Secondly, you need to get reference letter(s) from your instructor, sport coach, among other individuals.

Steps to apply for admission from Fiji

Indeed, the following steps can help you simplify the processes of applying for admission to study in Canada from Fiji.

  • Firstly, check online for the college or university’s admission requirements, available programs, amongst other information.
  • Secondly, apply for admission and send all documents & certificates required by the institution. In addition, you need to pay application fee online
  • Thirdly, consider the institution’s admission processing time.
  • Fourthly, you can now apply for a Canadian study permit if the institution has sent you a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
  • Lastly, head to Canada as soon as your study permit has been issued.

Self application vs. use of consultants/representatives.

Of course, self-application involves applying for admission to study in Canada from Fiji without any external aid, .i.e., on your own.

Besides, you can allow a Fijian educational consultant to represent you at a particular cost. Their experience and license will go a long way in your application to study in Canada from Fiji.

However, a use of a representation form is required to involve a representative/consultant in your application.

Applying for Canada Study Visa from Fiji

This section covers wide-ranging information that is resourceful in getting a study visa/permit in Canada.

Study permit Canada requirements

Here are the requirements to get Canada’s study permit.

  • Firstly, you must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years and maximum of 35 years.
  • Secondly, you need to provide IRCC with a copy of your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution.
  • Thirdly, you must prove your criminal records through a clearance certificate from the police.
  • Fourthly, you need to prove that provisions has been made for your tuition, accommodation and living expenses by tendering proof of fund(s) such as statement of account.
  • Sixthly, you must demonstrate your present health condition through an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) report.
  • Lastly, you need to make clear your eagerness to leave Canada upon your visa expiry by showing a round-trip flight ticket to the visa officer.

Study Permit Canada Fees

Certainly, the cost of applying for Canada’s study permit is $150 Canadian Dollars.

Study permit Canada document checklist

The following credentials and documents should be prepared before applying for Canada’s study permit.

  • Valid Fijian passport
  • 2 passport-sized photos
  • Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution
  • Letter of reference or recommendation letter
  • Letter of Intent (LOI)
  • Results of an English or French proficiency test (result must be valid)
  • Proof of fund documents
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Report of Immigration Medical Examination
  • Curriculum Vitae or résumé
  • Round-trip flight ticket
  • CAQ – Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (needed to start study in Quebec)

Study Permit Canada Processing Time

You surely have to wait for about 14 weeks in order to allow processing of your study permit.

Paper vs. online application of Canada’s study permit

Certainly, you should not worry about paper application except if you are having issues with the online application.

Moreover, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recommends that study permit applicants should apply online.

Study visa application offices in Fiji

There is only one Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Fiji.

  • VFS Global in Suva, Fiji:

Address: Level 5, Tappoo City, Corner of Usher & Scott Street,

Suva, Fiji

  • Visa Application Centre opening hours: every Mondays to Fridays, from 9am to 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toggle content goes here…