Canada, the second largest country in the world in terms of total area or land mass, is located in the northern part of America, which is the continent. The capital of Canada is located in Ottawa, but it also has three major metropolitan areas, which are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with Toronto being the largest city in the whole of Canada. The official languages of the Canadian country are French and English.
Canada is a very developed country, and according to the World Trade Organization, the country is said to have a highly globalized and stabilized economy and is placed at the world’s 10th largest economy as of 2018. Canada’s educational system is world-class, and that is why it is a study destination for most international students. The country’s universities are ranked among the best in the world, and the courses and programs are taught in English or French according to the student’s language preference. When compared to other study-abroad options, Canada can be said to offer affordable tuition fees for international students. The country is also student-friendly and very accommodating to foreigners and international students.
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Cost of Living and Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada is affordable, and international students are likely to pay around C$20,000 and C$30,000 per year for tuition. Although the tuition fees may change or vary depending on the university enrolled and program of study. Aside from tuition fees, there are also other living expenses like food, books, entertainment, and other living expenses, which may be around C$15,000 on an annual budget for the international student according to your living conditions.
On accommodation, most universities in Canada offer on-campus housing, but it must be applied for separately. Being accepted into the university to study does not automatically grant an accommodation space. Also, this cost of accommodation varies depending on the institution and the amenities put in place. There are also off-campus accommodations, and the prices also vary depending on what type of accommodation you want. Most times, students are discouraged from renting an apartment outside the university because there are more living and utility bills, which you also need to pay as you live in these rented apartments. Most students switched to shared apartments to be able to share the cost with someone else.
Students who live close to their institution may decide to walk to class or take a bicycle. There are different means of transportation in Canada such as buses, ferries, subways, and trains. On average, the transportation fee may cost about $80 to $150 dollars every month, but some commuters may offer student discounts as well.
All international students in Canada must possess a health insurance policy as they commence their studies in Canada. Health insurance coverage varies among the different provinces and cities in Canada, with some provinces like Alberta, Newfoundland, Labrador, and others covering international students’ health insurance under their health care plans, but this is dependent on your duration of study in the country.
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Necessary Tips on Working and Studying for International Students
The chance of working while you study is one of the major advantages why international students choose Canada as their study abroad option. Canada allows international students to work for 20 hours per week and more time when on school breaks without a work permit. On-campus, you may work as a research assistant, library assistant, laboratory assistant, and so on, while off-campus, you are permitted to work for any company or with any employer of your choice and field. It is important to understand that, as an international student, you must be enrolled in any of the Canadian institutions before you commence working.
A basic requirement of studying anywhere abroad is to show proof of sufficient financial support, which will put you through your stay in the country, and so coming to Canada for study, you must also seek this proof. You can’t tell them you are planning to come and work in Canada as your proof; it will definitely not be accepted. The Canadian government knows that students would need extra funds while they study, and that is why they permit their students to work and study to get the financial support and also to get enough work experience, which would come in handy in their future careers.
As you gain your study permit, it will be stated if you, as an international student, are permitted to work while you study in Canada, and this will in turn allow you to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Obtaining this SIN is a notable requirement as you consider working in Canada while you study. If by chance your study permit does not carry the required statement for your work and study, you can get this amended for you in the country for free of charge.
To be able to work on campus as an international student without a work permit, you would need some certain documents or requirements that would be asked of you, and they are highlighted below:
- Student must have a valid student permit.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student in any of the Canadian institutions.
- You must have your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Likewise, for an off-campus job, international students must tend these documents listed below:
- Student must have a valid student permit.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student in any of the Canadian institutions.
- You are only allowed to work for 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during semester or summer breaks.
- Students study program must be academic and must be at least six months or more, which would lead to degree completion and certificate.
- You must have your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Read Also: Top 10 Best Schools for International Students in Canada
How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit
The Canadian study permit is what allows international students to study in Canada; this should not be confused with a student visa. This study permit is usually issued by the Canadian immigration authorities and a non-refundable fee of $150 must be paid by the student before you can issue the study permit. The study permit can be applied for after a visa has been issued to the student, or the visa can be issued together with the study permit when applied together. A study permit is usually issued according to the student’s duration of study in the country with an extra 90 days, which is added to enable the student to have adequate time to prepare to leave the country or request an extension.
- Criteria for applying for a study permit in Canada may include the following:
- Student valid passport
- Proof of acceptance into any Canadian institution of learning
- Proof of funds that would support your stay in the country
- Passport size photographs
- Immigration medical examination, which would be conducted at the immigration department before entering the country
- English language proficiency exam score
- Statement of purpose: this would be required by the immigration department for international students to write an essay stating the reason for their trip to Canada and why they chose the particular institution.
- Processing fee: a fee of $150 will be asked to be paid by the international student before the study permit is obtained.
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Studying in Canada as a Foreign Student
Canada is surely one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students. With its high-quality education and student-friendly environment, Canada remains a very good study country. Below are outlined some of the top reasons why choosing Canada as a study destination is worthwhile.
1. Quality and affordable education:
This is one of the top reasons why foreign students choose Canada as a study abroad destination for obtaining a degree. The quality of education in the country’s institutions is top-notch, coupled with the fact that education is very affordable in the country, with international students expected to pay about $16,746 for an undergraduate degree.
2. Safe and clean environment:
Canada is known to be a safe country with a low rate of crime in its cities and rural areas. The country is also very keen on maintaining very good hygiene and so keeps its environment very clean.
3. Work and study:
Canada is one such country that permits its international students to work for several hours while they study at the country’s universities. The country, through its Ministry of Education and Immigration, grants work permits to allow students who want to work in the country to do so. International students are permitted to work about 20 hours during school sessions and about 30 hours or more during summer breaks.
4. Student-friendly:
The country is a multicultural and student-friendly environment. Canada is home to many foreign students from all around the world, making it easy to adapt and cope in such an environment.
5. Affordable cost of living:
Canada’s cost of living is very affordable, and students are sometimes given discounts on transportation and other things. The Canadian government also offers scholarships and financial grants to support its students while they study in the country. Accommodation can also be obtained according to the student’s preference and choice of living, but there is a vast range of choices to make both off-campus and on-campus.
One of the main advantages of studying in Canada for international students is permission to work while they study. Not only is the financial support needed but also the work experience that is obtained during their course of study in the country. Canada has a very vast culture and cuisine that attracts foreigners, and the locals are very accommodating to international students. Certificates awarded from Canadian universities are well recognized and accepted in almost all countries of the world, and the amazing part is that international students do not have to worry about the language barrier or learn the language before commencing their studies as the courses and programs are taught in both English and French, which are the official languages in Canada. Canada is surely a great study-abroad option for aspiring international students from anywhere in the world.
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