Study in Canada : Canada, the largest country in North America and the

second largest in the world consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories. It is located in

the northern part of the continent, and its capital is Ottawa. With its immigration-
friendly policies, studying in Canada has become easier than ever. In addition, it is a
popular destination for vocational and diploma courses among international students.
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for the
year 2022, Canada saw 5,51,405 international students from 184 countries.
Out of these, 2,26,450 students were Indian students, followed by 52,156 Chinese
students. As of December 31, 2022, India ranked amongst the top 10 countries in
terms of source nations for foreign students studying in Canada, with 3,19,130
students. As per the official estimates, international students’ annual contribution to
the Canadian economy is more than $15.3 bn. This data reflects the attractiveness of
Canada as an academic destination.

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Study Guide to Canada for International Students
Students always have this question in mind about how they can study in Canada. The first
step is to apply to a Canadian University. Once you receive admission, you can apply for a
study permit for Canada. In addition, students should also know the complete application
process for Canada. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know before
moving to Canada. Students have the question in mind - why Canada for study? We will
cover every aspect from their education system to popular universities in Canada for
international students.
Why Study in Canada?
Students need compelling reasons to select a particular country, especially when it
comes to deciding between Canada vs India. Here are a few reasons that might convince
you to choose Canada as your study-abroad destination:
• Many of Canada’s top universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University,
etc. are ranked at excellent positions on the QS World University Rankings 2024.
• Canadian education system tends to promote research and job-oriented learning that help
students in improving their employability.
• Canada is more affordable as compared to other countries such as the US and the UK in
terms of cost of living and cost of studying.
• The postgraduate work permit rules in Canada are relatively more relaxed as compared to
those of the USA and the UK.
• Some of the best courses to study in Canada, such as MBA, MS, Data Science, Hospitality
Management, etc. are recognized globally.

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Education System in Canada
In this section of the article, we will cover the education system in Canada. The school systems in
Canada vary depending on the province or territory. Education is available in both English and
French in most places, provided there are enough students in that area speaking the secondary
language. High school is typical for grades 9 to 12. In Québec, high school ends in grade 11 and
is followed by a program that prepares the student for university or a technical field called CEGEP.
Beyond this, students can either attend vocational schools or enter a university. At a university,
they will first earn a Bachelor's degree and can continue studies to receive a Master's or a Doctorate
degree. Vocational students will earn certificates and diplomas that will help improve their skills
in various trades.
Popular Student Destinations in Canada
Universities like McGill University, The University of British Columbia, the University of
Alberta, and Simon Fraser University are popular choices if you want to pursue a full-time
academic degree. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Toronto, British
Columbia, and Montreal. At the end of 2021, there were 621,565 international students in Canada.
Indian students were the biggest beneficiary of this. The number of Indian students who got study
permits in the year 2022 was 2,26,450.
Canada is the preferred destination for vocational studies rather than degree courses as the
former seems to provide more employment opportunities. Canada is a good choice for immigration
as the country offers immense scope for work owing to its low population density.
The most popular higher study courses in Canada for international students are postgraduate
diplomas in areas like Business Management, Media, Engineering, Computer Science, and
Hospitality.
Best Universities in Canada include:
• University of Toronto (QS Rank 21)
• McGill University (QS Rank 30)
• The University of British Columbia (QS Rank 34)
• University of Alberta (QS Rank 111)
• University of Waterloo (QS Rank 112)
Cheapest Universities in Canada include:
• University of Guelph
• Canadian Mennonite University
• The Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Brandon University
• Université de Saint-Boniface

