Canada Study Visa: Apply in 6 Simple Steps
Applying for a study visa in Canada is not an easy task. It involves several steps, and the process can be very time-consuming.
Many students who apply for this visa are disappointed because they are unable to finish their applications on time, or worse, they are not accepted at all. Fortunately, we’ve made the whole process easier by developing a step-by-step guide that will walk you through each stage of your application.
Canadian universities can apply without IELTS
- University of Winnipeg: It is compulsory here to produce proof of the English language. This university does not consider IELTS to be essential. You can avail of other alternatives at the university itself.
- Brock University: IELTS is not required to get enrolled in this university. Other alternatives, like TOEFL and IELP (Intensive English Language Program), are also valid. Your last three years of study in English with decent grades are also valid here.
- University of Saskatchewan:Apart from IELTS and TOEFL, this university also accepts CanTest. This is a Canadian Test of English for scholars and trainees from other countries. This university’s English Language Training program is also a good option.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador: This is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada. You can attend the CAEL or the ELP (English Language Program) classes here or attempt IELTS, TOEFL, or CanTest.
- Cambrian College: It is well-known for its broad focus on research and employment. IELTS and TOEFL are not required for admission. International students can continue their studies at other universities in Canada.
Top Universities in Canada
| Canada Rank | Global Rank | Name of University |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | 35 | McGill University |
| 3 | 51 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | 113 | University of Alberta |
| 5 | 137 | Université de Montréal |
| 6 | 140 | McMaster University |
| 7 | 173 | University of Waterloo |
| 8 | 211 | Western University |
| 9 | 233 | University of Calgary |
| 10 | 239 | Queen’s University |
Application Process for Canada Study Visa
Step1
Step2
Step3
Step4
Step5
Step6
Step1
Research to know what’s best for you
Every international student who wants to study in Canada must first get a student authorization and visa. Find out which course is best for your career goals, how much it costs to live there, how much it costs to get a visa, if there are internship and placement opportunities, and other things so you can make an informed choice.
Since you’ll need to do a lot of research, your best bet is to ask an expert for help. Professionals can help you get through this process easily and make sure you don’t regret anything in the future.
Step2
Shortlist the best Universities in Canada
Check out the websites of the colleges and universities you are interested in and choose the one that best meets your needs in terms of quality of education, ranking, program structure, program fee, and other services for international students. You can also call them or go to their social networks to find answers to your questions.
International students should find out if the school they want to go to is a DLI ( Designated Learning Institution). You can only go to the universities on this list if you want a study permit. If you don’t have a study permit, you can’t get a visa. The Designated Learning Institution List has a complete list of all DLIs by province.
International students must study at a DLI because they need this status to enter the country.
Step3
Prepare for entrance exams
There are six entrance exams for immigration to Canada. The ones you need to take depend on the program you plan on pursuing.
Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL: This is a language test. It measures how well you speak English and your adaptability to the country. It is an easy exam that you should clear if you have basic knowledge of the language. However, do not underestimate this exam. High scores will increase your chances of being selected and may also help you receive entrance scholarships from universities. It is always best to show a foreign country that you are adept at the language they speak.
Graduate Record Exam Graduate Record Exam (GRE): This is an exam that tests graduate program students on their quantitative and analytical skills. This test measures how well a foreign student would be able to keep up with university courses. A high score on this exam could go a long way.
SAT: This is a very common standardized test. It is mainly administered in the US, but there are prestigious universities in Canada that require you to take this test. Your test results can be sent directly to a few universities of your choice for no cost at all. SATs take a lot of preparation, and it is best to take them seriously.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This is a test that graduate students looking to pursue management programs need to take. MBAs need GMAT scores. It tests your quantitative, verbal and reasoning skills. It is a computer-based exam. You can take them up to five times a year.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This test is very similar to the IELTS exam. You can take either exam to prove your language skills. Just like the IELTS, it is important to score well on this exam.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): This is a test for students joining medical programs. It serves as a prerequisite for joining medical programs. It helps universities determine whether a student is equipped to handle their program. There are four sections to this test. Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample and Biological Sciences.
Step4
Finance your studies
Living in a foreign country can be expensive, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. There is rent, tuition fees and several other expenses that can add up in the long run. You need to have a solid financial plan and cannot depend on funding it with a part-time job when you get there.
The government needs to see that you have sufficient funds in your account for them to move forward with your application. Therefore, make sure you have evidence that you have the funds, be it a bank statement or an accepted loan application.
Step5
Apply to university
Apply to the universities well before the deadline to avoid unwarranted mistakes. Speaking to university delegates is a great idea, as they can help you out with information that you may not find on their websites. Canadian universities are very intuitive and applying is easy. However, to know how to make your application stand out, contact us.
Once a prospective student has selected a Canadian university or college, he or she may refer to that institution’s website or contact the office of admissions for information on how to apply. Many institutions receive applications electronically.
