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.

Yes, in most cases, international students can bring their immediate family members (spouse and children) with them to Canada while studying.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

You should provide bank statements from the last 4 months.

Absolutely! Many Canadian universities offer scholarships that can cover 100% of tuition fees for international students. These scholarships are competitive and are often awarded based on your academic achievements, leadership potential, and research accomplishments.

Additionally, the Canadian government provides financial aid options like the Government of Canada International Scholarships and the Canada Student Loan program.

Although your actual expenses might be lower, the IRCC requires you to have at least $20,635 for living expenses, excluding tuition fees, to obtain a study permit in Canada.

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you will need the following:

1. An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).
2. A valid passport or travel document.
3. A provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province you will  be studying (not always compulsory but most times required).
4. Proof of financial support to show you can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.

5. Evidence of ties to your home country to assure the immigration officer that you’ll leave Canada when your study permit expires.

If you come from a country where English is not the native language, you will need to provide proof of English-language proficiency to get admission to a school in Canada. You can use the same test results for your study permit application. However, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) does not specifically require IELTS for a study permit.

Yes, if you come from a country requiring a visa to enter Canada, you'll need to undergo a medical exam. However, it's advisable to wait until it's requested. This way, you'll know that your that your application is progressing when they ask for it.

Typically, the average processing time for a Canadian study permit is around 3 months after submitting a complete application. However, it's important to note that processing times can vary. It depends on the location/country you’re applying from. For the most accurate information, check the IRCC website for updated lists of processing times for applications submitted inside and outside Canada.

If your study permit was rejected, you can choose to reapply. However, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind the rejection. You have the right to request the visa officer's notes on your application, which can offer a detailed explanation for the denial.

Ontario is the top destination for international students in Canada. In 2023, it attracted up to 51% of all international students in the country. The main reasons for this is availability of a  range of popular college programs and part-time job opportunities for students.

You can either connect with your academic institution for guidance or search independently. First, decide whether you want to live in an on-campus residence, off-campus housing, or with a host family.

For short-term rentals, you can use sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, Sublet.com, and Kijiji. Be sure to read the reviews of your rental host to ensure they are legitimate. For longer-term accommodations, websites like Kijiji, search4studenthousing.com, and Gottarent.com are useful. Additionally, most colleges and universities have an off-campus housing site where participating landlords post their vacancies.

When looking for student accommodation in Canada, keep these points in mind:

1. Budget: Determine your monthly rent budget. Sharing is cheaper, but having your own space might be worth the extra cost.

2. Location: Choose a place close to your university and near essential amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation.
3. Amenities : Check for included amenities like laundry, internet, gym, or pool to enhance your living experience.
4. Hygiene : Prioritize clean and hygienic living spaces by checking for signs of dampness, mould, and pests.

5. Security Deposit : Understand the security deposit and any additional costs.

6. Roommates : Try to gauge the vibe of potential roommates, as good ones can greatly improve your experience.

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada or to board a plane or train within the country. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends several vaccinations for those traveling to Canada: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).

Before seeking part-time work opportunities, it's important to first receive your study permit and understand its conditions regarding on-campus and off-campus work.

For on-campus jobs, you can contact your school for guidance and potential job listings.

For off-campus jobs, you will need to be in Canada to apply, as these require a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which you can only obtain after arriving in Canada. Additionally, you'll need a Canadian bank account and proof of address. Checking job websites like Indeed can also be helpful once you have these requirements in place

Canadian universities typically have three main intakes, each with its own application deadlines:

1. September/Fall Intake: Application deadline is from December to March.
2. January/Winter/Spring Intake: Application deadline is from September to November.
3. May/Summer Intake: Application deadline is from October to February.

Make sure to check specific deadlines for each university, as they may vary.

You can connect with other international students through various channels:

1. University Website: Many universities have sections dedicated to connecting international students. Check the university website for forums, chatrooms, or groups where you can interact with other students.
2. Facebook Groups: Look for Facebook groups specifically for international students at your university or in your area. These groups often provide a platform for students to connect, ask questions, and share information.

Kindly checkout:

11 Essential Tips for International Students in Canada: Enhance Your Experience

Language requirements vary depending on your educational background and the province you're applying to. If you're from an English-speaking country or have been educated in one, you may have language proficiency tests waived. You can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting transcripts from previous studies conducted in English. In Quebec, French proficiency is required at most universities except McGill and Concordia Universities in Montreal, which are English- speaking.

However, generally, to study in Canada, you need scores from tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson Test of English.