Study in Canada

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Why Apply for a Study Visa in Canada

  • #1 destination for international students for higher education
  • In 2022, 420000+ international students got visa to study in Canadian universities
  • 15000+ courses offered to students
  • More than 800 scholarships with up to CAD 15000 for doctoral students
  • Over 100 public and private universities (3 in global Top 100)
  • Tuition fee for undergraduates is between CAD 1800 to 20000

 

Canada Student Visa

  • For international students like you looking to get a Canada study visa, it is essential to get a study permit, too.
  • A study visa allows you entry into Canada, while a study permit will enable you to study at Canadian DLIs.
  • Even if you have a Canada student visa, the immigration officer at the border is well within the rights to deny you entry into Canada.
  • Your study permit gives you the right to stay and study in Canada; it has all the relevant details about your stay in Canada.
  • There are various courses under student visa for international students in Canada that offer you a unique and enriching experience.
  • If you are a resident of certain nations, you can get your study permit faster by applying online through Student Direct Stream (SDS).
  • Most SDS is processed within 20 calendar days for a fee of CAD 150, provided you meet eligibility and submit biometrics.
  • Canada’s problem of labour shortage means international students like you have great chance to work under post study work permit.
  • Studying in Canada, you get to work in top Canadian medical, IT and mining sector companies.

 

Reasons to Study in Canada

  • Canada has French and English as 2 official languages. In Canada, French is spoken chiefly in Quebec province. Yet, a majority of Canadian universities use English as a medium of instruction, so language won’t be an issue for international students like you from the UK.
  • Canada is a technologically advanced nation with many opportunities for work and career advancement.
  • Canada is safe and peaceful, allowing international students to pursue their passion and expand their knowledge base.
  • Canada’s stable economy ensures its citizens enjoy a very high standard of living, including international students.
  • International students like you can apply for various scholarships in Canada to fund their studies.
  • Visa provisions allow you to work a specified number of hours per week to support yourselves while you are still studying.
  • Canada is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities; its cosmopolitan environment ensures Canada is one of the most hospitable countries.
  • Canada is an affordable country for international students, thanks to Canada’s low cost of living and cheap tuition fees.
  • Canadian student visas are easier to get than in other countries. They offer various programs to international students to help them pursue multidisciplinary programs.
  • Canada only considers the academic performance of international students in high school rather than their performance in tests like SAT or ACT.
  • You earn more studying and working in Canada than in UK; Canada average annual salary is CAD 70000, in UK it is UKP 31750.

 

Top Universities in Canada

  • There are 2 main types of education institutes in Canada, namely public and private universities.
  • The public universities funded by federal, territorial, and provincial governments receive student tuition fees.
  • The private universities function exclusively on funds received through fees, donations, and research grants.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Canada Rank 

Global Rank 

University 

21 

University of Toronto 

30 

McGill University 

34 

University of British Columbia 

111 

University of Alberta 

112 

University of Waterloo 

114 

Western University 

141 

Université de Montréal 

182 

University of Calgary 

189 

McMaster University 

10 

203 

University of Ottawa 

 

  • The other popular universities in Canada that you, as an international student, can opt for are:-
  • Queen’s University at Kingston
  • Dalhousie University
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Victoria (UVic)
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • York University
  • Concordia University
  • Université Laval
  • University of Guelph
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • University of Windsor
  • Carleton University
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of New Brunswick
  • Université du Québec 
  • University of Northern British Columbia
  • Université de Sherbrooke
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • University of Regina
  • Vancouver Island University

 

List of Affordable Universities in Canada

  • Regarding higher education, Canada is the preferred choice for international students.
  • It is home to some of the most well-known affordable universities and colleges in the world compared to the USA, UK, and other English-speaking nations.

S. No.

University

Annual Fees in CAD

1

Algonquin College

16000 to 22000

2

Bow Valley College

18000 to 35000

3

Brandon University

13000 to 15000 

4

Canadian Mennonite University

17000

5

Dalhousie University

9192 / year 

6

University of Calgary

24400 for UG

7

University of Guelph

32000 for UG 

15000 to 30000 for PG

8

University of Manitoba

17000 to 25000

9

University of Sasketchawan

19130 to 30060

10

Memorial University of Newfoundland

11460 / year

11

Humber College

12000 to 22000

12

Northern Lights College

10900 to 18556

13

Conestoga College

10500 to 12000

14

University of St. Boniface

4600 to 7500

15

McGill University

15324 to 29666

16

Humber College

10687 to 19807

17

Lethbridge College

4500 to 51800

18

Simon Fraser University 

5300 / year

19

University of Prince Edward Island

7176 / year

20

Carleton University

7397 / year 

 

Study Intakes of Canada

Intake

Month/s

1st

January

2nd

May

3rd

September

 

  • Academic intakes in education institutes in Canada happen according to semester, which is according to season.
  • The 3 season-wise academic intakes at the institutions of Canada are fall, winter, and summer.

