In North America, Canada is the largest country and consists of 10 provinces and three territories. It is situated in the northern section of the continent, and Ottawa is Canada’s capital. In terms of territory, it is the second-largest country in the world. With its immigration, cordial policies, study in Canada has become easier than ever. Also, it is a great attraction for vocational and diploma courses among international students. Here is a Study abroad guide – Canada.
Education System
Depending on the province or region, the education systems in Canada are separate from each other. In most countries, schooling is available in both English and French, given there are enough students speaking the secondary language in that area. For grades nine to 12, high school is typical. High school ends in eleventh grade in Québec and is followed by a curriculum that trains students for college or a specialized area called CEGEP.
Students may attend either technical schools or pursue a university degree beyond this. They will then earn a Bachelor’s degree at a university and can pursue their study to gain a Master’s or a Ph.D. degree. Vocational students can receive qualifications and diplomas in diverse fields that will further develop their skills.
Popular Destinations for Students
If you choose to pursue a full-time academic degree, universities like McGill University, The University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, and Simon Fraser University are common options. Some of the country’s best colleges are clustered in cities such as Toronto, British Columbia, and Montreal.
Canada is the best choice for vocational studies rather than degree courses as the former seems to have more employment opportunities. As the country provides enormous space for jobs due to its low population density, Canada is a strong choice for immigration.
In fields such as Business Administration, Advertising, Architecture, Computer Science, and Hospitality, the most common higher study courses in Canada are postgraduate diplomas.
The Climate
Canada’s temperature varies greatly based on where you are. Canada, spanning five time zones, extends from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Montreal Climate – The weather here in winter is cool and snowy. The cold in Montreal can be particularly freezing because of the wind-chill effect. Usually, snowfall starts in November and lasts through March. In the winter months, the daytime temperatures are from -6 ° C and -15 ° C. Temperatures in summer range from 15 °C to 25 C.
- Toronto Climate – In winter, the weather here is milder than most of the cities in Canada but still cold and snowy. Temperatures in summer range from 15 °C to 25 C. The daytime temperatures during the winter months are from -10 ° C and 12 ° C.
- Vancouver Climate – During the year, it stays rainy but mild. With an average temperature of 22 ° C, summer is pleasantly warm in Vancouver. The winters are wet, but there’s rare snow. In winter, average daily temperatures range from approximately 3 ° C to 7 ° C.
Student Visas in Canada
Suppose you are a foreign national, meaning you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In that case, before you can officially enter Canada to travel, a study permit will be issued. Study permits allow foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). Make sure you have all the required paperwork before you apply. In total, for the full duration of your studies, a study permit would be available, with an additional 90 days, which requires individuals to prepare an extension of the permit or leave Canada.
In your country, the Canadian embassy or consulate should have the most up-to-date information on what is needed. For foreign students seeking to acquire a study visa, the institution at which you have been admitted should also provide guidelines. All documents must be in English. Otherwise, a certified interpreter would need to get them translated. It is advised that you should apply for a study permit well in advance, as the estimated processing period for a study permit will vary based on your country of origin. So no matter what you do, don’t postpone it until the last minute!
Student Housing & Living Costs in Canada
Some average living costs throughout Canada are:
Meal: CAD $17
Coffee: CAD $4
Beer: CAD $6
Cinema Ticket: CAD $13
Monthly rent: CAD $600
Monthly Transport: CAD $90
On average, a month before rent, students can plan to pay anywhere from $675-$875 CAD. When you intend to study in a college, living in a student dormitory would usually cost an extra $550-$600 CAD. Bear in mind that when it comes to working on a student permit, Canada has specific laws and rules. Students should not focus on having a job to support their studies.
Tuition Fees in Canada
Tuition payments are decided by universities and consist of many aspects, including whether you are a foreign student and at what degree you are studying. For undergraduates, the yearly expense of studying at a Canadian university starts at around $12,000 CAD. If you intend to study at the postgraduate level, expect relatively higher tuition fees. This can sound pricey, depending on the country of origin. Compared to the other Anglophone countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, Canada, however, provides the lowest tuition rates for international students. For foreign students who are interested in studying in an English-speaking country but need to do so on a budget, Canada is, therefore, a perfect choice.
