Canada, the second largest country in the world in area (after Russia), occupying roughly the northern two-fifths of the continent of North America.

Despite Canada’s great size, it is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. This fact, coupled with the grandeur of the landscape, has been central to the sense of Canadian national identity, as expressed by the Dublin-born writer Anna Brownell Jameson, who explored central Ontario in 1837 and remarked exultantly on “the seemingly interminable line of trees before you; the boundless wilderness around you; the mysterious depths amid the multitudinous foliage, where foot of man hath never penetrated…the solitude in which we proceeded mile after mile, no human being, no human dwelling within sight.” Although Canadians are comparatively few in number, they have crafted what many observers consider to be a model multicultural society, welcoming immigrant populations from every other continent. In addition, Canada harbours and exports a wealth of natural resources and intellectual capital equaled by few other countries.

Canada is officially bilingual in English and French, reflecting the country’s history as ground once contested by two of Europe’s great powers. The word Canada is derived from the Huron-Iroquois kanata, meaning a village or settlement. Canada became entirely self-governing within the British Empire in 1931, though full legislative independence was not achieved until 1982, when Canada obtained the right to amend its own constitution.

The national capital is Ottawa, Canada’s fourth largest city. It lies some 250 miles (400 km) northeast of Toronto and 125 miles (200 km) west of Montreal, respectively Canada’s first and second cities in terms of population and economic, cultural, and educational importance. The third largest city is Vancouver, a centre for trade with the Pacific Rim countries and the principal western gateway to Canada’s developing interior. Other major metropolitan areas include Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; Quebec city, Quebec; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Study in Canada

Hosting nearly half a million international students, Canada is known to offer high-quality education at affordable tuition fees with globally recognised degrees. Add to it, an excellent quality of life, immense post-study work and immigration opportunities - Canada stands out as a popular country to study among Indian students.

Student visa requirements for Canada

To study in Canada students require a study permit. While a student visa authorizes your entry into Canada, a study permit validates your stay in Canada. It is a mandatory immigration document for an international student.  If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course.  Your study permit is always accompanied by a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your expert will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorized migration experts.

What is a study permit?

This is not a visa, it’s a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) which allows you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course.

Your study permit is always accompanied along with a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your counselor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorized migration experts.

Cost to study in Canada

Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. To cover this, you will need approximately between CAD 13,000 - CAD 35,000 a year. 

Most commonly, courses in humanities, education, and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between CAD 30,000-42,000. 

Documents required for your study permit

• To apply for your study permit, you will need:
• An acceptance letter from your education institution, and
• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof that you can support yourself or any family members who might accompany you, while you’re in Canada.

You must also:

• Prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
• tuition fees
• living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and
• return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)
• Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)

To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:

• Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada
• Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution
• Bank statements
• A bank draft in convertible currency
• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
• A letter for the person or institution providing your funding
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

Intakes in Canada

Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in Canada are:

• Fall: A popular intake among Indian students, The Fall intake starts in the month of September
• Winter: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake
• Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around April and May