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Safety in Canada
Canada is one of the safest countries, with one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Canada is a free country where people are, by and large, judged on their actions and character,
rather than their appearance or country of origin.
Weather
Weather in Canada varies widely depending on where you are. Canada stretches from the Pacific
to the Atlantic Ocean, covering five time zones.
Montreal Weather - The weather here in winter is cold and snowy. The cold in Montreal can be
especially biting because of the wind-chill factor. Snowfall usually begins in November and
continues through March. During winter months, the daytime temperatures are between -6°C to -
15°C. Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
Toronto Weather - The weather here in winter is milder than in most Canadian cities, yet still
cold and snowy. Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. During winter months, the
daytime temperatures are between -10°C to 12°C.
Vancouver Weather - It remains wet, yet mild throughout the year. Summer in Vancouver is
pleasantly warm with an average temperature of 22°C. Winters are wet, but snow is rare. Average
daily temperatures in winter range from 3°C to 7°C.
Lifestyle Tips
Canadians are known to be open-minded and proud of their multicultural and diverse population.
Like any other country, Canadians have certain expectations of behaviour. Here are a few tips:
• Be on time for both professional and social occasions
• Be respectful in conversation and behaviour
• Canadians believe in equality between genders, so show respect to the opposite sex
• Don't crack jokes or make comments that are insulting to people's race, religion, gender,
disability, sexual orientation or appearance
• Avoid personal questions about things like age, salary, marital status, relationships, and the
cost of personal items until you are well-acquainted with people
Language Problems
Living in a society where you have to use English or occasionally French on a daily basis can be
challenging at first. Some language problems you may initially encounter when you arrive are:
• You may not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in
Canada. Give yourself time to get used to the local accent.

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 • Canadians might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent.
Speak slowly and don't be shy about asking others to speak slowly if you are having a hard
time understanding them.
• Canadians use a lot of slang in their speech and it might take you some time before you
understand all of it.
• Humour is an integral part of Canadian English. This should be interpreted as a sign of
friendliness, not disrespect.
• Canadians use lots of abbreviations in their speech (for example, TA for Teachers Assistant
or Poli Sci for Political Science). If you don't understand something, simply ask the
meaning of it.
Participation
It is necessary to participate in all activities during your university in Canada. You may be asked
to participate in class discussions, group work, or other activities. It is very important to participate
outside of the classroom as well. This will provide you with many opportunities to practice your
English skills in many different settings.
Making Friends
Try not to be shy. Remember that making friends is important to everyone in their first year of
university. Saying "please" and "thank you" are important Canadian customs, and your
relationships will improve if you express your gratitude and appreciation to those around you.
Accommodation
Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to live in university-managed accommodation, or
with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also give you a catered
or self-catered option. Catered accommodation offers the benefits of your meals being cooked for
you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.
If you have an idea about what you prefer, the accommodation office at your university will be
able to tell you what accommodation they have available - so that’s the place to start. If you are
thinking of renting from a private landlord or if your chosen university can’t offer you anything in
its own residential facility, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of
private properties and landlords in the area.
Wherever you choose to live, you should make sure that you know your contractual rights and
responsibilities. In most cases, you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you
should read thoroughly before you sign it.

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Orientation
Orientation week is mandatory for international students so you want to be sure and arrive before
it starts. This is the time when you will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as
enrol in your classes. It is essential that you read your guidebook, which is provided by the college.
The guide explains each part of the admission process.
Activities
Along with sports, colleges offer extra-curricular activities that provide students with a wide range
of experiences. Music, drama, science, and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for
outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres and concerts, and to places relevant
to the courses of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites,
scientific companies, and projects are all part of college life.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities from India?
The conditions vary for different study programs and levels. For each course, whether UG or
Master's, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. The
minimum percentage required for studying in Canada is 65% and above for the humanities stream
in class XII, and 70 - 80% and above for Science/Commerce stream in class XII. Foundations and
Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should
have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.
There is a great number of international students who want to go to Canada to pursue master's
courses. Those seeking admission to MS programs in Canada need to know the minimum
percentage required for a master's in Canada. There is a huge demand among international students
for studying STEM or business-related courses in Canada at the master's level. The minimum GPA
requirement for pursuing MS in Canada is 3 on a scale of 4. This is roughly coming out to be 70-
75% when looking at it in percentage and 7.0-7.4 in CGPA. You can read about converting
percentages to GPA here
It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may
differ from university to university.
Documents
This section of the article mentioned the requirements to study in Canada for international students.
Documents required while applying to Canadian universities include:
• Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the
employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume

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 • Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
• Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular
activities)
• Proof of funds
• Medical Tests
SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It
is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It
needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you.
The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it
should reflect your personality as well.
Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important
part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays,
along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and
weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.
LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing
the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the
college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party
could be a professor, direct manager, etc.
Also Read: Documents are required for Diploma Courses in Canada
Timeline
Most Canadian colleges accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website
to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your
basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You
will be informed about the application process and stages through this account.
Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying as it may
differ from institute to institute.
Application Fee
All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ
depending on the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their
application fee.

