Study in Canada

What English Level Do I need to Study in Canada
English proficiency is very important for studying at a Canadian institution and is often a mandatory admission requirement for most courses in Canada. The commonly accepted English proficiency tests are TOEFL and IELTS and you will be required to provide a score at the time of applying for admission to a Canadian university or college.


Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a compulsory English test conducted for every student from non-English speaking country looking for overseas education in English speaking countries like, USA, UK, etc. It is a test conducted for assessing the fundamental abilities in English and is accepted by over 6000 colleges and universities in 110 countries. This is over 3 times the number of any other English-language proficiency test. The test is administered in 180 countries at more than 1275 test sites. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then is deleted from the official database. The maximum score for Internet based TOEFL (Computer Based TOEFL) is 120. Most of the universities will require minimum TOEFL Score of 79 and above.

On the other hand, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) through more than 350 loactions and 120 countries.

The minimum score accepted for a course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon courses and institutes you are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.

How can I get a Student Authorization for my studies in Canada?
1. Pick up student authorization forms : You may obtain study permit forms in your country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. Applications and documentation must then be submitted to the nearest visa office.

2. Gather the necessary documents: It is crucial that students submit ALL documentation requested with their applications. Missing documentation will delay the authorization process. A list of ducuments include:

a)Proof of identity: This includes photocopies of a valid passport or travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it; and two recent passport-size photos (2" x 2.5") for each family member, with the full name and date of birth recorded on the back of each photo;

b) Proof of financial support that shows you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to cover tuition fees, return transportation and $10,000 CDN per annum for living expenses. Documentation for this requirement could be proof of a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, bank statements for the past four to six months, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees;

c) A medical examination in your country of origin. Medical exams are required if your stay is longer than six months and you come from a country with high health risks or will be studying or working in a place where protection of public health is essential.;

d) Proof of acceptance by an approved educational institution. The following information must be included in letters of acceptance: name, date of birth, mailing address of student; the course for which the student has been accepted; the estimated duration or date of completion of the course; the date on which the course begins; the last date on which the student must register for the course; the academic year which the student will be entering; whether the course is full or part-time; the tuition fee; any conditions related to acceptance; clear identification of the educational institution; and licensing information for private institutions. This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the institution. 3. Visit the Visa Office: Once you have completed the application forms and have gathered the necessary documentation, proceed to the visa office nearest to you and submit the forms and required information along with a study permit fee.As your study permit will normally be valid for the duration of your course, please ensure that your travel document (passport) is also valid for that same period of time.

May I work while I am studying in Canada?

"You may work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit, if you are a full-time student at a publicly-funded post-secondary institution or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees. You require a work permit if the intended employment is an essential and integral part of your course of study (this does not apply to accounting students, medical interns or medical residents); or if the intended employment is related to an approved research or training program.

Off-campus work is an option for students studying at certain publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick. Negotiations are underway to make off-campus work more widely available in other provinces.

International students who graduate from a publicly-funded post-secondary institution in the metropolitan regions of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, and who find employment in their field of study, may apply for a work permit for up to one year of post-graduation employment in Canada. Students who graduate from a publicly-funded post-secondary institution outside of these areas, and who find employment in their field of study outside of these areas, will be eligible to work for two years instead of one. "

Are there rankings available for Canadian universities?

The Canadian universities do not follow any ranking system and hence all the institutions maintain high standard of education. Education is a provincial responsibility in Canada and hence is quality of education is uniform across the country despite of the differences in location, campus size, programs offered or the tuition fees.There is no centralized, authoritative ranking system of Canadian universities and programmes. Unofficial rankings, Macleans Canadian Rankings and the THS-QS Top Universities will give you a general idea of the academic reputation and relative prestige of a degree programme.

What documents do I need for graduate / masters or doctoral admissions in Canada?



"Application Requirements for Graduate / Masters or Doctoral Studies include:

1) Academic Records: Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master’s or doctoral degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which are flexible depending on the candidate’s profile. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be accepted.
2) Standardized Tests Scores: Many Courses and Universities in Canada require you to take one of the standardized tests like GRE, GMAT along with English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, TWE and IELTS.

3) Work Experience Details: A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Canadian universities are pretty strict about this.A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.

4) Letter of Recommedation: They play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information. Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.

5) SOP: The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals."

How do I apply for Undergraduate or Graduate Studies in Canada and How do I register and prepare for the admissions exams required for them?

