Study in Canada

Education in Canada is under the complete jurisdiction of the provinces and territories and as such, there is no federal education system in Canada. In keeping with the national commitment to education, public education in Canada is free up to and including secondary school in all the provinces. At the post-secondary level, institutions are divided into community colleges and universities.

The Canadian education system encompasses both publicly funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to university. Education is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are uniformly high.

Lifestyle

Canadians enjoy a standard of living among the highest in the world. More than 65 per cent of Canadians own their own homes, with a higher percentage owning durable goods, such as automobiles, refrigerators, washing machines, television, telephones and radios.

Media, entertainment and artistic endeavours are well-developed in Canada. Canadians are proud of their world-renowned and highly sophisticated broadcasting system which includes more than 1,000 AM and FM radio stations and some 719 television stations to serve, entertain and educate the listening and viewing audience.

Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French.

Population

The 2006 national census recorded 31,612,897 people which was a rise of 5.4% since 2001.[47] Population growth is largely accomplished through immigration and, to a lesser extent, natural growth. About three-quarters of Canada's population live within 160 kilometres (100 mi) of the U.S. border.[48] A similar proportion live in urban areas concentrated in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor (notably the Golden Horseshoe - South Central Ontario, Montreal, and Ottawa metropolitan areas, the BC Lower Mainland (Vancouver and environs), and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor in Alberta.

Currency

The dollar (currency code CAD) has been the currency of Canada since 1858. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is divided into 100 cents. The Canadian dollar is the monetary basis for the Canadian economy, with all coins minted by the Royal Canadian Mint and all banknotes printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company and BA International Inc on behalf of the Bank of Canada.

Canada uses the metric system of measurement. The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar, which equals 100 cents. The most common paper currency in Canada comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Coins appear in 1 cent (pennies), 5 cents (nickels), 10 cents (dimes), 25 cents (quarters), $1 (loonies) and $2 (twoonies) denominations. The $1 and $2 coins have been introduced over the last 10 years, and there are still Canadian $1 and $2 bills in circulation that are considered legal tender (they have also become collector's items). Canadian bills are clearly marked and each denomination has a distinctive colour.

Visa Procedure

International students are required to obtain a Study Permit for Canada. Allow at least two months for your visa to be processed.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION:

• Study Permit Application form

• Personal Information Form for students and postdoctoral researchers.

• Letter of acceptance from Canadian University, College or Technical Institute.

• Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (Only if you plan to study in Quebec)

• TOEFL / IELTS score, if applicable

• Passport, valid for at least one year, from the proposed date of entry into Canada.

• Visa fee to be payable by Bank draft

• Copies of Academic Mark sheets and Certificates

• Work Experience Certificates, if applicable.

• Proof of payment of fees, if applicable

• Proof of Funds - Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient liquid assets to pay the tuition fees, living expenses and travelling cost without engaging in employment in Canada. Students must demonstrate that they have at least Cdn$10,000 plus the cost of tuition for a twelve-month period, plus the cost of travelling to and fro from Canada. Even Bank Loans are accepted.

• Letter from the sponsor

• Income Tax Papers of the sponsor

If the student is found to be in good health and there are no other concerns with the application, the Visa and Student Authorization will be issued.

Weather

There are many climatic variations in Canada, ranging from the permanently frozen ice caps north of the 70th parallel to the lush vegetation of British Columbia's west coast. On the whole, however, Canada has four very distinct seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US border. Daytime summer temperatures can rise to 35°C and higher, while lows of -15°C are not uncommon in winter. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.

Over the years, Canadians have adapted extremely well to the colder periods of weather by installing heat in housing and cars, and by having heated public transportation systems, and in some instances - in walkways to and from buildings in schools.

Geography

The geography of Canada is vast and diverse. Occupying most of the northern portion (precisely 41%) of the continent of North America, Canada is the world's second largest country in total area after Russia.

Canada spans an immense territory between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east (hence the country's motto), with the United States to the south (contiguous United States) and northwest (Alaska), and the Arctic Ocean to the north; Greenland is to the northeast.

FAQ

Q.1. What is the eligibility criteria for Canadian Universities?

Each university has its own entrance requirements and will judge you on an individual basis. The university will map your academic credentials. There is no nationwide set of entrance exams. For more details about this or any other part of the application process, contact DJIEC.

Q.2. What is the difference between a University and a College?

Universities are educational institutions attended after at least 12 years of school, or after secondary school, for studies leading to a degree and research. All 93-member universities of AUCC offer three or four-year bachelor degree programs; most offer one to two year master's degrees and a number also offer doctoral or PhD programs. Some universities are called colleges, and a few are called institutes, university colleges, or schools. Community colleges are two-year institutions that offer technical or vocational courses, or courses for transfer to a university, leading to a certificate or diploma. Community colleges do not generally offer degree programs. For more information on Canadian Community Colleges, Contact DJIEC.

Q.3. What is the Canadian application procedure?

