Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world—and is currently the #1 best country for quality of life. Study in Canada, and you’ll receive an internationally recognized education from some of the top educators and academics in the world. There are plethora of reasons to choose Canada but some common ones are:

• High quality of education offered by Canadian collges and universities

• Canada offers international students with opportunities to work during and after their studies, and transition to permanent residence

• Safety and security

• Multicultural society

• Canada welcomes immigrants and international students from nearly 200 different countries each year

• Canada is affordable compared with other popular international student destinations.

There were 642,480 international students in Canada as of December 2019. Due to its popularity as a great destination to study, work, and immigrate, Canada has seen its international student population triple over the past decade.

Types of Post-Secondary Education

Any educational program occurring at a level above the twelve grade elementary and secondary school system is considered post-secondary education. There are a few different types of post-secondary education each with different purposes.

University

A university is a post-secondary educational institution which is authorized to grant degrees. Every university offers Bachelor’s Degree programs, and many also offer Master’s Degree programs and PhD programs.

College

A college is a post-secondary educational institution which cannot grant degrees, though there are some exceptions to this. Instead, they usually offer programs resulting in certificates and/or diplomas. In general, college programs are more directly career-oriented when compared to universities. A college graduate may complete hands-on, practical training in an employable skill, like graphic design or culinary skills. Colleges often have courses to improve a person’s skills and employability, such as language training. As well, many colleges have training programs or apprenticeships in skilled trade occupations like carpentry or welding.

Trade School/Apprenticeships

A skilled trade refers to a specialized occupation, usually emphasizing some form of manual labour, which requires hands-on training and formal education. A skilled trade rarely requires a Bachelor’s Degree, so education in the trades usually occurs through trade schools, which are often smaller programs contained within colleges or vocational schools. As well, once an aspiring tradesperson has sufficient training, they may undertake an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, the student works closely with an experienced tradesperson to refine their skills in the trade.

Vocational School

A vocational school may have educational programs at either the secondary or post-secondary level, so it is not always necessary to have a high school diploma in order to attend vocational school. Vocational programs teach students the technical skills required to perform the tasks of a specific job. These programs prepare students to enter directly into the workforce, either in skilled or low-skilled occupations.

While there are separate terms for different types of schools at the post-secondary level these terms mean different things in locations around the world, so a college may refer to one type of school in Canada but something different in France. As well, sometimes these schools overlap, there can be colleges associated with universities, or trade schools within colleges.

To study at a Canadian school you will need to be proficient in English or French.

Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next.

While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies.

Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the IELTS.

Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.

There are certain terms and conditions attached to a Canadian study permit. You must respect these conditions in order to retain all the benefits of your study experience.

• You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)

• You must be enrolled as a part-time student, or a full-time student if studying in Quebec

• You must not take any authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program of study

It is important to understand and respect the terms of your study permit. In doing so, you will get the most out of your study abroad experience in Canada. Students who respect the terms of their study permits also have a better chance of being granted a post-graduate work permit.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow to change your school or program through the online portal:

• Sign in to your account.

• Find the section called Designated Learning Institution student transfer

• Click transfer from DLI number

• Enter your study permit application number in the search field and then click search for my application

• You may be prompted to enter more details from your original study permit application, so it’s important to have this handy.

• Enter the information about your new program or school, including the new DLI number, your new student ID number, and your start date.

• Click submit transfer

• You will then be asked to review all the information you have submitted. If everything looks good, you can complete the process by clicking confirm transfer

• You will receive a notification that your request is complete. This confirms that you have successfully informed the government of your change in plans.

Yes. Most International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time.

Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus.

If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only.

International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.

Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.

If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

The PGWP is an open work permit issued to foreign students who have graduated from a designated learning institution.

It allows you to gain work experience in Canada and can help you become eligible for a variety of federal and provincial immigration programs (which sometimes require that candidates have qualifying Canadian work experience to become eligible for a given program).

The PGWP is valid for a period equivalent to the program of study you completed in Canada. Its duration can range from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that expedites the processing of study permits for candidates who meet eligibility requirements. One of the eligibility requirements is you must be a legal resident of one of the following countries:

China

Philippines

India

Morocco

Pakistan

Senegal

Vietnam

To be eligible for the SDS, you must:

• Be a legal resident of China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam

• Have completed a valid language test in the last 2 years, with an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, or a TEF score equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher.

• Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least $10,000 insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). The GIC must meet specific criteria.

• Prove full payment of your tuition fees for your first year of study.

• Provide a letter of acceptance from the institution.

• Provide your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.

• Get a medical exam before you apply if you are required to get one (You may be required to complete this step if you have lived or travelled to one of the designated countries before coming to Canada, or if your field of study requires it.

• Get a police certificate before you apply if it is required in your case (your visa office instructions will tell you if you need to get a police certificate).