 

Canada Student Visa Types

  • Canada is the most sought-after destination for international students to study and work.
  • Canada provides international students like you with visitor visas or electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) alongside Canadian Study Permit. The study permit alone doesn’t allow international students entry into Canada, but you must get the permit to receive an eTA.
  • The study permit is only issued if you submit enrolment proof at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada authorized by the provincial or territorial government to host international students.
  • There are several types of student visas available for international students like you, depending on your situation and eligibility.
  • Based on your choices, you can apply for a variety of Canadian student visas, such as:-
  • Study Permit:- It allows you to study in universities of Canada for the entire duration of the program. To be eligible, you must have been accepted as an international student in a Canadian educational institution. You need to provide proof of enrollment and financial support, as well as your language proficiency.
  • Student Direct Stream (SDS):- SDS allows international students to get a study permit in as little as 20 calendar days. SDS is applicable if you meet specific requirements, like English or French language proficiency and proof of financial support.
  • Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):- In Canada, the province of Quebec has its own set of rules in most cases. So, if you want to study at a College in Quebec, you need a CAQ besides your Canada study permit. CAQ issued by Quebec’s provincial government states that you meet immigration requirements to live and study in Quebec.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • If you wish to study in Canada as an international student from the UK, you need a student visa. To be eligible, you must prove to the authorities that you have met the following requirements:-
  • Proof of Acceptance
  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
  • English Language Proficiency Test Score
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (if applying in Quebec)
  • Medical & Police Certificate (if required)


Steps to Apply

  • Step 1: Apply for Admission at a DLI
  • Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
  • Step 3: Apply for Study Permit
  • Step 4: Pay the Fees
  • Step 5: Once approved, fly off within the valid start date

 

Canada Student Visa Dependents

  • As per Canadian laws, UK nationals studying in Canada can bring in their spouse or legal partners who are eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit for the entire duration of study in Canada.
  • UK nationals coming to Canada on a student visa can bring dependent children under 22 years to stay and study (if eligible) for entire duration of their stay.

 

Post Study Work Permit

  • If you graduate from Canada DLI, you can apply for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs).
  • PGWP is an open work permit that allows international students like you to live and work in Canada for any employer for as many hours anywhere in Canada.
  • PGWPs help you gain work experience and stay in Canada as permanent residents.
  • Valid from anywhere between 8 months to 3 years, PGWPs not only help you gain valuable experience but also get a chance to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada through any of the following:-
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
  • Quebec Immigration Programs
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • PGWPs are issued till your maximum duration of study and don’t require you to get an LMIA.
  • To be eligible for PGWPs, you need to:-
  • be above 18 years of age
  • have completed your study full time at a DLI
  • apply within 180 days of completion of study
  • have received a degree/diploma from a public/private DLI
  • As per new regulations, you can apply for PGWP from outside and inside of Canada within 90 days of completing the study program.
  • If your study permit becomes invalid before you apply for PGWP, you can’t work without a permit and must pay total fees to restore it.

 

Student Visa Costs for Canada

Student Visa Type

Base Application Charges in CAD

Study permit (including applications for extensions)

150

Biometrics fees (per person)

85

Biometrics fees for a family (2 or more applicants) total fee for families applying together

170

 

Student Visa for Canada Processing Time

  • The study permit processing time for Canada from the UK is at least 7 weeks to 12 weeks.
  • SDS from the UK to Canada takes 20 days, provided you submit all necessary documents before your course commences.

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You
  • We work for you; we help you get great value and convenience in the Canada study service provided.
  • We handhold you to help clear English language exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and CAE by providing coaching services.
  • Through the Y-Axis Campus Ready Program, we counsel you to navigate through your study program.
  • Our personalised service, like Y-Path, helps you chart the best route for success in your studies.
  • Our Course Recommendation Service helps you search for the most relevant course as per your educational qualification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Canada for International Students?

The average cost of living in Canada for international students depends on the city where you are located and the type of accommodation you choose alongside your regular expenses. Following are the average costs of living in Canada:-

Type of Expenditure 

Cost (CAD) 

Accommodation 

2400 – 3200  

Books and Supplies 

500 – 1000 

Food 

940 

Other Expenses 

1540 

What are Common Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection?