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Steps
The common steps to applying for admission are as follows:
• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a student visa
Also Read: Study in Canada Timeline
Intake in Canada
In this section of the article, we will cover the intakes in Canada. The session starts mainly in
September and January but some institutions have intakes in May, July, and October as well. The
Major intake season, for the top courses in Canada, is September, while the minor intake season is
January, which is meant for a fairly small number of courses. Students usually ask which intake is
best for Canada. Generally speaking, the Fall intake or the September intake provides the
maximum number of courses and scholarships.
You should start your admission process around six months before the application deadline.
Typically, most universities have three deadlines, from October to January. It is up to the
convenience of the students, which deadline to aim for. You should be done with your language
and aptitude tests by three months before the deadline. The last three months should be dedicated
to filling out the application form properly.
It is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process’ along with appearing for interviews
and visa application procedures should be complete by June or July for the September intake.
The main intake season for top colleges and courses is the fall season i.e. September. It depends
on what course you are looking to pursue because many courses do not have the January intakes.
If you are looking to get admission into vocational courses, then some courses may have
admissions open in January and perhaps even May or July. The points given below provide details
of the intakes in Canada:

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 Intake in Canada Time Important Points
Fall Intake September – Primary intake
December/January Maximum courses
Maximum universities
More scholarships
More competition
Winter Intake January – May Secondary intake
Relatively lesser courses
Less competition
Spring/Summer Intake May – August Limited courses
Less competition

Also Read: Which Intake Season to Choose: Fall or Spring?

How is the life of Indian Students in Canada?
Most Indians choose to live in larger urban centres like Toronto, and Vancouver, where more than
70% of Indians live. Smaller communities are also growing in Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal.
Indians in Vancouver are from different parts of India. A place called Little India exists in
Vancouver and a section of Gerrard Street (Toronto) in Toronto as well. Indians in Vancouver
mainly live in the suburb of Surrey, or nearby Abbotsford, and also in other parts of Vancouver.
Indian students are amongst the largest group of international students who got study permits in
2022. Approximately, more than 2,26,000 Indian students were issued study permits during this
period, even more than in China.
Language Exams
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language tests, which
are required to be taken for the purpose of getting admission into colleges. These follow different
formats, structures, and result bands. These tests are all different in various ways but many colleges
ask for any one of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for.
Repetition of exams: IELTS can be taken an unlimited number of times. TOEFL can be retaken
as many times as desired, but cannot be taken more than once in a 12-day period. The same holds
true for PTE; it can be taken as many times as one wishes. You must wait to receive your scores
before you can book your next test.
Fee: The standard fee for these exams is INR 16,250 for IELTS, INR 16,036 (US $195) for
TOEFL, and INR 15,900 for PTE.
Time to apply: Ideally, if you are aiming for the September intake you should appear for these
exams by November (of the previous year) so that you can apply before the 1st deadline. The
universities, you will be applying to, will mention which exam results they will accept. However,
if they give you a choice to go for either of these, then the choice depends on you. The time required

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to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would depend on the existing English language proficiency.
You may require 2 to 4 months of preparation before the exam date.

General Exams
GMAT - The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is used to measure the abilities of the potential
MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures
the mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.
GRE - The Graduate Record Examination is another test required to be taken by students applying
to graduate schools to pursue an MA or MS. Increasingly, many business schools are also
accepting GRE scores for the purpose of granting admission for an MBA.
LSAT - The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test and is an integral part of the law
school admission process. It provides a measure of reading and verbal reasoning skills that law
schools can use in assessing applicants.
SAT - The Scholastic Assessment Test measures literacy and writing skills that are needed for
academic success in college. This test assesses how well the test takers analyze and solve
problems-skills they learned in school that they will need in college. SAT is typically taken by
high school students to get into undergraduate courses.
The university you will be applying to will mention which exam results will be applicable to the
course of your choice. But if they give you a choice to go for either of these, then the choice
depends on you.
Repetition and Fee: You can give GMAT an unlimited number of times, subject to five times a
year, and a gap of 16 calendar days between two tests. You can take these tests with a gap of 30
days from the first time. The cost of the GMAT is INR 22,750 (US $275), GRE is INR 18,850 (US
$228) and SAT is INR 8,600 ($104) approximately. Ideally, if you are aiming at the September
intake you should appear for these exams by November (of the previous year) so that you can
apply before the 1st deadline. The preparatory duration generally ranges from 4 to 6 months.
Average Scores: The average GMAT score accepted across universities is 540. The average GRE
score is 151 for Verbal, 146 for Quantitative, and 3.5 for Writing. The average LSAT score
accepted across universities is 162.
It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual scores may
differ from university to university.
Also Read: Exams required to pursue vocational courses in Canada

