Step by step guide to Study in Canada

Canada is a popular destination for students looking to study abroad. The country offers a good quality of life with the UN declaring it as one of the best places to live. Toronto and Montreal are popular Canadian cities for overseas students.

[Why has Canada become a popular destination to study aboard?]

Student intakes

There are three intakes in Canadian universities –fall, winter and summer. Most colleges have fall as their primary intake while some also offer a winter intake.

If you are planning to study in Canada, we advise you to apply well in advance because admissions and scholarships get difficult when you apply closer to the deadline. It is better to apply 6 to 9 months before the academic session starts. Here is a step by step guide to help you study in Canada.

Step1: Explore your options

Canada offers various study programs

1. Certificate or diploma courses with a duration of one or two years
2. Advanced diploma courses with duration of two or three years
3. Undergraduate courses with a duration of three or four years
4. Post- graduate course of two years
5. D. with a duration of four or five years

Based on your needs and qualifications, decide on what you want to study. Explore your options based on location, cost, job opportunities and the kind of educational, social and cultural experience that you want.

Step 2: Shortlist the universities

Shortlist around ten universities based on the study programs, eligibility requirements and your own requirements.

Step 3: Prepare for the entrance process

The initial step is to prepare for standardized tests required for admission such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT etc. Register for these tests well in advance. Plan to take the test well ahead in case you need to retake the test to get your required scores. Remember to finish the tests before September.

If you are planning to study in a location where French is used, you need to take French proficiency test such as the TEF or the DALF, DELF or the TCF.

Step 4: Explore ways to finance your study

Check on your financial status to ensure that you can meet not only the tuition expenses but also other expenses such as travel, accommodation, food etc. Think of ways to finance your studies – your savings, bank loans or scholarships.

Step 5: Make your university applications

Get the details of the admissions requirements for your shortlisted universities. Get the details by contacting each university as each may have specific requirements. Get your application ready well before the deadline and send them well in advance.

Step:6 Get confirmation of admission

As soon as you get the acceptance letters from universities applied to, decide which university you want to study at and send the acceptance letter. After this confirm your admission by making the initial payment.

Step 7: Apply for a Student permit

Once you get the confirmation of your admission, you should apply for a student visa. You should get your papers ready before you go to the embassy or consulate. Your application for student permit must have the following documents:

• Acceptance letter from the university
• Valid passport
• Proof that you have enough funds to finance your studies
• Proof of English Proficiency Test
• Academic Documents
• Receipt of Payment of Tuition fee
• Medical certificate
• Selection to a university in Quebec will need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec’ (CAQ that will be sent by the university

Step 8: Check on the accommodation options

Once you get your student permit, check if your chosen college/university provides accommodation options or you may have to arrange them yourself. If that is the case, you may need to do some groundwork to find a suitable accommodation by contacting friends and acquaintances who stay in that location to explore accommodation options. It is better to finalize a place to stay before you move to Canada to study.

Step 9:  Prepare for your departure

After finalizing your accommodation, you should start preparing for your departure. Book your tickets and start your packing. Carry all the important documents and the essential things you will require for your stay in Canada.

Plan to arrive in advance before your course starts for a good beginning. Best of luck!