Study in Canada
Table of Contents
Canada is located in North America and stretches all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific, being made up of ten Provinces and three Territories. A country of outstanding natural beauty, Canada has a wide variety of landscapes: the mountains, the prairies, lakes and rivers with many national and provincial parks to protect the habitats. Most images of Canada refer to the Mounties, bears, snow or the Rocky Mountains with the amazing turquoise lakes though there is truly more to this vast landscape. Tourism is a large part of the economy with the abundant natural resources quickly turning Canada into a rich and vibrant country that is a permanent listing at the top of the best places to live. With distinct seasons – the winters are cold with plentiful snow and then warm summers, the best way to survive is to make the most of natures offerings. Skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular pastimes and great exercise and fun. In the summer, hiking, camping and exploring the great outdoors are fantastic ways to spend your free time. This is especially true when you are amongst the most breathtaking and fabulous scenery the world has to offer!
Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada has become an appealing option for international students. Not only it is one of the safest places to go to in the world; Canada (and particularly major cities like Toronto and Vancouver) also has a wealth of cultural diversity that is truly inviting to foreign students from everywhere in the world. Canada is the world’s most educated country? In fact, over half of its residents have university degrees. It must be pretty interesting to be a student there then.
Some of the top universities and colleges in the world are located in Canada, and students from all over the world have come to join the biggest names in their field. Experts in Journalism, Politics, Medicine, and Technology got their start at universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University; and you’ll have the chance to work alongside some of the sharpest minds in the world.
Canadian college and university graduates are highly-valued on the job market, and people who study there have been able to find great jobs in any field they’re interested in.
Reasons to Canada
1. You can study in the high ranking universities in Canada.
2. You can work while studying to cover your living expenses as an international student.
3. After graduation you can stay in Canada, whither if you want to continue your studying or to stay in Canada for work.
4. You can apply for a permanent resident to stay in Canada forever.
General requirements to study Canada
Each university sets its own admission requirements but here are the ones you’re most likely to need:
1- Passport
2- A completed application form
3- Resume
4- Graduation certificate/diploma.
5- Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your study programme in Canada.
6- Two letters of academic reference that attest the preparation for Master/PhD studies (including letters from employers)
7- Meet the English language requirements ( IELTS – TOFEL – PTE)
8 – Motivation letter.
General requirements to apply for Student Visa
1. Be enrolled at a designated learning institution.
2. Show proof of funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, return travel.
3. Have no criminal record
4. Be in good health (you might need to complete a medical exam)
5. Prove that you will be leaving Canada after your studies
6. Meet the English language requirements
Accommodation
To begin your search for housing in Canada, you must first determine what type of housing is best for you. Also check if you can buy a house or an apartment, or if the rental is more suited to your profile. In general, you will find houses and apartments for rent and for sale in classified ads in local newspapers.
Several websites also offer rental, sales and colocation services. Here are some of them:
Kijiji ,Craigslist ,Remax (sale) ,Century 21(sale) ,Rentboard (rental) , Padmapper (rental)Rent an apartment in Canada
In general, it is quite easy to find a house in Canada: housing is available at all times in most Canadian cities. Owners have the right to ask you for proof of employment or to carry out a credit check to verify that you have not gone into debt; however, you will always find understanding owners or owners who are accustomed to renting to newcomers. Note that upon arrival, you will not have a credit history in Canada. You will first need to open a bank account and pay a few bills, such as phone bills.
You do not have to find accommodation before you leave. You can quite rent a hotel room or accommodation on a temporary rental platform – like Airbnb – and take a week or two to find the accommodation of your dreams.
Flat-sharing in Canada
If you have a small budget, living in a shared apartment will be the best option for you, especially if you live in a big city like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. This practice of sharing an apartment with several people is very common in Canada. Living in a shared apartment will allow you to quickly meet new people and, in most cases, you will not need to bring your own furniture and kitchenware.
In classified ads websites, the advertised price for shared rooms generally includes the room, furniture, utilities and access to the rest of the house, including kitchenware; But this is not always the case. Before you commit, ask the owner what is included in the price.
In addition to researching classic classified ad websites, do not hesitate to sign up for Facebook groups dedicated to your city of residence and newcomers.