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Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
The cost of living depends heavily on what part of Canada will you be living in along with how
much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in Canada
are:
• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for travelling back to India
Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:
• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rental and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection
Living Expenses
On average, a student spends approximately Rs 7.1 Lakh per year. But the expenses also depend
on the place where a student stays. If a student stays in a metropolitan city like Toronto or
Vancouver the expenses could go up to CAD 15,000 in comparison to a student studying in the
suburbs where the expenses would be around CAD 8,000 - 10,000 each year.
Note: The average living expense is based on 51 colleges in Canada (Source:
studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Health Insurance
Insurance Policy for international students is mandatory, as students have to stay abroad for a long
period of time. Before getting an insurance policy make sure that it covers medical expenses,
personal accidents, dental treatment, study interruption, passport loss, etc. Insurance is basically
cashless so a student does not need to pay money at the time of hospitalization. All international
students are required to have basic health insurance and/ or extended health insurance. Your
university will provide you with all the details of the health insurance.

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Cost of Studying in Canada
The tuition fee varies according to different universities, courses, and the city. The average tuition
expense in Canada might be Rs 21.91 Lakh per year for an undergraduate course. And if you are
thinking of applying to a postgraduate course, the average cost (tuition fees) would be Rs 11.28
lakh per year approximately.
Note: The average 1st-year tuition fees are based on 522 BE/Btech courses in Canada
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Note: The average 1st-year tuition fees are based on 587 MS courses in Canada (Source:
studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Scholarships in Canada
Canada Scholarships for Indian Students: Merit and need-based fee waivers are awarded to
international students. Candidates with strong academics, good performance in standardized
exams, and extracurricular achievements would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial
assistance. To benefit from these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required
documents by particular deadlines. In addition to this, the presentation of the application is also
important because one is judged by the image one projects.
Documents required: The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows:
• Academic records and photocopies
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)
Loans
Student eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for
a loan in Canada or not. The general eligibility criteria that are followed by all the banks are:
• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to a professional, technical, or another course of study.
Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented.
• You must have secured admission to foreign University Institutions.
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail the loan on your
behalf.

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Eligibility of course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that
qualify for the education loan:
• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed
universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA in Canada, MBA in Canada, MS in Canada, or even diplomas
in Canada
• These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and
central government.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80% of the
amount and you will have to put in the balance of 20%. This is called the margin amount.
Generally, a maximum of INR 20 Lakhs can be availed at a nominal interest rate. Students can
avail loans for a higher amount as well, however, they need to pay an additional processing fee for
availing a loan amount higher than INR 20 Lakhs. Also, if the loan amount is more than INR 7.5
Lakhs, then borrowers need to furnish collateral as security.
If your tuition fee amount is Rs 30 lakh, you’ll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself.
Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don’t. it may be a fixed amount or a percentage
of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you 1% as a processing fee, that will be an
additional cost you’ll have to cover.
Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the University
reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need
to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record.
All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank
first.
Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student got employed within
one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry
of one month from the date of employment.
If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective
of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the
commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled
time, an extension of time for completion, of course, may be permitted for a maximum period of
two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan.
Also Read: Guide to Student Loans
What are the Visa Types in Canada?
• Temporary Visas
• Student Visas

