Study In Canada

Student visa requirements for Canada

Canada's warm and diversified culture, strong educational facilities, and high level of life make it a popular choice for students. Canada has a long history of academic achievement and provides a plethora of programs and opportunities for students to pursue their academic and professional objectives.

According to Canadian government laws, in order to study in Canada, one must first get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and a Study Permit.

Student visa requirements for Canada

You can study in Canada with the help of a study permit. It is not a visa; rather, it is a license or document given by Citizen and Immigration (CIC). You have to stay enrolled in your course and finish your studies within the allotted time if you have a study permit.

It is always necessary to obtain a guest visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in addition to your study permit. Please note that a study visa is a document that allows you to study in Canada, even while an ETA or guest visa only allows you to enter the country.

Documents required for your study permit

What you'll need to apply for your study permit is:

• A letter of acceptance from the institution that you plan to attend, and a valid passport or travel document
• Documentation proving your ability to support yourself and any family members while you're in Canada
• Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your:
• Cost of tuition living costs in Canada for you and any accompanying family members, and transportation back to Canada for you and any accompanying family members.
• Submit a police verification certificate.
• Medical certificate

In addition, you will have to physically appear for an interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate. It is possible that you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to support yourself and any accompanying family members financially by offering:

• If funds have been transferred to Canada, proof of a Canadian bank account in your name.
• Proof of a financial institution loan for schooling or students.
• Accounts statements.
• A convertible currency bank draft.
• Verification that the tuition and housing costs have been paid.
• A letter addressed to the individual or organization that is financing you.
• If you are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program or have a scholarship, proof of financing paid from within Canada is required.

Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, recently launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, allows Indian candidates to Canadian universities and colleges to expect quicker visa processing. Instead of the usual 2-3 month visa application process, Indian students can apply for their visas through SDS in as little as 4-6 weeks. You may need a few more documents if you choose to apply through SDS

English language requirements

To receive a Canadian visa, you will have to provide documentation of your fluency in English. This involves taking an English language test to demonstrate your ability to communicate and write in letters.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English language competency exam in the world for immigration, employment, and study, having administered over three million examinations in the past year. The IELTS scores are accepted by more than 11,000 organizations globally, including corporations, governments, professional associations, and educational institutions. There are 140 nations where these organizations are located

A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required, with no band falling below 5.5, in order to be eligible to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada. Similar to this, you need to get 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0 in order to enroll in a post-graduate course.

Cost to study in Canada

The type of certification and the institution you choose will determine how much tuition you have to spend. Your annual tuition costs will run you from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000.

Generally speaking, courses in the humanities, education, and arts cost a little bit more than those in professions like engineering and medical. Depending on the program, tuition costs can vary, but they are often significant if you wish to pursue graduate work. Like most other countries, MBA programs are usually the most expensive. Usually, these courses go from CAD 40,000 to CAD 50,000.

Here's a general breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (in CAD)
Tuition Fees	Varies by program and institution
Accommodation	$8,000 - $15,000 per year
Food	$3,000 - $5,000 per year
Transportation	$1,000 - $2,000 per year
Books and Supplies	$1,000 - $3,000 per year
Health Insurance	$600 - $1,000 per year
Miscellaneous (personal expenses)	$2,000 - $4,000 per year
Total Estimated Cost	$15,600 - $30,000+ per year

Scholarships to study in Canada

The following are the well-known government-funded scholarships which are offered to Indian students who want to study in Canada:

S. No.	Scholarship Name
1	Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
2	Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
3	Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
4	Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
5	National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
6	Ontario Trillium Scholarship
7	Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
8	Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
9	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Intakes in Canada

Compared to Indian universities, which usually have a single intake system, Canadian colleges and universities have three intakes over the academic year, offering a more flexible schedule. Some Canadian universities also refer to these intakes as semesters. The three intakes that are available in Canada are designed to meet the varying needs and preferences of students. Below is a list of them:

Intake Period	Description
Fall Intake	- Starts in September, considered the main intake period.
	- Most undergraduate and graduate programs commence in the fall.
	- Application deadlines are typically in the preceding winter or spring.
	- Ideal for students looking for a traditional academic year structure.
Winter Intake	- Starts in January, less common than the fall intake.
	- Some universities and colleges offer limited programs during this intake.
	- Application deadlines are usually in the summer or early fall.
	- Suitable for students who may have missed the fall intake or prefer a mid-year start.
Spring/Summer Intake	- Starts in May or July, less common than fall or winter intakes.
	- Some institutions may offer specific programs during this period.
	- Application deadlines vary but are typically in the preceding months.
	- Ideal for students seeking flexibility in their start date.

Top courses to study in Canada

S.No.	Courses
Computer Science and IT:	Computer Science
	Software Engineering
	Information Technology
	Data Science and Analytics
Business and Management:	Business Administration
	Finance
	Marketing
	International Business
Engineering:	Civil Engineering
	Mechanical Engineering
	Electrical Engineering
	Aerospace Engineering

Job prospects in Canada

Industry/Occupation	Job Outlook	Key Factors
Information Technology (IT)	Strong demand for IT professionals; growing tech sector.	Skills in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Healthcare	High demand for healthcare professionals due to an aging population.	Opportunities for nurses, doctors, and healthcare support staff.
Engineering	Positive outlook, especially in civil, software, and biomedical engineering.	Experience and specialization in high-demand areas.
Finance and Accounting	Stable demand; finance hubs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.	Professional certifications and experience enhance prospects.
Skilled Trades	Increasing demand for skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders.	Apprenticeships and trade certifications are valuable.
Natural Resources	Opportunities in mining, forestry, and energy sectors.	Experience and expertise in resource extraction and management.
Education	Demand for educators in various subjects and levels.	Teaching qualifications and experience enhance employability.
Tourism and Hospitality	Opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and event management.	Customer service skills and relevant certifications are valuable.
Biotechnology	Growing field with opportunities in research and development.	Advanced degrees and research experience are beneficial.
Renewable Energy	Increasing demand for professionals in sustainable energy.	Specialization in renewable energy technologies is advantageous.
Marketing and Communications	Opportunities in digital marketing and corporate communications.	Strong communication skills and digital marketing expertise.

Cost of living in Canada

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (in CAD)
Housing	$1,200 - $3,000+
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	$100 - $200
Groceries	$300 - $600
Transportation	$100 - $300
Health Insurance	$0 - $100+
Cell Phone and Internet	$50 - $100+
Dining Out/Entertainment	$200 - $500
Clothing	$50 - $200+
Miscellaneous	$100 - $300+
Total Estimated Cost	$2,000 - $5,000+