Buying a house or apartment in Canada
When you decide to buy a house in Canada, you will need to build a credit history. Canadian banks will rely on that to determine whether they will give you a bank loan or not. Note that it will be difficult to obtain a loan from a banking institution as a temporary resident.
To buy a house or an apartment, it is advisable to contact a real estate agent. You can find them in the yellow pages of your phone book or on the Internet. Buying a house can be relatively expensive because you have to face many costs: those of the real estate agent, the lawyer or the notary, as well as other expenses related to the completion of work.
You will obviously have to take into account the annual property tax, home insurance, registration fees, various taxes related to the purchase of a house, but also the costs of maintenance, heating, electricity, hot water and sewage. Running water is free in Canada.
Transportation
Each of Canada’s provinces has its own transportation system. To move to urban areas, you can choose means of transportation such as the metro, bus, taxi, or bike, whereas for moving outside the cities – which involves longer distances – you can take the plane, the train or the bus. Make sure you choose the safest method of transportation while comparing prices in advance.
Buses In Canada
Canada has a fairly extensive bus network that makes it possible to travel nationally, regionally and even to the United States. Taking the bus may be faster than the train. You can travel long distances at very affordable rates. Greyhound serves the entire country. Intercar and Orléans Express are the main carriers in Quebec. In Ontario, you will also find CoachCanada buses. You can use a comparator like busbud.com or checkmybus.fr to get an overview of prices and different companies.
Taking a taxi in Canada
Most cities have taxi service. However, be aware that fares are regulated, usually, depending on destinations, and that fares are not negotiable. Large urban centers generally have at least three taxi companies. Each taxi driver has an identification that certifies the legality of his activities, as well as a certificate of compliance of his vehicle with the safety standards of the city. Uber service is available in most major cities across Canada, except in Vancouver.
Taking The Train In Canada
The train is one of the least used means of transportation in Canada. Canadian trains are generally slow compared to those of other countries, but they are very comfortable and non-smoking. There are several categories of comfort, as is the case for airplanes, from economy class to VIP class. Wi-Fi and an online entertainment service are sometimes available on board.
To travel across the country, you can opt for different packages that provide you with unlimited travel for a certain period. Canadian railways offer discounts for children of different age groups, as well as senior citizens, on the presentation of an access card.
Renting a car in Canada
Given the size of Canada, many people prefer to rent a car to get around. There are car rental companies almost everywhere, both in cities and at airports. Some individuals who own a fleet of vehicles in excellent condition also offer rental services.
The car rental fee varies depending on the renters. It is recommended to compare prices before making your choice. You must present a credit card in your name to take possession of the vehicle.
Unless you are already covered by your credit card, you will need to add insurance to the base price of your rental. In addition, most companies charge additional fees to drivers under the age of 25.
To rent a car, you must be over 18 years old. This restriction may vary depending on the different rental companies. However, you do not have to present an international driving license: the driving license of your country of origin can be sufficient especially if it is written in French or in English.
Taking the plane in Canada
To fly inside and outside of Canada, you must have a valid passport. The authorities may ask you to prove that you are legally in Canada. The various Canadian companies that fly are Air Canada, West Jet and Sky Service, among others. In case of cancellation or late flight, you can benefit from certain guarantees, which depend on the damage and your ticket. In the event of a dispute with a Canadian airline, you can turn to the Canadian Transportation Agency. It should be noted that fares for domestic flights, especially for regional flights, are quite high. In Quebec, residents of remote areas can get a partial refund of their travel expenses.
Working During Studying In Canada
work off-campus
You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin. You and your employer must make sure you can work off-campus without a work permit before you start working. If you start working off-campus but don’t meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada
You can work as an international student in Canada if your study permit lists a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.
You can work off-campus, without a work permit, if you meet all of these requirements:
1- you have a valid study permit that includes a condition that says you can work off-campus
2- you’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
3- you’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
4- you’ve started studying and your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
5- you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
How many hours can you work off-campus?
You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.
During regular school semesters: you can work up to 20 hours
During scheduled breaks in your school year, like during winter and summer holidays:
you can work full-time you can’t work during a break that comes before you start your first school semester if your program doesn’t have scheduled academic breaks, you can’t work more than 20 hours per week.
Life After Graduation
After you complete your study program, there are 2 ways you may be able to work full-time:
1. You already applied for a work permit before your study permit expired.
2- You are starting a new study program.