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6 things you should know before studying in Canada

Written by Fiona

December 17 2021

Migrating to a foreign country for the purpose of education comes with its unique challenges. Aside from the obvious change of environment, there are certain things that you need to know about education in the country you’re moving to.

Higher education in your home country is likely different from education in Canada. As an international student looking to move to Canada, you might choose to consult an immigration professional for Canada to learn more about the process of migrating and other things you may not be aware of. The following are some of the things you should know about studying in Canada.

A university campus in Ontario, Canada.

1.  Studying in Canada is Affordable

One of the best things about studying in Canada as an international student is that it is a lot more affordable compared to other countries across North America and Europe. Generally, you can expect to spend between $12,000 and $18,000 yearly on undergraduate tuition in Canada.

Another factor that makes studying in Canada affordable is that the cost of living is quite low. You only need about $400 to $1,500 monthly for an apartment in Canada depending on where you live.

2.  Two Official Languages

One of the things you may find surprising about studying in Canada is that the country has two official languages which are English and French. French is the major language spoken by residents in the Quebec province.

However, you may also hear the language in other parts of the country. Thus, learning French in addition to the English language may be a requirement for studying in some schools in Quebec and other parts of Canada.

City life.

3.  You’ll need to get a Canada Study Visa

You won’t need a study permit for short-term programmes or courses that will be completed within six months or less. But for courses that are longer than six months, you will need to apply for and get a Canadian study permit. This document will grant you a leave to stay in the country throughout the duration of your study.

In some cases, you may also need to get a temporary residence permit which is typically processed alongside your study permit. Everyone applying to study is required to provide proof that they have been accepted by a university or any other educational institution in the country. They must also prove that they can pay the tuition fees, living expenses, and their return fares to their home country.

Applicants must also satisfy the basic health requirements and must have an adequate study abroad travel insurance cover.

4.  Working While Studying

As an international student studying in Canada, you may be able to work while you study either on or off-campus as long as your study permits are still valid. Full-time students are permitted to work part-time for not more than 20 hours per week when their school is in session.

They may also work full-time during semester breaks. But there are exceptions to this rule. In some cases, students are only allowed to work for just 10 hours per week when school is in session. This mostly applies to students on a full scholarship and some specific courses.

Many students stay on for the outdoors life.

5.  Staying Back After Study

It isn’t uncommon for people to want to stay back in Canada after their education is completed. This is very much possible. You can apply for a post-study work permit which allows you to stay back in Canada for a limited period after you complete your education.

For students who have just completed a one-year programme, they can stay back for up to a year after completing their course. Similarly, students who have concluded a two or three-year program can stay back for up to three years. After this work permit expires, you may be able to apply for a visa for indefinite leave to remain.

6.  Degree Structure

If you’re planning to move to Canada to study, then you should get familiar with the country’s higher educational system. The degree requirements may vary from one institution to the other and may depend on the specific course you intend to study. Check the online course catalogue for the school you intend to apply to. You may also request information from an academic advisor or register to get additional details.

Final Words

Just like many countries, the first step to achieving success as an international student looking to study in Canada is to get as much information as possible. You can ask for help from an immigration lawyer to get additional information to guide you through the process of migrating to Canada for your education.

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