When people think about high-quality education, Canada often comes to mind. This is because Canada is currently in the top 10 for its education from kindergarten level to higher secondary levels. It’s currently also the most educated country in the world, with 57.9 percent of the population having some sort of tertiary education.
Continue reading to discover several benefits of studying in Canada and how to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Advantages of Studying in Canada
1. Affordable tuition
Compared to many other international universities and colleges, Canada is relatively cheaper. Tuition at the top-level Canadian universities is actually around 16 to 38 percent cheaper than the best schools in the U.S.
2. Many research opportunities
An important component in Canadian post-secondary education is research. Both government and the industries support research, including telecommunications, medicine, agriculture, computer technology, and environmental science.
3. Internationally recognized
Any certificate, diploma, or degree is globally recognized and equivalent to those from the United States or other Commonwealth countries. For example, the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University feature in the top 50 engineering and technology institutes globally.
4. It can lead to becoming a permanent resident
International students in Canada who’ve graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) could qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows post-graduates to obtain a Canadian open work visa. Working in Canada will give you an opportunity to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which falls under the Express Entry system.
How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada
Anyone who wants to study in Canada requires a study permit. The Canadian study visa is valid for the length of your program plus an extra 90 days. Those extra days could give you time to find a job and apply for a Canadian work visa.
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you’ll need the following documents:
- an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- a valid passport or travel document; and
- proof you can finance yourself and any family members who go with you while in Canada.
In some cases, you may also need:
- a letter of explanation;
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ);
- a custodian declaration, if you’re a minor; and
- other documents you may need depending on your country.
Please note that a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that has been approved by the provincial or territorial government for international students.
The application can be done online or by mail. Generally, international students apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. However, it can also be done when arriving at the port of entry in Canada. Overall, you can apply according to the option available to you.
Applying for your Canadian study permit online has several benefits, including no courier fees, the delivery is instant, and applications may be processed quicker. Additional documents that may be required from you can be submitted easily, and you get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.
Receiving the study permit alone won’t allow you into the country. Therefore, a student visa will be given along with the permit, which ultimately allows you into the country.
Start Your Study Journey Today
To learn more about the benefits of studying in Canada and how to apply for a Canadian study permit, read this guide.
Student life in Canada is among the top globally. If you want to know more about it and what to expect as a student living in Canada, go to CanadianVisa.org.