Your Canada student visa can be rejected for the following common reasons if:-

1. Financial Instability: UK students applying for Canadian student visa have to prove they have sufficient financial reserves to support their stay in Canada. The Canadian embassy officials can reject your student visa application if they find that you are NOT financially strong enough to take care of your studies in Canada.

2. Academic Performance: like every other government, the Canadian government also sets eligibility for academic credits. If your academic performance is not up to the set standards of the government, it reserves the right to deny you a student visa.

3. Letter of Acceptance: If you applied for a Canadian student visa, you will get it only based on the 'letter of acceptance' you receive from your desired university. In case you do not receive the letter of acceptance from your preferred university, then your student visa will be rejected.

4. IETLS or TOEFL Score: As part of your Canadian student visa application, you must clear the minimum required marks for the English proficiency test. Your student visa application will be terminated if you don’t score the minimum marks in the IETLS and TOEFL tests which vary according to the choice of your program.

5. Inadequate Travel Documents: Your student visa will be rejected if your visa application doesn’t have a complete record of your travels or if your identity documents are unclear. To accept you into Canada for a medical condition or criminal conviction, the visa authorities reserve the right to deny you entry. Also, if you don’t provide sufficient documentation to support your travel history claims, it is up to visa officials to reject your student visa.

6. Intent to Return to Home Country: if you apply for a student visa, remember that it is a temporary visa with an expiry date, which means you have to return home once the student visa expires. Canadian visa officials, as such, will need to confirm that you will return to your home country after course completion. If they determine that you may settle down in Canada after completion of studies for whatever reason, they may straightaway reject your student visa.

7. Study Program Isn’t Consistent with Work and Qualification: Canadian authorities may well reject your student visa if the specialization you seek doesn’t match your past qualifications or work experience. You must explain why you are changing your field of specialization while studying in Canada to the immigration authorities. Your application for a student visa should also be substantiated with valid proof; otherwise, it will be rejected.

How do Universities in Canada Help Students?

Canada is home to several globally top-ranked educational institutes that attract international students thanks to their world-class facilities and faculty. Universities in Canada are known for offering top-notch research and academic facilities supported by equally knowledgeable faculty. Universities of Canada are known for their excellent campus life and support systems designed to help international students settle down comfortably into student life.

You need to clear tests like IELTS or TOEFL exams to show your proficiency in English to study at Canadian universities, but even if you don’t clear them, universities offer many other options. Canadian universities make sure quality education, basic amenities, healthcare, and a good income are available to all, including international students looking to start their professional careers. Most Canadian universities offer programs that allow you as a student to focus on academic and scientific research, leading to breakthroughs that can benefit society.

Are There Any Conditions on My Canada Study Permit?

As a holder of a Canada study permit, you must remain enrolled at a Canadian DLI, and make reasonable and timely progress to complete your program. If you fail to do so, you may be expelled from Canada. For PGWP holders, the DLI will report on your continuous enrolment and current academic status. An immigration officer is within their rights to change, cancel, or impose new conditions on your Canada study permit. These may include one or more of the following:-

a. type of course you may study

b. educational institute you may attend

c. time, and place to give compliance evidence of applicable conditions

d. work conditions on your study permit

e. time and period of your study

f. prohibition of engaging in employment

g. location of your study

h. duration of stay in Canada

i. time and place to report for medical examination or follow-up

Make sure you have all the documents to apply for a student visa and permit, and make sure you apply before you travel to Canada.

What Are Canada Student Visa Post-Arrival Requirements?

Once you receive a Canada student visa or study permit, you need to coordinate with your DLI for clarity on when to reach the institution, the date of student orientation commencement date of classes, and plan your travel to Canada accordingly.

Once you get your student visa, there are no restrictions on when you arrive in Canada. You need to make sure you have the ‘Letter of Introduction,’ which is an authorised document confirming your study permit approval. You must carry all the documents with you in person and not in checked-in luggage when arriving in Canada. These include your UK passport, letter of acceptance from your Canada DLI, proof of funds, and more.

Formalities for your entry into the Canadian border may take time, so you need to plan accordingly. Once your documents are checked, the immigration official may direct you to an immigration office to collect your Canada study permit. After getting it, be sure to check the details. Note you can’t work on/off campus till the start of your classes. Also, Canada receives the maximum number of travelers between August and September, so it would be better to avoid this period to enter Canada.