To study at a Canadian University, you must first be accepted in a program of study by a recognized Canadian university. Once you have determined which universities meet your needs, contact the registrar's office at each institution to obtain an application for a bachelor's program or a professional degree. If you wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Canada you may obtain more information by contacting the dean of graduate studies at the universities that interest you. It is important to apply early. Generally, international students should apply to a Canadian university up to eight months in advance. Some universities have application deadlines as late as June for a September start date. Typical entry points for international students are the September and January semesters. However, many universities have adopted a procedure of "rolling admissions" which means that they consider international students' applications as they come in throughout the year. However, for graduate programs in particular, it can take time to ensure you are matched with the right faculty adviser, so give yourself enough lead-time. Calendars with course descriptions, admission requirements and procedures, costs and scholarships are available from the registrar at each university.

Engineering, optometry, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, and dentistry are fields where the first professional degree is considered an undergraduate program. Limited seats are available contingent on your academic merit. A high level of academic achievement is required for admission. Often at least two years of undergraduate study in a related field are required before you can be admitted to the first professional degree program. Check the university calendar to identify tests such as LSAT (law) or DAT (dentistry) that may also be required.

Q.4. What are the Language Requirements?

You have to be proficient in English or French, depending on the University you choose. Most English universities require a score of 560 + on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL). Canadian French-language universities usually assess applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Q.5. What is the time span to earn a degree?

A bachelor's or undergraduate degree takes three to four years to complete. All honours programs require a high level of achievement and concentration in the subject. An honours degree is generally a forerunner for admission into graduate studies. A master's degree usually requires at least one year of full-time study and includes a thesis. A doctoral degree, or PhD, requires at least three years of additional full-time study, with at least one year on campus. In most cases, a master's degree is required before admission into a doctoral program, but some universities will accept students who have completed an honors degree.

Q.6. Is the degree globally recognized?

A degree from a Canadian University is recognized around the world and is usually equivalent to an American degree or a degree from another Commonwealth country. Professional and specialized programs such as medicine, nursing and engineering are accredited by reliable and reputable agencies. Current and new academic programs are regularly reviewed by provincial, institutional or regional bodies to ensure quality standards. Canada does not have a transfer of credits process similar to that found in the U.S. However an accurate mapping is done by the appropriate provincial charter coupled with membership. For specific details on degree recognition, please consult with DJIEC. We will assist with your credentials or qualifications being recognized in Canada by referring them to the appropriate bodies.

Q.7. What is the living cost?

The cost of living in Canada is moderate, compared with other countries. Some prices of typical goods and services are as follows (in US dollars): 
• One month's lodging, one-bedroom apartment: $400 
• Bus fare, one way: $1.50 
• Local telephone call: $0.25 
• Modest restaurant meal: lunch $7/dinner $14 
• Movie: $7

Canadian winters are chilly, an adequate warm clothing budget is essential. Budget around $250 - $350 US for proper winter wardrobe.

You will need approximately $12,000 US ($18,840 Cdn or 13,000 Euro) to cover your expenses for an academic year. This includes your tuition and living expenses but not your air-fare. Please remember that this figure is an average only. Actual expenses may vary depending on the region of the country you live in, the tuition fees at the university you attend and your field of specialisation. Consult us to assist with your financial planning

Q.8. What are the housing options?

Most universities offer the option to live on-campus either in residences designated for international students or in residences generally available to all students on campus. However, acceptance at a Canadian school does not ensure accommodation in a residence.

Q.9. What is the eligibility criteria for working in Canada?

• All international students may work on campus. 
• Graduate or research work completed at facilities associated with your institution (such as hospitals) also meets the definition of "on-campus". 
• In order to work off-campus, international students must obtain a work permit. This is granted if your employment is considered essential to your course of study.

Potential Policy Change:

Please note that the Canadian government is now looking at the possibility to allow, under certain conditions, full-time international students to work part-time off-campus during the school term and full-time during the holidays. Please contact us for more details.

Q.10. Is health insurance required?

You will have to arrange for medical coverage before you arrive in Canada. Medical coverage varies from province to province and sometimes from university to university within each province. Please check with us for detailed information. Also, we will inform you whether the universities you are applying to have any medical insurance plans for international students.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan cover international students under their provincial health care plans. Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec do not cover international students under their provincial health care plans. International students planning to study in one of these provinces must arrange for private medical coverage through private insurance companies.

Q.11. What are the immigration requirements?

To study at a Canadian university, you will need a study permit. You may also need a visitor visa, which will be issued to you at the same time as your study permit. We can assist you to obtain the study permit. It is best to apply early, as processing of a study permit usually takes one or two months. There is a processing charge of $125 Cdn (approximately $80 US) for one person. If you plan to study in the province of Quebec you must pay another $100 Cdn for a Certificate d'acceptation du Québec. There is no fee for a visa when it is issued with a study permit. Note: You must be sure to arrive in Canada with a valid study permit (and visitor visa, if required).

Q.12. What are the tuition fees?

Tuition fees for international students vary from province to province and depend on your faculty of choice. You must also budget for personal item like books, instruments, student activity fees, food, housing, travel/transportation, health care, clothing, laundry and entertainment. For more details, contact DJIEC.