Study Abroad in Canada

Top Reasons to Study in Canada

Canada has an excellent higher education system with some of the best colleges and universities in the world located here. There are a range of diploma courses available in areas like media, animation, hospitality, computer science, environmental science, engineering, management and tourism.

Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students and there are a high number of scholarships available every year. One of the benefits of studying in Canada is the cost, this country is a lot cheaper compared to other worldwide study abroad destinations like going to study in the United States.

Best Universities in Canada for International Students

McGill University
The University of British Columbia
University of Alberta
Simon Fraser University

Popular Places to Study in Canada

Toronto
British Columbia
Montreal
Vancouver

Visa

You will need to apply for a student visa after you have a college acceptance letter. You should begin with the visa process around June, if aiming at the September intake.

The following documents will be needed to apply:

Proof of acceptance: If you plan to attend any school (primary or secondary), college, university or other educational institution in Canada, the school must complete and send you a letter of acceptance. You must include the original letter with your study permit application.
Proof of financial support: You must prove that you can support yourself and the family members who accompany you while you are in Canada.
Additional documentation may also be required.

There are several steps to apply for a visa.

Check the processing times: The visa application cycle might take anywhere from 3-4 weeks. It is advisable to go through the Canadian consulate website to know the approximate time taken to process the student visa. Please note that the time shown is not a guarantee and is just an estimate.

1. Apply online

To apply online you must have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents for uploading and have a valid credit card for payment. You will still be required to provide a finger scan at the regional Visa Application Centre (VAC).

2. Apply in person

Download the application kit and read the instruction guide. The instruction guide contains important information about study permits and instructions to help you complete your application. Read the guide carefully and use the document checklist.

Pay the processing fee: Refer to the fee schedule for the cost to apply for a study permit and how to pay. The processing fee is non-refundable in all cases. For biometrics, there will be more than 130 VACs in over 90 countries and all VACs will be equipped to collect biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). Indian students need to contact the local VFS office to apply for the visa.

If your spouse/common-law partner and/or children are accompanying you and you are applying for temporary resident visas, work permits or study permits for them, then you will need to pay the appropriate processing fees for them.

Submit your application and supporting documents - Since you need to give your biometrics, you can’t mail in your application. You’ll either have to apply online or submit your application in person at a VFS office. In either case, you will need to go to a VAC to give your biometrics.

How to Apply

Canada is a really up and coming study abroad destination which is gaining popularity every year. If you need any help arranging a study abroad experience please get in touch. You might also like to view more North America study abroad programs.