How to Study in Canada

Co-authored by Timothy Morson

Last Updated: March 25, 2023 References Approved

If you're interested in studying at one of Canada's hundreds of colleges and universities, give yourself about a year to craft a competitive application. Most schools accept applications through online portals, which are convenient and easy to use. If you’re an international student, you’ll need to apply for a study permit, which you can also do online. After arriving, make the most of your time in Canada, and take time to explore its beauty and culture.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Applying to Universities

1
Begin the application process a year before you plan on enrolling. Application deadlines are in March, but you should try to submit your materials in advance. International applications can take up to 6 months to process, so it’s best to apply as soon as your prospective schools begin processing applications. Find out when universities begin processing applications on their admissions websites.^{[1]
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- If you’re an international student, you’ll also need time to obtain a study permit and visa.
2
Search for programs of study that suit your skills and goals. Make lists of your skills, interests, and goals, and research fields that relate to them. Look online for aptitude tests, which can match you with programs and career paths.
- For instance, if you’re interested in technology, an engineering field might be the right path for you.
- Search for specific programs offered at Canadian universities here: http://www.universitystudy.ca/search-programs.
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3
Apply to at least 3 schools with varying acceptance rates. Search for schools that offer programs that suit your interests and goals. To maximize your chances of getting accepted to a Canadian university, apply to reach, target, and safety schools.^{[2]
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- A reach school is highly selective, a target school is one you’re pretty sure you’ll get into, and a safety school is one that you’re reasonably certain will accept you.
4
Check universities’ websites for specific entry requirements. In general, you’ll need to submit transcripts and standardized test scores. Specific programs might require a writing sample, portfolio, or other materials. You might also need to submit a personal statement and references.^{[3]
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- If you’re an international student, your personal statement and references should explain why you want to study in Canada. Mention occasions you’ve visited Canada or traveled abroad, and provide other evidence that you can live and study in a foreign country.
5
Submit proof of English proficiency, if necessary. If English isn’t your first language, most universities require proof of English fluency. You’ll need to submit a standardized test score, such as the TOEFL.^{[4]
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- For universities in Quebec, you might be required to submit proof of French fluency.
6
Submit applications and required documents through online portals. Apply directly through your selected universities. Almost all Canadian universities process applications through online portals. See your prospective schools’ admissions websites for details.^{[5]
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- In most cases, you create an account through the portal, fill out an application form, and upload digital copies of your documents. Usually, you can also track your application’s status through the school’s online portal.
- If you have limited internet access, check schools' websites for mailing addresses where you can mail your applications.
7
Allow up to 6 months for your application to be processed. Domestic applications are usually processed sooner, but international applications can take up to 6 months.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Obtaining a Study Permit

1
Apply for a study permit after you’ve been admitted to a school. In order to apply for a study permit, you’ll need to submit a confirmation of enrollment. After you’ve enrolled, your university will send you the documentation you’ll need to include in your study permit application.^{[8]
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2
Visit Canada's immigration website to start your application. Begin your online or paper application, find application instructions, find out if you need to submit biometric data, and locate your nearest visa application here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp.
3
Submit a copy of your valid passport. Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or travel document, is required. The fastest, most convenient way to apply for a study permit is online, so scan a digital copy. You’ll upload the digital file on the application portal.^{[9]
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4
Provide proof of financial support. As of 2018, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have the funds to cover your tuition plus $10,000 (CAD) for living costs. Acceptable documents include bank statements, income statements, proof of financial aid, or information for someone who’s helping you pay for your education.^{[10]
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5
Write a statement that explains why you want to study in Canada. Your personal statement will help the visa officer who reviews your case understand you and your goals. Discuss your interest in your program of study and why you’ve chosen your university. Explain that you understand and will meet your responsibilities as a student.^{[11]
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- For example, you might write, “I am eager to pursue studies in business management at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. The Rotman School has redesigned business education, and I am prepared to meet the academic challenges of this top-tiered program.”
6
Apply online for the most convenient option. If you apply online, create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your required documents. You can also track your application's status if you apply online.^{[12]
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- You can also apply by paper by sending your application and materials to your nearest visa application center (VAC).
- For 29 countries, including Albania, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to visit a VAC in order to submit biometric data (such as fingerprints), which costs an additional fee.
7
Pay the application fee. When you apply online, you’ll be prompted to pay the $150 (CAD) application fee by credit or debit card. If you’re submitting a paper application, you still have to pay online through the Canadian Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship government website. For paper applications, you’ll receive a payment receipt, which you’ll need to send to your VAC.^{[13]
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8
Allow at least 2 weeks for your application to be processed. Processing times vary, but it usually takes at least 2 to 4 weeks to review study permit applications. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a letter of introduction, which you’ll show to the customs official when you arrive in Canada.^{[14]
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- You’ll then receive your study permit upon your arrival.
- If your application was rejected, you’ll receive a letter informing you why. Your application might have been incomplete, or you might need to be interviewed at your nation’s VAC.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Thriving in Canada

1
Purchase health insurance through your university. All international students are required to have health coverage. Your university will provide you will information about how to buy insurance through them. Costs vary, but coverage usually runs around $500 (CAD) annually.^{[15]
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2
Arrange housing accommodations before you arrive. While many international students reside in university housing, there might not be available space or you might prefer to rent your own accommodations. Arranging housing beforehand is less stressful than rushing to find a place to rent after arriving in Canada. There are a variety of online search tools that you can use to find rentals near your university.^{[16]
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- Your university’s department of residential life can also help you arrange housing.
- If you don’t manage to arrange a rental or campus housing, your most affordable option is to stay at a student hostel until you find a permanent rental.
3
Pack plenty of warm clothes. Winters in Canada are no joke. At the very least, you’ll need a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. Sweaters, long underwear, and other warm clothes will also come in handy.
- Winters in eastern Canada are particularly harsh. While western Canada’s climate is milder, it still gets cold.
4
Set aside time to tour Canada’s cultural capitals and natural wonders. Canada boasts a host of natural gems and world-class cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Take breaks from hitting the books to explore all that Canada has to offer. Arrange weekend trips with friends, take day trips by bus, and take advantage of any excursion opportunity that comes your way.^{[17]
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Community Q&A

Question

What are the standardized tests required from international students?

Community Answer

It varies depending on the university, but if you are from a non-English speaking country, you need to meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) standards. Therefore, you will likely need to take the IELTS or the TOEFL, which are the most recognized options. For graduate studies, you may want to take the GRE to make your application stand out, although it is not mandatory for most universities. Many MBA programs will ask for GMAT scores, while several top medical schools in Canada look at the MCAT.
Question

Is exchange student programme only for university students?

Phoenix

Community Answer

There are plenty of high schools (and even some primary schools) who have exchange programs. Although given the current times of pandemic control, these have been disabled for the time being. Exchange programs are held mainly between schools that speak different languages, for language learning purposes.