Determine your eligibility to study in Canada
1. Understand the requirements
Successfully applying to a Canadian post-secondary school requires an understanding of the various requirements for schools and the courses that they offer. Students also need to carry out a careful analysis of the rules and regulations relevant to the study permit application process. Only government-recognized schools and periods of approved study will be necessary.
2. Choose the right course of study and school
The next step towards choosing an education higher institution is to to be sure of its status as a Designated Learning Institution. Only DLIs can admit international students. Please note that you will be required to finalize a specific major course when filing to study in Canada. The Canadian academic structure is flexible towards switching courses, although it is best to compare your options more carefully and choose a course that you are truly interested in pursuing.
3. Take the Language Proficiency Test (if required)
In order to successfully gain entry into any Canadian post-secondary institution, every international student will have to show proficiency in English or French. IELTS is the most preferred test for proficiency in English, with some other schools also accepting TOEFL exam score or the Advance Cambridge English exam.
For French, you can opt for DELF, DALF, or TCF, although the TEF exams are the most popular option. Choose the test you are required to take, pay the fee, and book your dates well in advance. Of course, you may have to brush up your language skills in (reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) to ensure your application does not get rejected.
4. Start applying
Now it is time to start applying to the universities of your choice, obtain their application forms, and submit them well in advance. Having the choice of applying to various higher institutions can be advantageous but you will have to consider the application cost, which varies from $100 to $250. Carefully select the institution you want. Compare your options, choose your preferred course of study, and select one or two alternatives as backups.
5. Apply for a Study Permit and Visa
Now that you have a school ready to grant you admission, it is time to apply for the Canada Study Permit. You can the local visa application centre in your country or apply online. Your application must include the following:
- Acceptance letter,
- Your passport,
- And documentary proof that you have sufficient finances to study in Canada.
If you registered to an institution in the Quebec province, then you will also receive, along with the acceptance letter, a “Certificat d’acceptation du Québec” (CAQ). Ensure you add this essential document in your study permit application.
6. Travel!
Once the application has been processed and an interview, if needed, has been conducted, the visa officer will decide whether you are qualified or not, upon your study permit application. If accepted, it is now time to begin preparing your travel to Canada. A study permit usually has a start date, which is the date from which the permit came into force. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to arrive in Canada before this date. Plan your travel carefully.
The visa officer will check your permit and other documents at the port of entry (POE) before granting you permission to enter Canada. This is the penultimate step of the immigration process and this is where your journey begins as an international student studying in Canada.
How much do you need to study in Canada?
Latest figures from Statistics Canada revealed that average undergraduate tuition fees for international students in the previous year was CND$27,159 (over US$20,000/£15,000) per year and CND$16,497 (over US$12,000/£9,000) per year for graduate studies. But here’s a further breakdown, according to the location (Province) and level of study.
Average tuition fees in Canadian provinces
| Canadian Province | International Undergraduate Students | International Graduate Students | Canadian Undergraduate Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $12,035 | $4,087 | $2,716 |
| New Brunswick | $14,290 | $11,593 | $7,540 |
| Manitoba | $15,582 | $10,995 | $4,196 |
| Nova Scotia | $17,662 | $18,907 | $7,711 |
| Saskatchewan | $20,211 | $6,032 | $6,887 |
| Prince Edward Island | $21,525 | $11,905 | $6,270 |
| Alberta | $21,548 | $11,804 | $5,347 |
| Quebec | $21,857 | $15,392 | $3,406 |
| British Columbia | $25,472 | $16,988 | $5,392 |
| Ontario | $34,961 | $21,686 | $7,133 |
| Canadian Average | $20,514 | $12,939 | $5,992 |
Source: Statistics Canada
Go to immigration direct
If you think you’re qualified, you may apply for Canada Immigration using any of the 3 express entry programs. Use our self-assessment tool to evaluate your eligibility for Canada immigration under the express entry program. The following programs are covered in Express Entry:-
(1) Federal Skilled Worker Program,
(2) Federal Skilled Trades Program and
(3) Canadian Experience Class. Please answer all questions as truthfully as possible.
Check if you’re eligible
- Free Canada CRS Point Calculator
- Understand how the Canada express entry works
- Check statistics and cut off marks of latest express entry draws