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 • Super Visas for Parents and Grandparents
• Visitor Visa
• Work Permits
• Business Class Immigration
• Federal Skilled Worker Visa
• Canadian Experience Class Visa
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nomination Programs
• Quebec -Selected Skilled Workers Program
• Family-Sponsorship Program
• Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
What are the Requirements for Getting a Student Visa for Canada?
In this section of the article, we will look at the visa for students in Canada. You should apply
for a Canada student visa after you get the college acceptance letter. You should begin with the
visa process around June if aiming at the September intake. Following are the documents needed
to apply for visa for students in Canada:
1. Proof of acceptance: If you plan to attend any school (primary or secondary), college,
university, or other educational institution in Canada, the school must complete and send
you a letter of acceptance. You must include the original letter with your study permit
application.
2. Proof of identity: This includes documents such as a valid passport, etc.
3. Proof of financial support: In order to apply for a visa for students in Canada, you must
prove that you can support yourself and the family members who accompany you while
you are in Canada.
Persons Funds Required per Year (Outside Quebec)
Primary Application (student) CAD 10,000
First Family Member CAD 4,000
Every Additional Family Member CAD 3,000

Note: Additional documentation may be required.

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In the case of Quebec, the following table provides the minimum funds required at the time of
study in Canada:
Persons Fund Required per Year (Quebec)
1 person (less than 18 years) CAD 6,569
1 person (18 years or more) CAD 13,134
2 people (18 years or more) CAD 19,264
2 people (18 years or more) 1 person (less CAD 21,579
than 18 years)
2 people (18 years or more) 2 people (less CAD 23,290
than 18 years)
During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These
may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status. These may include:
• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intent to depart from Canada upon completion of the course of study
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs
How to Get a Canada Student Visa
There are several steps to applying for a Canada student visa.
Check the processing times: Canada student visa processing time is 7 weeks. Moreover, Canada
student visa processing depends on multiple factors such as the type of visa application, completion
of the application, time taken by the immigration authorities, ease of verifying your details, time
taken by a student to respond to the queries of the immigration authorities, and various other
factors.
Determine how you will apply. There are two ways to apply for a visa for students in Canada:
• Apply online: To apply online you must have access to a scanner or camera to create
electronic copies of your documents for uploading and have a valid credit card for payment.
From 31st December 2021, students from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will be
required to provide a finger scan at the regional Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Apply in person: Download the application kit and read the instruction guide. The
instruction guide contains important information about study permits and instructions to
help you complete your application. Read the guide carefully and use the document
checklist.
Pay the processing fee: Refer to the fee schedule for the cost to apply for a study permit and how
to pay. The processing fee is non-refundable in all cases. For biometrics, there will be more than
130 VACs in over 90 countries and all VACs will be equipped to collect biometric information
(fingerprints and photographs). Indian students need to contact the local VFS office to apply for a
visa. The cost of a study permit (including extensions) is CAD 150, and if you wish to restore your

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student status, you need to pay CAD 350 (CAD 200 for the restoration of your status and CAD
150 for a new study permit).
If your spouse/common-law partner and/or children are accompanying you and you are applying
for temporary resident visas, work permits or study permits for them, then you will need to pay
the appropriate processing fees for them.
Submit your application and supporting documents - Since you need to give your biometrics,
you can’t mail in your application. You will either have to apply online or submit your application
in person at a VFS office. In either case, you will need to go to a VAC to give your biometrics.
Medical Exam
The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
Your own doctor cannot perform the medical exam. You must see a doctor on the list of panel
physicians, which is provided on the official Canada immigration website http://www.cic.gc.ca/.
Once your medical examination has been completed, the physician will send the results to CIC.
You can choose to get the test done either before or after submitting the visa application.
Visa for Spouse
Spouses can accompany full-time students on a Dependent visa. You only need to show that
adequate funds are available for their support. Spouses can also work full-time if his/her stay is for
a year or more.
Pre-departure List
Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and at home. Below
we have given the list of airport essentials for students going to Canada.
• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance and health insurance certificates
• Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution
• Key addresses and phone numbers
• A bank statement showing proof of funds
• Accommodation proof in Canada
• Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
• Traveller’s cheques – if applicable
• Medical and immunization records
• Academic history and university transcripts - make sure to clear all the paper-work with
your previous institution

