Canada
Overview
Canada, perhaps the best destination for all types of educational goals, is recognized for its high quality in delivering education at all levels and awarding degrees from universities that are as prestigious as those found in the United Kingdom and the United States. Read our guide to learn what you need to know about studying in Canada!
Why study in Canada
As an international student, it is easy to see why Canada is such an attractive place to continue your higher education as its emphasis on education runs deep. Over half of Canadians are degree holders, and education is compulsory until the age of 18.
Its strong presence in the global education sector for its high quality and affordability compared to other global education providers like the UK and USA continues to be a winning feature as to why it remains a highly sought-after place to further academics.
Canada has also been designated as the happiest place to be in terms of receiving an education. Their breakaway from traditional grading systems and embracing holistic education has been reported to satisfy students from every age bracket; and with strong encouragement in extracurricular activities from and involving the community, Canada’s way of providing education in the modern age has been proven to be the most secure.
Tuition Fees?
While being an international student in Canada is considerably cheaper compared to being an international student in the UK and USA, Canada is still a major urban Western country, and prior planning must be done in order to fully enjoy your time in the cold continent of North America.
Courses in Canadian universities vary in price in different universities and provinces due to the varying living costs but are still subject to the nature of the field. Arts and business courses are the cheapest in the group, while engineering and medicine will be the most expensive of the lot.
Average Tuition Fees (per year) as of 2018
| Study level | CA$ |
| Foundation / Pre-U | 8,000 – 10,500 |
| Diploma | 13,500 – 19,500 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 14,000 – 25,000 |
| Masters degree | 13,000 – 40,000 |
| PhD | 8,000 – 10,100 |
Language requirement
As Canada is a Commonwealth country, English is its national language, shared with French. IELTS results are the most common language requirement to apply for Canadian Universities in the English areas, but TOEFL and Cambridge English: Advanced results are also acceptable.
Should you wish to apply to a university in the francophone areas, proof of proficiency in French is similarly required.
Typical acceptance
STPM can be used to apply for undergraduate studies at a Canadian university. Some subjects may require credits in specific units.
Credit transfer from other academic qualifications is also permitted if you have already previously enrolled in a Diploma, Degree Transfer or Undergraduate programmes.
*If you are over 25 and have completed your previous degree over two years ago, you will be considered a ‘mature student’ and will be required to submit additional credentials on employment background detailing the practical skills you have developed.
In addition to your academic transcripts, potential future students applying to study in Canada must also prepare a resume noting other curricular achievements, volunteer, and work experience.
You must also curate a Letter of Intent (LOI) stating why you are applying to the university of your choice and what you want to achieve academically
When to apply to Canada
Most Canadian universities and colleges follow the academic term of commencing in early September and concluding at end of April or early May; with a short break between December and January to separate the semesters.
Tip: As an international student, admission to a popular course offered by a Canadian university may be subject to limited slots, so planning in high advance is a must.
The most advisable time to begin submitting applicants to the Canadian university of your choice should be as early a whole year before the start date of the semester, or at latest by March of the same year for the September intake. You also need to provide proof of finance showing ability to sustain living costs and tuition fee in addition to language proficiency certification.
As soon as you receive a letter of offer or acceptance to the university in Canada, you may begin applying for your travel necessities such as the student permit, health insurance, passport renewals and other important documents needed for going overseas.
Student visa.
To apply to study at any Canadian institution or university as a first-year undergraduate, future students must fulfil the requirements of applying for a study permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. A study permit is not equivalent to a visa, and there are limitations to travel and work. As a full-time student, however, the study permit should cover all necessary areas.
*The fee to apply for a Canadian Study Permit is C$150
As an international student holding a Canadian study permit, the following terms and conditions must be adhered to for the duration of your study permit validity.
Remain enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Attend the applied level of study
If you wish to continue your studies beyond the level you applied for, e.g. undergraduate to postgraduate, you will need to apply for a study permit extension.
*The study permit is valid for only ninety days within programme completion.
You will not need a Canadian study permit if your course/program lasts under six months, but it would be a good step to apply for one anyway in case you decide to continue. Should you only make up your mind in pursuing more in Canada after six months without having a prior application, you will have to leave Canada and submit your student permit applications through a visa office.
** For those applying to study in the province of Quebec, you will need a certificate of acceptance (CAQ) prior to applying for the entire study permit.
As an international student, health care insurance is a must-have. Availability of coverage will vary from province to province; some will have health insurance readily available for international students after a certain period of stay, but other provinces (such as Quebec) will require you to arrange insurance privately.
Canadian government health care coverage may have some limitations when extended to temporary residents, so be aware of what medical services you as an international student are entitled to.
To supply medical information required, a visa officer will contact you with instructions. Take note, it might extend the processing time by over three months.
As for proof of financial sustainability to study in Canada, you must provide the document in the form of either:
Bank statements
Sponsor letter
Receipts of tuition and accommodation fee payments
A bank draft in convertible currency
Evidence of an existing Canadian account if supplying through transfer
Proof of owning a Canadian scholarship or
Proof of taking a Canadian-funded course.
As of 2018, officials have determined that you need about CA$10,000 (approx RM30,900) yearly, (CA$11,000 (approx RM34,000) yearly in Quebec) + tuition fees and funds saved for transportation back to home country.
Once you have received the green light, travel to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Canada! You will be issued your Canadian study permit and be allowed access into Canada for the duration of your degree.
