About Canada
Across Canada are examples of excellence, innovation, and beauty, all of which—along with top-notch educational institutions—make Canada one of the leading study abroad destinations in the world Canada is one of the study destinations which holds International reputation for educational standards. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) compared to the OECD average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries. Canadian degree’s are internationally equivalent to degrees from the United States or Commonwealth countries. Canada boasts a wide range of quality educational institutions for both degrees and diplomas in technical and professional disciplines. Over 1,30,000 international students attend Canadian colleges and universities. Canada holds high international reputation for educational standard. The cost of living in Canada is lower than countries like Australia, England or the United States. Canada also offers post study work options to the eligible applicants.
Education system in Canada
Canada makes a large investment in its education system. In fact, Canada is one of the world’s top education performers and among the top three countries in spending per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The tertiary education system in Canada is divided into:
- Certificate level, generally for a year
- Diploma level, for one or two years
- Advanced Diploma, generally two or three-year programs
- Bachelor degrees, awarded after four years of full-time study
- Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates, for one or two years of study
- Master’s degrees, available after a bachelor degree to excel in a certain subject, for one to two years
- Doctorate or PhD, generally four to seven years
Employment prospects
In Canada, work rights are available to international students while studying and also upon finishing a degree or diploma.
During your studies
Canada recently announced new regulations for international students. As of June, 2014, students do not need to apply for a separate work visa to work off-campus, and are eligible to work as soon as their program of study begins.
Canada provides extensive work and career opportunities for all types of students. Many institutions in Canada offer a co-operative education program. This is a structured program where students alternate between periods of work and study. This integrated curriculum is achieved through a partnership between the educational institution and industry.
After graduation
International graduates from Canadian higher education institutions also have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years following the completion of their program.
To work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). If you would like to look into staying in Canada as a permanent resident after you finish your studies, there are several programs available, each with its own requirements.
Why Study in Canada?
- Canadian universities are known for being consistently high quality and for offering internationally accepted degrees and credentials; some are ranked in the top 100 by reputable sources as The Times Higher Education Supplement and Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities.
- Over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at more than 100 institutions nationwide—and, tuition is generally much lower than in other leading study abroad countries. Students can pursue their studies at one of Canada’s top universities for roughly half of what it would cost to attend an equally reputable program at a private US university.
- International students can expect to be assisted in their university studies by such resources and services as orientation sessions, support programs, academic advising, prayer rooms, safewalk programs, student clubs, and assistance with medical concerns or housing issues.
- International students can often work while they study, taking advantage of many cooperative education and internship opportunities. There are also immigration programs that international students may qualify for post-graduation.
- The high quality of Canadian university education is further enabled by membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and provincial government charters.
Cost of studying in Canada
Canadian institutions offer lower tuition rates than many other countries, which means international students can save considerably by studying in Canada. All Canadian universities receive public funding through their provincial governments, which allows for lower tuition fees and ensures all universities adhere to a code of academic standards.
Accommodation
Rent costs will vary greatly depending on where you study, and if you live on or off campus.
If you choose to live off campus you will likely pay around $600 a month to rent a room and at least $1,800 a month to rent an apartment.
Health and safety in Canada
Canadian universities are conscious of the safety of students on their campuses. Most universities and colleges have 24-hour campus security.
The Canadian government has launched ‘Walk Safe’ campaigns to help students safely use public transport late in the evening.
In Canada, each province or territory manages its own healthcare system, which covers the costs of Canadian citizens’ visits to hospitals and doctors. Virtually all Canadian tertiary institutions have medical insurance plans available for international students.
Your SCN Education counsellor can provide you with more information on health insurance options in Canada.
Visa requirements
The student permit ( student visa ) allows an individual to enter Canada as a full time student at an accredited community college, university or any other institution. In order to be eligible to apply for a student permit, a student must be enrolled in a program of study that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate and the institution should be listed under Designated Learning institutions (DLI) list authorized by CIC. There are three catagories where students can File their visa applications which are S.P.P., General, University. Visa applications may be submitted at any of the ten application centers across India. VFS Office provides information on procedures applicable to applicants who wish to apply for a visa to travel to Canada.