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Homesickness
Homesickness is a predictable problem faced by most students at one point or another. It may
occur at the beginning or even well into your first year. Homesickness will pass; be patient. If you
are feeling sad, talk about it and share your feelings with your friends. Do not hide in your room;
if you do, the homesickness will only worsen. Find your counsellor on staff with whom you can
talk about homesickness or other problems.
Homesickness might get worse by frequent and long telephone calls home. Most homesick
students feel more homesick after a call from home than they did before they picked up the phone.
Try to limit yourself to one call home every week. The sooner you integrate into the university
experience, the sooner your homesickness will pass.
Your first few weeks in Canada
The first weeks of the first semester are a busy time for every new international (and Canadian)
student during which everyone is learning about the campus and classes while making new friends.
You should take the time to get to know your University:
• Explore campus to familiarize yourself with where you need to go when registering for
your program, attending classes, getting your meals, and visiting new friends.
• Join the International Student Club.
• Find out what learning resources and workshops are available for international students.
• Get your student identification card: it will be your passport around the campus. (if
applicable)
• Take advantage of the student services on offer: use the fitness facilities at the recreation
centre, find the student bookstore, and browse in the library.

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Learn Basic Cooking
Cooking for yourself will save you money. Indian food is expensive in Canada. Making it on your
own will satisfy your urge to eat ‘your food’ during moments of 'homesickness'.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP Canada)
You must note that your study permit is valid for the length of your study, plus an extra 90 days.
In these 90 days, you have to prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension of your stay. If
you decide to stay back in Canada, you must apply at least 30 days before your current student
status expires.
The PGWPP allows post-graduate students who have studied at a participating Canadian
university/college to gain Canadian work experience. Work experience gained through
the PGWPP will ultimately help students qualify for permanent residence in Canada through
the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Duration - A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s course of
study. For example, if your post-graduate course was of two years duration, then the work permit
granted to you will also be for two years.
The study program must be a minimum of eight months in length for you to be eligible for a work
permit.
The eligibility and application criteria to get a Post Study Work Permit in Canada (PGWP Canada)
are as follows:
• You should have pursued a full-time course in Canada.
• The length of your course should have been more than 8 months.
• You must have graduated from either a public post-secondary institution or a private post-
secondary institution or
• You should apply for a work permit within three months (90 days) after receiving an
official letter saying that you have successfully completed your education from the
Institute.
• You will be given a work permit only if you have a student visa.
• You must pay the Open Work Permit Holder fee and the Standard Work Permit fee in
Canadian currency, either online or manually.
• You cannot get a work permit longer than your course duration. If your course duration is
eight months, then you will receive a work permit for eight months.
In this section, we have covered Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada. This means that we have
referred to those students who have completed their academics in Canada. However, students have
a query about working in Canada after completing their academics in other countries. Students

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often ask questions, such as “after PhD in India what should I do in Canada?” In such a scenario,
you have the following options:
• You want to work directly in Canada: In this case, you will have to apply for a PR in
Canada.
• You want to pursue further academics in Canada: If you wish to pursue further academics
in Canada, you will have to apply to a Canadian University and then for a Canada student
visa.
• To answer the question, “after PhD in India what should I do in Canada?” you can apply
for a Canada PR if you wish to work in Canada, or you can pursue your post-doc research
in Canada.
Latest Update
Canada removed the restriction of 20 hours per week for international students to tame the labour
shortages in the economy. Read more about this here
Placements
Indian students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for
getting jobs. There is no concept of placements in Canada. Most Canadian universities have a cell
called a Career Services Center, which helps you get jobs and helps you prepare for interviews.
The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through
the University do not offer a job directly. What they offer is an internship or co-op. Companies
like to see your work for a few months before they hire you full-time.
Co-Op Education Program
In a Cooperative program, a period of study alternates with work. The Student Co-op program is
a formally structured program where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill
permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and
universities. Indian students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program must apply
for a work permit as well as a study permit.
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for a co-op, you must meet the following conditions:
• You must have a valid study visa
• Your intended employment must be related to your program of study in Canada
• Your employment must be part of your academic program, certified by a letter from a
responsible academic official of the institution.

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Check: Professional Courses After Graduation
Also Read:
Top 5 UG courses in Canada Most affordable MBA colleges in Canada
Apply to SPP Colleges for a quick and easy Student Direct Stream (SDS): New Student
Canada Student Visa Visa Program of Canada
The application process for getting a study Working while studying in Canada Easy or
permit in Canada Difficult?

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