We look forward to helping students like you who would like to study in Canada. You will find all the information you need to aid your research in deciding if Canada is the best place for you.
Study in Canada
About Studying in Canada
Canadian universities and colleges are among the best in the world. In 2012, four Canadian universities ranked in the Top 100 of the ARWU Shanghai Ranking and 22 in the Top 500; 3 ranked in the Top 50 of the QS University Ranking and 20 in the Top 500; and 5 ranked in the Top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 8 in the Top 200. This is certainly an amazing record for a single country.
Studying in Canada or getting an admission to study at any of the Canadian College or University should be a top priority for those who may want to pursue a Quality education in their respective areas of interest and professions. General survey has proven that one out of every three people all over the world who are under the age of thirty years old desire to study in Canada.
This is because Canada is one of the best countries with one of the best economies in the whole world. In Canada, almost 25 percent of students have an immigrant background; this is a reflection of the country’s openness towards international students. For information on getting started on pursuing your academic career in Canada, please contact us.
Fun facts about Canada
- Do a good deal and get a positive ticket. The police in Canada can give you a “positive ticket” if they sight you doing something positive.
- And you thought you had seen enough lakes? Canada has more lakes than all the lakes combined in the world.
- Planning to study in Canada? Good choice; it is the most educated country in the world with more than half of its population having college degrees
- Canada hosts almost five million international students
- Play hockey on the Atlantic Ocean. In Newfoundland, Canada, the Atlantic Ocean sometimes freezes and that’s what the locals choose to do with it.
- The license plate in the north-western territories of Canada are shaped like polar bears.
How to Get Admitted into a Canadian University
Basic Steps to getting admitted into Canadian Institutions.
The first thing you have to consider is if the Canadian program or Institution you select will meet your objectives, and will help you to avoid a crucial loss of time, energy and money. Before you seek admission to a Canadian College, School, University or other type of Post-secondary Institution, it is important to have answers to a number of questions:
Can I achieve my dreams and goals with the course I desire to pursue in Canada?
It is advisable that you inquire from competent and qualifying authorities before seeking admission into a University, college, or School (in Canada or elsewhere). You can also Contact us for assistance. We will give you all the information you need to know.
NOTE: We can help you make the best choice and guide you through the entire process. Contact us for more information.
Estimated Cost to study in Canada
High on academic quality but affordable tuition fee – Canada is one of the best study destinations for students. Until August 2019, Canada experienced almost 70,000 international students studying at all levels in the country; which explains its popularity across the globe.
How much does it cost to Study in Canada?
| Study program | Average annual fee (in CAD*) | |
| 1 | Undergraduate program | $13,000 to $20,000 per year |
| 2 | Postgraduate master’s degree | $17,000 to $25,000 per year |
| 3 | Doctoral degree | $7,000 to $15,000 per year |
| 4 | MBA | $30,000 to $40,000 per year |
Accommodation costs
Most universities in Canada offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from India. Cost for on-campus accommodation may range anywhere from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 (annually) whereas living in a shared apartment can cost you around CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month depending upon your location and time of the year. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.
An additional option is a homestay where you stay with a host family in Canada. In this, you will have to pay a placement fee of CAD 200 and a monthly fee of CAD 750 – 950 in return for meals and a room. However, you’ll be able to participate in local activities with the host and learn about the culture closely.
Cost of your student visa and permit
To study in Canada, the first step is to secure a valid study permit and that comes with its own costs (approx. CAD 150). Feel free to consult your counsellor for latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs.
Living expenses
You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. Considering various expenses and living costs, a single student budget in Canada comes out to be approx. CAD 15,000 (indicative). You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
- Communication expenses: As a student from Nigeria, you’d be frequently calling your friends and family back home. Therefore, always keep a section of your budget for phone bills and data expenses. Look for cost-effective calling plans and student discounts in order to stay connected with your loved ones within your monthly budget.You can find a phone plan that suits your needs, however, the average cost is approx. CAD 20 per month.
- Books and supplies: Purchasing textbooks can get a little expensive. For instance, books for engineering courses can cost you approx. CAD 250 to CAD 350. For courses like law, medicine and pharmacy, the value can go even higher. You can manage this in your budget by opting for second hand books, buying digital versions or even securing a library membership.
- Personal expenses and incidentals: Your daily expenses will include laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, etc. This depends entirely on the kind of lifestyle you choose for yourself.
Health support and insurance
It is mandatory for all students travelling to Canada to get medical insurance before the commencement of their program. In Canada, international student health insurance is priced between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador or Saskatchewan, you will be insured under the respective provincial health plans as per the length of your stay.
Transportation cost
Unless your institution provides with a shuttle service to-and-fro from your lodging, you’ll have to rely on the available public transport.
| For short distances | Make use of regional trains, buses, and subways. Metropolitan cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal offer buses and subways. Smaller cities may or may not have subways, but you can always avail buses, commuter trains or local taxi service. Commuting cost can range anywhere between CAD 80 and CAD 110 for a month (indicative). It is a good idea to get monthly passes for commuting to college as they come in fairly cheap |
| Park and Ride service | If you live far from the bus stop, some cities give you the option to drive down to a special parking area where you can park your car and then take a train or bus. You can also rent a car by getting an international driver’s license. Your commute expense will vary accordingly. |
| For long distances | For travelling between different cities, you can avail long-distance buses, railways, and flights. |
Taxes
Nigeria students studying in Canada having a Social Insurance Number (SIN) are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your Canadian earned income will be taxable. Along with this, if you have a scholarship or assistantship from your institution, the federal and state governments may tax these wards.
Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in Canada or seek scholarship in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.
Why use Genuine Education?
- Enjoy face-to-face consultation with our experienced counsellors about entry requirements and the application process for courses
- Discover speciality course offerings that are unique to campuses in regional areas
Study Levels in Canada
This unique platform brings together classroom-based education and practical work experience making for more structured and pragmatic learning. This is an exceptionally wonderful avenue for international students who do not wish to consume themselves in a completely lecture-based education. Note that 50% of the program will include work experience therefore you must have a work permit.
Since the education system in Canada is managed by the provincial governments, the study levels and educational stages may lie in different clusters with different names. Here’s a synopsis:
| Qualification | Duration | Description |
| Certificates and Diploma | 1 to 2 years | Vocational and job oriented programs, mainly technical |
| Associate degree | 2 years | Equivalent to first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree |
| Bachelor’s degree | 3 to 4 years | And undergraduate degree which requires successful completion of secondary school. The duration of your course depends on the province and type of program although most courses last for 4 years. Certain provinces like Quebec have bachelor’s degree of 3 years. |
| Bachelor’s Honors degree | 4 years | This will require getting a specific GPA or credits, a majors or a specialist program |
| Postgraduate diploma | 1 to 2 years | A post bachelor degree qualification |
| Master’s degree (by thesis) | 1 to 2 years | Often referred to as research masters, this requires mandatory submission of thesis for assessment and course completion |
| Master’s degree (by non-thesis) | 1 to 2 years | This is a taught master’s degree, not requiring thesis submission |
| Doctorate or PhD | 4 to 7 years | Ph.D. is awarded when students complete dissertation and successfully defend their work before a panel of faculty members |
| Post-Doctoral Programs | No time limit | Specialised research-oriented programs |
Types of institutions
There are different types of qualifications offered by various institutions of Canada.
- University: Students can apply for undergraduate degree, postgraduate certificate, diploma and degree, professional degrees and doctorate in universities of Canada.
- University colleges: Programs offered by university colleges include diploma and university transfer programs.
- Community colleges: Students can get certificate, diploma, associate degree, undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma in community colleges.
- Career and technical colleges: Certificate and diploma offered for technical education.
Co-operative education
This unique platform brings together classroom-based education and practical work experience making for more structured and pragmatic learning. This is an exceptionally wonderful avenue for international students who do not wish to consume themselves in a completely lecture-based education. Note that 50% of the program will include work experience therefore you must have a work permit.
Academic year
September is the main intake in Canada and witnesses maximum number of student admissions. While most colleges and universities offer the September and January intake, you may also be able to get admissions in the Summer intake that starts around April/May.
Pedagogy in Canadian classrooms
Active participation, research and analysis via presentation, assignments and lab tests are the basis of Canadian learning. Classes are usually a mix of lectures, tutorials and lab sessions having a student strength of about 30 to 200. While lectures may have a higher number of students, tutorials are generally held within small groups for better and in-depth understanding of the concept. Canadian universities focus on providing a holistic experience wherein students get opportunities that improve their learning, career and life..
Student visa requirements for Canada
Applying for a Canadian student visa? Here’s help!
The Canadian Government provides an opportunity to Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
What is a study permit?
This is not a visa, it’s a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) which allows you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course.
Your study permit is always accompanied along with a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your counsellor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorised migration experts.
Documents required for your study permit
To apply for your study permit, you will need:
- An acceptance letter from your education institution, and
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof that you can support yourself or any family members who might accompany you, while you’re in Canada
You must also:
- Prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
- tuition fees
- living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and
- return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)
- Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)
You will also be required to appear for a personal interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.
To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:
- Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada
- Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution
- Bank statements
- A bank draft in convertible currency
- Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
- A letter for the person or institution providing your funding
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the CIC official website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Canada. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
How to Apply for a Visa Online
There are different types of qualifications offered by various institutions of Canada.
- University: Students can apply for undergraduate degree, postgraduate certificate, diploma and degree, professional degrees and doctorate in universities of Canada.
- University colleges: Programs offered by university colleges include diploma and university transfer programs.
- Community colleges: Students can get certificate, diploma, associate degree, undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma in community colleges.
- Career and technical colleges: Certificate and diploma offered for technical education.
Benefits of online visa application
- Instant application as courier and mail delivery time is eliminated
- The application process is expedited
- You will know if it’s incomplete as an incomplete request is not accepted online
- You can speedily submit your rest of the documents, as and when required
- You will be updated through emails on the status of your application
How can We help in your visa application?
- If you’re a student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Canada, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce your hassle, we can also help certify, translate and courier your documents.Study permit fee
As an applicant from outside Canada, you will have to pay CAD as your visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying..English language requirements
To gain your Canadian visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.If you want to pursue your undergraduate degree in Canada, then you require a minimum of 6.0 band in your IELTS with no band less than 5.5 and similarly, for a post-graduate degree, you require to score 6.5 band with no band less than 6.0.You can always contact us for a free counselling session and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.We, at Genuime Education Consult understand how challenging it can be to pursue your studies abroad. We provide a range of Student Essentials services to eliminate complexity and stress making your international study experience journey, a hassle-free adventure.Need help? Explore our services and leave us your details in the enquiry and a counsellor will be assigned to guide through every step of your way to live and study abroad.