Tips for international students in Canada are essential for anyone embarking on their first journey abroad for higher education. The first time I traveled out of my country, I was an international student who had never traveled before. The mix of excitement and uncertainty was overwhelming as I stepped into a foreign land for the first time. I had so many questions I wanted answers to, from navigating a new academic environment to adjusting to a different culture.
Through my journey, I discovered valuable tips that made the transition smoother which I intend to share with you in this article, along with the answers to the questions most international students want to know.
11 Top Tips for international students in Canada
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1) Pay Attention to Email Links
After admission, you will constantly receive plenty of emails from your school. Pay close attention to them, especially the embedded links.
These links often lead to valuable resources tailored specifically for you—resources you won't find elsewhere on the internet. They can include videos that clearly explain what to do and what to expect, as well as numerous documents and guides that can help with everything from a successful study permit application to enhancing your campus experience.
I learned this the hard way. After struggling through the whole process, I realized that I had even received an email advising me on the kinds of clothes to pack.
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2) Learn to Ask
Learning to ask about anything is the top tip I always give to international students. Don't be shy—asking questions is the key to navigating your new environment successfully!
Remember, you're in a new place, and you might not always know where to start or what to do. Plus, many of your new friends might be just as new and unsure as yourself. Inquire with the right office at your school. Your school has a wealth of information and resources specifically designed to help international students, so always ask. If you’re an introvert, you can use emails to get the help you need.
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3) Prepare for the Weather
In Canada, weather is all about extremes. The winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall, while the summers are quite warm.
To avoid high costs, pack suitable clothing from your home country. However, if you're already in Canada and need additional items, consider checking if your college has a low-cost student supply store. Alternatively, you can visit Goodwill, where you can find essentials like coats and gloves for a fraction of the price you would pay at major retailers.
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4) Open a Bank Account Immediately.
Opening a bank account early will be a lifesaver for you as the use of cash is uncommon. Choose a bank with convenient access to ATMs, ideally located on or near your campus, since you're new to the area. Many universities/colleges have partnerships with banks, so your school may be able to give you some recommendations.
3 reasons why you should take this tip seriously:
- A bank statement can serve as proof of address, which is often required when applying for a part-time job or a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and it is universally accepted as valid proof.
- A bank account is often necessary when purchasing a SIM card.
- It is convenient for making payments, such as rent and groceries.
Gather necessary documents before visiting the bank, including your passport, proof of address, university acceptance letter, and study permit.
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5) Get a Bus Pass
Public transportation is a cost-effective way to travel in Canada. Upon arrival, consider purchasing a bus pass as it is cheaper than using cash. These passes typically offer unlimited rides within a specified period, making them ideal for daily commuting or exploring your new city without breaking the bank.
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6) Access Your Student Portal
The student portal is a platform accessible solely to enrolled students for official communication within the university. It's essential for you to immediately gain access to this portal upon arriving in Canada, as it serves as the primary means of communication.
Don't miss out on anything important—keep track of updates, announcements, and resources tailored to students through this dedicated platform, designed to enhance your university experience.
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7) Make Use of International Student Resources at your School
Universities in Canada provide a variety of resources to support international students in various aspects of their academic and personal lives.
Whether you have questions about your visa status, need advice on finding a part-time job, seeking scholarships, receiving career guidance, accessing Counselling services, and easing cultural adjustment, the international office of your school is there to help you every step of the way.
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8) Explore Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students in Canada can work part-time during their studies for extra income and experience.
To work on-campus, no work permit is required while you need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to be eligible for off-campus jobs.
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9) Look into Financial Aid and Scholarships
Studying abroad can be costly, but there are financial aid options and scholarships available to offset expenses. Contact your university's financial aid office for assistance in identifying funding opportunities for international students.
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10) Understand your Healthcare Insurance Options
As an international student in Canada, healthcare can be quite costly. However, many universities include comprehensive health coverage plans in your tuition fees. It's essential to take the time to understand these plans thoroughly, knowing what they cover and what they don't.
Make sure you're clear on which healthcare providers are preferred and accept your university health card. This information can save you both time and money when seeking medical care.
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11) Build your network:
In this new country, where you may not have family or friends, it becomes your responsibility to build a strong network. Being polite and establishing good relationships with people is key.
Maintaining healthy connections not only enriches your experience but also opens doors for potential opportunities, including future job prospects. So, take the initiative to connect with others, nurture those relationships, and watch how they can positively impact your journey in this new place.
Popular
Questions
Frequently asked Questions.
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How Can I Study in Canada at the Lowest Cost?
To study in Canada cost-effectively, consider enrolling in a two-year program at a Canadian college. These colleges offer high-quality education with tuition fees significantly lower than universities, typically between 10,000 and 13,000 CAD per year.
Note: Due to a cap on international student intake in 2024 and 2025, getting a study permit may be more competitive.
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Can I bring my family with me while studying in Canada?
Yes, in most cases, international students can bring their immediate family members (spouse and children) with them to Canada while studying.
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Are international students allowed to work in Canada?
Yes, international students can work in Canada. If you are studying full-time on a study permit, you can work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours a week. For on-campus jobs, no work permit is required.
After graduation, if your program is longer than 8 months, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years.
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Can I depend on the job to cover my living expenses?
Yes, it is possible to rely on a job for daily life expenses in Canada, depending on the province you choose. On average, international students can earn around 800 CAD per month. However, this amount may vary depending on the type of job and location. It's essential to consider the cost of living in the province you select, as some provinces have higher expenses than others. Opting for provinces with lower living costs can make it more feasible to cover daily expenses with income from part-time work.
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Do Canadian banks give student loans to international students?
No, it is uncommon for Canadian banks to provide student loans to international students. Banks are hesitant to loan money to non-residents who could leave the country at any time. Additionally, one of the requirements for obtaining a study permit is proving that you have sufficient funds to cover 100% of your tuition plus at least $20,635 for living expenses. Therefore, international students in Canada should not need a student loan.
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Can international students pay in installments in Canada?
Monthly installments are uncommon for international students in Canada. However, payment terms are determined by each institution, so it’s best to contact them directly for specific details.
Typically, each semester's tuition is paid in full at it's beginning. This means annual tuition can usually be divided into three installments, due at the beginning of September, January, and June.
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How much do I need as proof of funds to study in Canada?
You need to have enough funds to cover your tuition plus $20,635 for living costs. For example, if your tuition is $15,000 per year and your course is 2 years, you need to show at least $55,635 on your bank statement.
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Can I get a Canada visa without an interview?
Generally, Canada visa procedures do not require a separate and exclusive interview process. Most applicants can obtain a visa without undergoing a formal interview, provided all required documents are submitted correctly and all formalities are met.
However, an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer has the discretion to request an interview if the application is incomplete or if there are suspicions of false or misleading information
Explore 50+ questions and answers for international students Canada, covering pre-arrival, study permits, post-graduation plans, and permanent residency.
I hope you found these tips for international students in Canada helpful, and that some of the answers provided addressed your own questions.
I wish you the very best in your endeavours.
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