CANADA

When anybody mentions Canada what comes to your mind? Is study in Canada or it the merciless winters, the hockey-loving Canadians, or the maple syrup it is renowned for?

Well, you might have heard that Canadians ride polar bears to work and apologize all the time, but it is also one of the best countries in the world when it comes to education. Apart from the fact that Canada is the second-largest country in the world, it also becoming a hugely popular destination for international students, thanks to its reputed and affordable educational system, immigration options, and employment opportunities for international students.
Well known for its natural resources, diverse culture, welcoming people, and a high standard of living, Canada is one of the leading destinations in the world for international students.

A large portion of Nepalese students that are aspiring to study in a foreign country prefers choosing Canada as their destination. So if you are planning to study in Canada then stick around till the end to find out everything an international student from Nepal should know, but first here are some quick facts about Canada.

Quick Facts about Canada

Capital City: Ottawa

Language: English, French

Currency: CAD (Canadian Dollar)

Population: 35 million

Area: 9,984,670 km²

International students: More than 250,000

Academic Year: September – June

• Canada is a world leader in language training. 21% of all Canadian people speak a foreign language as a native language. 40% of these people speak European and 56% speak Asian. 
• Canada has seen an 83% increase in the number of international students from 2008 to 2014.
• 51% of the international students studying in Canada intend to apply for permanent residence.
• Basketball was invented in Canada.
• There were 1,090,000 full-time and 266,000 part-time students in 2019 in Canadian universities.
• 1,794,500 new jobs were created for graduates between 2009 and 2019.
• 78% of universities in Canada promote intercultural engagement through different events and activities.
• Cost of Living is lower when compared to other top student destinations
• Canada has very high standards of living and some of the most livable cities in the world are in Canada.
• Canada is rich in natural resources.

Make sure you are eligible to study in Canada (Eligibility Criteria)

Here’s a harsh reality. You can’t just hop on a bike and ride into Canada. International students must meet some criteria before applying for Student Visa.

• Students must have completed 12 years of secondary education with good scores for a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate degree admissions. (If you are applying for a Master’s in Canada then you must have at least 16 years of schooling).
• Standardized tests like SATS and ACTs are not compulsory but some universities might ask for them.
• GRE is mandatory for most institutions if you are intending to study for Masters’s in Canada.

 

 

Step by Step Process to Apply for Canadian Student Visa

Before moving to Canada, you have to make sure that you have a valid student visa. It takes around 4-6 weeks on average to process your visa. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your student Visa.

• Take a language proficiency test. IELTS is the preferred test. This may vary depending on the university you are applying to. Some institutions also accept TOEFL.
• Then, apply for admission to a Canadian University. you need to put some research while selecting the Institution, apply for the institution of your choice. Then wait for your acceptance letter.
• Apply for the Canada Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and don’t forget to send the acceptance letter from the university.
• After receiving the offer letter, pay the required tuition fee through International Wire Transfer. The receipt of your tuition fee payment is needed in the latter part of the visa application.
• It is mandatory to buy GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a bank that costs CAD 10,200. From the $10,200, you will receive $2,000 on arrival, $200 will be deducted as bank charges and the remaining is paid in 12 instalments in the next year.

These are the documents required to lodge your visa:

• Visa Application Form
• Passport
• Passport size photos
• Acceptance Letter issued by SDS Educational Institute in Canada
• Result of the English Proficiency Test (IELTS, PTE)
• Academic documents
• Medical reports
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate

 

 

5 Reasons why you should study in Canada

Canada attracts thousands of international students each year from countries all over the world. In recent years, Canada has seen a significant increment in the number of international students. 

Here are 5 reasons why you should choose Canada for higher education.

Canada houses some of the best universities in the world

Canadian Universities are some of the best in the world. These universities offer quality education at an affordable price. The cost of education in Canada is quite low when compared to the study cost in the USA, Australia, UK, and some European nations.

The country maintains high standards in term of education and provides degrees which are recognized globally. Renowned for its research-intensive education system, the country is the 4th biggest country for scientific research. 

In addition to this, Canada is a bilingual country where French is also the primary language alongside English, so, don’t forget to learn some French while you’re there. Courses are also offered in French as the French language is a crucial part of the Canadian Education System.

Here is a list of some of the best universities in Canada:

1.     University of Montréal
2.     University of Toronto
3.     Trent University
4.     University of British Columbia
5.     Simon Fraser University
6.     University of Ottawa
7.     Concordia University

What makes the Canadian Learning System effective?

