Study in Canada from Bahamas – Complete Guide

Canada is one of the happiest countries in the world, full of lots amazing and breath-taking landscapes while boasting a high standard of living. No wonder lots of students in bahamas who pursue higher-quality studies often choose to study in Canada from Bahamas.

Degrees and credentials from Canada have equivalent standings and ratings with those from the United States and other European countries.

Students from Canada also have the ability to work as a Bahamian in Canada for the duration of the course.

Studying in Canada also create pathway to permanent residence for Bahamian citizens. The pathway to permanent residency for Bahamian Citizens is why the majority of Bahamians study in Canada.

Therefore, in this article, we are going to see why students come to study in Canada from Bahamas, eligibility criteria to study in Canada, scholarships available for Bahamian students in Canada as well as other necessary information that students who come to study in Canada need to know.

Why Study in Canada from Bahamas 

Studying in Canada from Bahamas comes with a lots benefit, also gives students from Bahamas an opportunity to work in Canada after their studies. Even before graduating, students also have the opportunity to work while they study in Canada from Bahamas. As a result, students come there to earn while still in school.

Many students take their safety very seriously when it comes to choosing a university. Even more so, when selecting a program to study abroad in, it’s important to know how safe the country is. Canada is one of the safest places to study with little crime rates and cases of racial discrimination.

The multicultural environment gives students many opportunities to interact with people from all over the world. Many colleges and universities have international student advisors who will help connect you with clubs about either adjusting to Canadian life or embracing the international community. These reasons add up to why Canada has been named the 7th largest international student populations in the world.

Canada is plain and simple one of the best places to gain higher education. Both the universities and the Canadian Government provide benefits for international students. The high academic standards and quality education help provide the students with the best education to go out into the real world and start careers.

Types of programs to study in Canada from Bahamas

Diploma

Many students come to study in Canada from Bahamas for a diploma program. Diploma programs in Canada serve as preparatory programs for students who want to engage in specialized courses in universities. Therefore, first of all, use the diploma programs as a preparation for the main program.

Typically, a diploma program lasts for 1 or 2 years depending on the program. When you have completed a diploma program, you can either work or go on with your studies.

Bachelor’s Degree

Most of the students who come to study in Canada from Bahamas come because of a bachelor’s degree. For a standard bachelor’s degree in Canada, students can spend 2 to 3 years. However, some courses can take about 4 to 5 years to complete.

However, before you qualify for a bachelor’s degree in Canada from Bahamas, you must have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate/Certificate of Maturity Examination from a Gymnasium. In addition to this, a student must visit the school website for other requirements.

Postgraduate degree

There are three types of post graduates programs; master’s, PhD and MBA programs. Before you can apply for a post-graduate degree in Canada, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any Bahamian university or college. You must also get a transcript from the university you graduated from.

Generally, it takes about 2 years to complete postgraduate programs in Canada. Though, sometimes, it can take less or more years to complete. However, this depends on the type of program.

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How to Apply for Admission to study in Canada from Bahamas

Minimum academic requirements

The minimum academic requirement for a bachelor’s degree in Canada for Bahamian students is the Secondary School Leaving Certificate/Certificate of Maturity Examination from a Gymnasium.

For graduate students, they must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree program from recognized universities in Bahamas. Without this, students cannot study for any post-graduate program in Canada.

In order to show that, students have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Bahamas. The students must also provide a transcript from the university they have graduated from.

In addition to the requirements above, students must have a score of at least 70% in the admission test.

English/French language requirements

Apart from the academic requirements, students must still show that they have a good knowledge of Canadian languages in

• speaking
• writing
• reading
• listening

To show this language proficiency, they must present a language test score from a recognized agency. Some of the recognised language test organizations include:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) assessment
• Michigan English Test
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Duolingo English Test
• CanTest

Steps to apply for admission to study in Canada from Bahamas

Students looking for admission into Canada from Bahamas must follow these steps:

1. Check the university list of programs.
2. Check if you can afford the institution’s tuition and other fees.
3. Make sure you are eligible.
4. Apply for admission into the college or university. Wait for the college or university to process your application.
5. Use the Letter of Acceptance to apply for a Canada study visa.

Self-application vs. use of consultants/representatives

Generally, you can apply for admission into Canadian high institutions using two methods. First, you can apply by yourself. Secondly, you can apply through the aid of IRCC representatives. What this means is that whichever method you use, you can get admission into Canadian universities provided you meet the admission requirements.

However, you are advised to make use of representatives since they are professionals when it comes to admission in Canada. IRCC has legalized agencies that help international students to process their admission into Canadian universities and colleges. Therefore, they already know everything about applying for admission into any university or college in Canada.

On the contrary, you may not know everything about the admission process and requirements or even the best time to apply for admission in Canada. Therefore, when you try to run the admission process yourself, you may lose your chances of getting admission in Canada.

Scholarship for Bahamian students in Canada

One of the things that attract students to study in Canada from Bahamas is the scholarships in Canada. These makes lots of students from Bahamas wants to study in Canada for free.

Eligibility for International scholarship in Canada 

Academic excellence

For certain scholarships in Canada, students must show a level of academic excellence before they can qualify for them. So, if you don’t reach that level of academic excellence, you may not qualify for such scholarships.

Language Proficiency

Also, for some scholarships in Canada, Bahamas students must show proof of English language proficiency to qualify.

Extracurricular Indulgence

Still, there are some scholarships awarded on the criteria of your involvement in extracurricular activities like community development programs, sports programs. Therefore, you must be part of these activities to qualify for such scholarships.

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Types of Scholarship Available for International Students in Canada 

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, 2021
• David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards In Canada 2021
• University Of Winnipeg -President’s Scholarship For World Leaders 2021
• UCW MBA Excellence Scholarship For Continuing Students 2021
• University Of Waterloo – Suncor Emerging Leaders Awards In Engineering In Canada 2021
• The Smooth Movers Scholarship, 2021
• Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarships 2021
• Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarships 2021
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
•  Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at University of Toronto

How to Apply for a Student visa to Canada from Bahamas

Before you can study in Canada, you must have a valid study permit. Without this study permit, you will not be allowed to enter Canada. Therefore, all students must have a valid study permit to study in Canada from Bahamas.

Online V Paper Application

On the one hand, you can apply for a Canada study visa online. On the other hand, you can use a paper application.

However, you are advised to use an online application since it is less expensive and saves a lot of time.

However, if for any reason you cannot apply online, then you can apply using a paper application. When you use a paper application for your study visa application, you will have to visit a Canada visa office in Bahamas.

Therefore, it becomes more costly because of the transport and other fees you have to pay in the process.

For this reason, the online application becomes the easiest as well as least expensive method.

Requirements For Study Permit

In order to apply for a visa to study in Canada from Bahamas, you will need the following documents:

Difference between a study permit and a student visa for Bahamians moving to Canada