Most of the universities ask for an Online Application from international students whether he or she is applying for undergraduate or graduate admisisons. At the time of applying for an undergraduate program in Canada, you will be required to submit your grade 11 and 12 scores. In case you have not appeared for your grade 12 exams at the time of making the application, you may submit your midterm/ internal assessment marks of grade 12. Additionally you will be required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score along with two or three letter of reference from your current principal/ HOD/ subject teacher. You may also include additional extracurricular certificates that may add value to your academic and overall profile.

Most – although not all – graduate programmes will require you to sit for an admissions exam. The main postgraduate admissions exams include:the GRE, the GMAT, the LSAT and the MCAT apart from IELTS or TOEFL. For undergraduate admissions you need to prepare for SAT, IELTS or TOEFL . For more information on these exams and to register please see their individual websites as well as our articles and handouts.

What documents are required for undergraduate admisions in Canada?

"The requirments are programs specific. However, every university posts a list of documents on its website. You can check out the International Students section for Undergrdauate admissions and Application Checklist for graduate programs in the university website.In general, follwing is the application requiremnts:

1)Students who are applying for a Bachelor program or another undergraduate course would be required to submit a secondary school report and transcripts (report cards) of the final exams.If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be acceptable.

2) nternational students are also required to take English Proficiency tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing). Every university has its own minimum requirements and scores with respect to standardized tests.
3)Letter of Recommedation (LOR): Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission. The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake.

4) Statement of Purpose (SOP): The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.

What is the average cost per year for study in the Canada?Will I get student accomodation easily in Canada?

"The average cost of studying in Canada may range from 10,000-15,000Canadian Dollars. The cost of living in most of the regions may range from 3-4 lakhs per year. However, in big cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver it could go up to Rs.4-5 lakhs that is 9,000 to 10,000 Canadian dollars.In comparison to other English-speaking nations such as the United States, England and Australia, Canada maintains some of the lowest tuition fees. National and provincial governments heavily subsidize tuition and infrastructure costs in Canada as part of their commitment to affordable education. In addition, the cost of living in Canada is not as high in comparison with other industrialized nations, due in part to its relatively stable economy and accessible social support systems.Most universities and colleges have an application fee that can vary from CDN$30 - $250. These fees must be submitted in the form of a Canadian Dollar draft or paid via a credit card along with the application.

University campus accommodation is also common, with varied, but usually more than adequate amenities. The private sector is much more expensive, especially when it comes to renting houses. However, slightly more affordable options include suites self-contained apartments with kitchen and bathroom based within a larger unit, or typical apartments, which if shared may be within your budget. Ever more common in Canada are home-stays. These are a great way to improve your French and English, and also a good way to learn about the country. Universities in Canada will often arrange these for you and will try to match you with a family sharing similar interests. This type of accommodation is very affordable and the cost will also include your meals."

Who is eligible to apply to the Canada?

"Anyone who has a consistently good academic record, firm financial support and proficiency in English or French is eligible to apply to the Canada for higher education. Please check the details of the program and the university you wish to apply since different programs have a different set of criteria to be eligible. You may be required to take a few admission tests to be eligible.There are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces of Canada. Secondary schooling in Canada could go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. Consequently, the eligibility criteria for colleges are also different in different provinces of Canada.

Most universities in states other than Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 12 years of formal education for admission to Bachelor degree courses.

Universities of Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 13 years of secondary school education. This implies 12 years of schooling and one year of college education in India, or 12 years of schooling in India and one year of high school in Canada. If your academic credentials are very impressive, some universities may admit you in their Bachelor degree programs with 12 years of education. For Graduate and Doctoral Studies: Most schools require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor’s (Honours) degree (Four Year Degree Program). That means a minimum of 16 years of formal education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in a professional four-year degree like engineering or other such courses.

For Doctorate programs, most universities require a Master’s degree in that subject. In a few exceptional cases like a good undergraduate engineering degree, they may offer a direct admission to a Doctorate course."

Do I need a Visa to study in the Canada?

"All overseas students are required to obtain a Student Authorization and Visa before going to Canada for studies. Students must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations. Under normal circumstances, allow at least two months for your visa to be processed.
Visa and Student Authorization Procedure

Submit the completed application kit to the immigration section of the Canadian High commission. Please note that all the documents submitted, must be either original or photocopies notarized and witnessed by a notary public or a magistrate or the Canadian Immigration Officer, and be accompanied by a duplicate copy.

Documents required

Completed Student Application form.
Completed Supplementary Questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers.
Official letter of acceptance from Canadian university, college or Technical Institute.
Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (Only if you plan to study in province of Quebec)
TOEFL/IELTS scores if applicable
Passport, valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada, plus valid passports of any accompanying dependants.
Bank Draft for the applicable visa processing fees