The courses are very organized and consist of lecture classes, followed by workshops and group projects. This makes it very easy for a student to follow with the teacher. Also, the class sizes are small and the atmosphere in Canadian University classes is friendly and open.

Teachers are only there to help students. They assist the students to become leaders and learners and encourage them to communicate effectively. 

Canadian Education is inexpensive when compared to the US and other countries.

The average fee for an undergraduate degree in Canada is $20,000 – $30,000 which is way less than the average study cost of the USA and the UK. The universities in Canada offer several scholarships and financial aids to students who require financial assistance.

Experience the cultural diversity

Canada is a diverse country. People of all religions, races, and cultures reside in the cities of Canada. The rich and vibrant cultural scene allows you to make friends easily and feel a little less homesick.

Affordable Health Care

The health insurance program for international students is very cheap when compared to a country like the US. The average health insurance cost is $500 whereas, in the United States, it is $1000 – $3000. Some provinces in Canada offer both free and premium provincial health insurance to students as well.

Employment Opportunities

One of the many reasons, international students choose Canada for higher education is the career opportunities it brings. The government offers a work program to students who earn a diploma degree from a higher secondary school in Canada.

The Canadian government also provide Post Graduation work permit for students where students can work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduating. This is also helpful if you are intending to apply for permanent residence.

Nepali Students can work off-campus without any permit if they are enrolled in a full-time degree at an institution. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during breaks. Most Nepali students work a part-time job to support their tuition fees and living costs.

Here is a list of the average salary of some occupations in Canada:

Job Position: Average Salary

• Graphic Designer: $57,500/y
• Civil Engineer: $81,000/y
• Business Analyst: $116,000/y
• HR Manager: $135,0000/y
• Financial Analyst: $121,000/y
• Aerospace Engineer: $116,000/y
• These are the popular part-time jobs among Nepali students in Canada:
• Rideshare Drivers: $30 – $50 per hour
• Translation jobs: $15 – $40 per hour
• Waiters: $15- $25 per hour
• Writers: $30 – $70 per hour

 

 

Scholarships in Canada

Canada is one of the most sought out destinations for higher education by students from all over the world. However, studying in Canada might cost you a lot of money. Keeping that in mind, here is the list of some scholarships that are given by the government of Canada for international students. You can also find non-governmental and institutional scholarships but for this guide, we are looking only at the aids provided by the Canadian government.

1. Banting post-doctoral fellowship

To apply for this scholarship, one must be enrolled in natural and social science or health research PG programs. This scholarship is awarded to 70 fellowships in a year.

Value: $70,000(taxable)

Duration: 2 years

 

2. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program

Value: $17,500

Duration: 12 months

 

3. IDRC research awards

This scholarship is given by the Canadian government to students from developing countries including Nepal, India, and other countries in the Indian sub-continent. Research support of up to $15,000 is provided. Not only that, but your travel fee is also covered. The applicant must be enrolled in Masters' or doctoral programs.

 

4. Vanier Canada graduate scholarship program

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program is given to 166 people in a year. The applicants should possess leadership skills and research potential in the chosen area. 

Value: $50,000 per year for three years

 

5. OGS Graduate Scholarships

This scholarship is provided by the Canadian government in collaboration with selected institutions. The scholarship of CAD 15,000 is provided per year for international students enrolling at the selected institutions.

 

6. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

This is provided to Master’s students enrolled in the Universities located in Quebec province of Canada. The award of CAD 25,000 per year is provided to doctoral students and CAD 35,000 is provided to postdoctoral students.

 

7. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This scholarship is given to students with financial difficulties. 693 awards are given to students each year who plan on studying their undergraduate at the University of British Columbia. The value of the scholarship depends on the financial need of the students. It can range from a price to full tuition covered plus allowances as well.

 

8. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

This scholarship is given by the University of Toronto to exceptional international students. It is one of their most prestigious awards. Every year 37 awards are given to students who portray great academic merits and leadership skills. 

 

9. Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence

This is given by the University of Waterloo to international Master’s students who are willing to study a research-based graduate program at their university. It is valued at $2500 per term for a maximum of five full terms. 

 

10. Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders

This is awarded by the University of Winnipeg to international students entering University divisions for the first time. 53 scholarships are offered each year to students with great results, leadership skills, and who can show creative thinking.