Canada is not only popular for its snow-clad mountains and ice hockey but also for its high-quality education. The North American country has some of the best schools in the world. Over 450,000 international students are presently studying in this country. There are many advantages that Canada offers to its students, which other developed countries don’t.

Advantages of studying in Canada

A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree is recognised globally.

Compared to many developed nations, the cost of living and tuition fee is Canadian schools is lower.

Getting a study permit in Canada is easier and accessible. In certain circumstances students could also study without a study permit.

Education has become a popular pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Students can also work for about twenty hours a week during school terms and forty hours a week (full-time) as a full-timer during scheduled breaks such as summer vacation.

Immigrants make up 1/5th of the nation’s entire population and Canadian laws make sure that each and every person, irrespective of their circumstance is protected from all kinds of discrimination.

Post-graduation work permit allows graduates to stay as well as work on an open work permit even after graduation giving them the opportunity to get some work experience in Canada.

Spousal open work permit allows to bring the spouse so that they can work for an employer.

International students studying in Canada can bring their child (who is a minor) and continue his/her education in Canada at the same rate that Canadians usually pay.

Education options in Canada

Primary and secondary schools
The schools, which teach students up to Grade 12 are called primary and secondary schools. Primary schools mean Grade 1 (ages 6-7) to Grade 8 (ages 13-14) and secondary schools, which is also popular as high school means Grade 9 (ages 14 – 15) to Grade 12 (ages 17-18). However, there are special rules for minor children who study in Canada.

Post-secondary schools
Post-secondary schools include universities, colleges, technical & vocational schools and private career colleges. Each of these schools have their own rules on the application process.

Language schools
English & French are the two official languages of Canada. Students can choose to study in either of these languages. Some institutions offer instructions in both the languages. However, students don’t need to be fluent in both these languages for attending school at any level in the country.

Designated Learning Institutions

Being a student wanting to study in Canada, you first need to make sure that the school from where you are planning to study is on the list of Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is an authorized school by a territory or a province to provide education to international students. A study permit in Canada is only issued to those students who have been accepted to study at a DLI. If you make an application for a study permit & your letter of acceptance is from an institution that’s not designared for the international pupils, your application will certainly get refused.

To apply for a study permit in Canada, ensure to receive an acceptance letter to a study program from a DLI. Note that all elementary schools are Designated Learning Institutions in Canada by default. The DLI list also includes colleges, universities, vocational schools, CEGEPs, private career colleges & language schools.

How to apply to an educational institution in Canada?

Once you choose the educational institution in Canada, you’ll need to apply to that place of study (school, college, university, vocational school or private career college). Every institution has a different rule on how to apply.

Ensure to apply early if you are planning to study at a DLI in Canada. Apply at least 6 months before to study in a primary or secondary school. To study in a college or university you need to apply a year before.

Contact the Designated Learning Institution where you wish to study in order to learn how to apply. The Canadian institution will be able to give you the application form and tell you all about its:

  • Entrance requirements
  • Application deadlines
  • Academic year
  • Language requirements
  • Cost of applying
  • Distance education option
  • Health insurance
  • Tuition fees
  • Financial assistance
  • Cost of living in Canada

Fill the application form for the institution where you want to study and submit it as per the instructions provided. If the institution admits you as a foreign student, they’ll be sending you a letter of acceptance, which you need to apply for a study permit in Canada.

Applying for a study permit in Canada

With your letter of acceptance in hand, you are ready to apply to the Canadian immigration for your study permit. In case you’re married, your spouse can also apply for a spousal open work permit. I Can Help Immigration, your study immigration consultant in Canada can help you prepare as well as submit your immigration application.

To know more about studying in Canada, get in touch with I Can Help Immigration.

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