In general, an applicant may receive a decision on an application within four to six months after the application deadline. Applicants who are accepted will get a Letter of Acceptance that they can use to apply for a Canada Study Permit.
Step6
Letter of Acceptance to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution
The Letter of Acceptance is required when applying for a study permit in Canada.To obtain a Letter of Acceptance, a potential student may first submit an application to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If he or she is successful, the institution may issue a Letter of Acceptance.
The universities will email you acceptance letters when you get in. You must respond to your desired university within a stipulated period of time. Once you have accepted their offer, there are several things to take care of. If there are scholarships that you have in mind, now would be the time to apply for them.
You also need to apply for your study permit and find a place to live. If choosing to live in university dorms, applying early is advisable as they fill up fast. It is also important to keep track of dates so that you know exactly when to make your way to Canada.
The country does not entertain students coming in earlier than required for their courses, and you will be sent back. You also do not want to arrive too late and miss important events like orientation.
Get your Student Visa
Once you get admission confirmation done, you can apply for your student visa. It’s important to get this done as soon as possible. Even if your session has already begun, you won’t be able to go to Canada without one. This is also why it’s important to apply for your study permit, which lets you apply for your visa. There’s also a chance that you won’t pass your interview on the first try, so make sure to start the process well before the start of your program.
What do you need to do to get a scholarship in Canada?
You will need to get ready well if you want to meet the requirements for a Canadian scholarship. This is hard and takes a long time to plan, but the right approach can be successful.
Graduate school applicants need to have research experience. It makes it much more likely that you will get financial aid, even if you are only applying to undergrad programs.
Grade Point Average (GPA): This is another important part of getting a scholarship to study in Canada at the graduate or undergraduate level. Here, colleges and universities use this as a key way to measure how successful a potential student will be.
Internships: Having internship experience will help your scholarship application a lot. Ask your past employers for letters of recommendation, especially if the work you did is related to what you want to study.
Community service is another part of your application for a scholarship that can make it stand out. People look up to students who have done community service hours because they think they are kind and caring.
How do I apply for a study permit for the fall of 2023?
International students have to submit the following documents for the first stage:
- letter of acceptance
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (for Quebec students only)
- proof of funds
- proof that they can leave Canada when they no longer have legal temporary or permanent status; and
- any family ties to Canada.
International students can begin studying after immigration officers assess their applications and issue pre-approval when eligible.
International students will need to submit the following documents to go to Canada:
- Immigration medical examination
- Security-Police certificates
- Biometrics
A Canada study visa allows you to travel to and study in Canada. This visa also allows you to work part-time to cover your expenses, and qualify for student facilities.
According to The Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2022, Canada is home to 30 of the world’s top 500 universities. The number of international students opting to study in Canada keeps growing every year. A sizable number of these students stay back in Canada after finishing their studies.
Canada’s universities and community colleges provide some of the best international study programs and research facilities for foreign students. Canada should be at the top of your list if you are planning to study abroad.
- Certificate or Diploma of one- or two-years’ duration
- Advanced Diplomas of two or three years
- Undergraduate Programs of three or four years
- Postgraduate Programs of two years
- Doctorates or PhDs with dissertations of four or five years
The most popular undergraduate courses are engineering and administrative studies. Postgraduate courses that are popular among international students are management, finance, MBA/MIM, MS, and LLB degrees.
The higher education system in Canada is no different from the American education system. There are three main types of Canadian educational institutions:
- Public Universities: Besides receiving tuition fees from students, these universities are run by the provincial, territorial, or federal governments.
- Private Universities:These universities do not receive any funds from Canadian government bodies. These universities receive funds through donations and research grants.
- Liberal Arts Colleges: Public or private colleges are smaller in number in Canada than in the USA. Their primary emphasis is on undergraduate programs in the liberal arts.
Some colleges offer a winter intake. Fall is the primary intake season for most institutions. International students should follow a typical application deadline, which would be six to nine months before the start of the session.
Deadlines are usually not flexible, except for diploma and PG diploma courses. Some institutions accept students for bachelor’s and master’s degree courses past the given deadline if seats are available.
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canadian study permit are listed below:
- You are enrolled at a designated learning institution in Canada.
- You can have enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and your family to your home country.
- You follow the law, have never been in trouble with the law, and can get a police certificate if needed.
- You are in good health and are willing to get checked out by a doctor if that is what is needed.
- You can prove to the visa officer that you will leave Canada on the expiration of your study permit.
The fall, winter, and summer are the three academic intakes at the institutions in Canada.
- Fall: This season lasts from September to December.
- Winter: It lasts from January to April.
- Summer: It lasts from May to August.
The following documents are required:
- Proof of acceptance
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial support
- Statement of Purpose
- A custodian declaration (for minors)
Documents must be scanned and uploaded. Later, you need to carry the original documents to your visa interview, if you are called for one. It is important to make sure the documents are valid and in order. Kansas can help you with this.
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